Travelling to Exeter in the Winter – What Should You Consider?

The winter months are here at last, and with them come the cheer of the festive season. Christmas is a time not just for gathering around the family Christmas tree, but also for getting out there and finding the magic of the wider festive world. There are a great many places that are a joy to behold in Christmastime, but Exeter is perhaps one of the most underrated.

Exeter’s Roman roots give it a quaintness of quality, which, alongside its festive roster of events and surrounding rural beauties, make it an ideal holiday destination for the travelling family. Whether you’re travelling to meet family, or have singled out the city as a major stop for holiday cheer, here are some key considerations for your trip!

Transportation

Of course, before we get to the magic of this inspired winter staycation destination supreme, there are logistical concerns to dispel – starting, perhaps, with transportation. Exeter is an easy enough place to travel to, with bus and rail links aplenty. It is also well-connected by road, and could indeed be an easier drive than any other form of transport.

Even if you have recently given up your car, driving might present a simpler solution than corralling the family for a busy (and potentially delayed) train journey. Borrowing a car from a friend, having of course availed of a temporary car insurance policy to remain road legal, can give you free reign of the wider area – affording you the opportunity to experience Exeter in all its breadth as well as depth. But what exactly is there to be found in and around the city?

Winter Attractions

For starters, Exeter is as much a seasonal joy as any other city or market town in the festive period, if not more so. It is awash with wintry and Christmassy delights, chief amongst which is perhaps the Cathedral Christmas Market – charming conglomeration of wooden stalls, illuminated by fairy lights and sequestered under the shadow of (what else?) Exeter Cathedral.

Local Cuisine

Exter is also a delight to explore in culinary terms, starting again with the aforementioned Christmas Market. Many local restaurants and bars conduct their own pop-ups on Exeter Cathedral Green, with seasonal offerings from sensational suppers to salubrious sippers. Many of Exeter’s dining spots have earned a place in the Michelin Guide, too, enabling you to engage in a festive crawl of some of the area’s most critically-acclaimed foodstuffs.

Outdoor Activities and Adventure

Finally, there are myriad activities and adventures to discover in Exeter and its surrounding countryside. Indeed, the Exe Valley to its north is a veritable playground for the intrepid explorer, and especially so in winter. The River Exe is an astounding walk in winter weather, with incredible views to be found as you chart its length.