If you are planning a holiday or a short break in Exeter you may find the following information useful.

Exeter, an ancient city and heritage destination, with an intriguing 2000 year history, is both the cultural hub of the South West and the Capital city of Devon.

As one of the top 10 cities in which to live, Exeter offers a variety of culture, large High Street retailers, individual independent shops and top quality restaurants. The redevelopment of Princesshay has given Exeter the most exciting shopping centre in the South West, with many flagship stores, including Debenhams, Zara, Jane Norman, La Senza and an impressive sized Next, as well as the UK's largest Fat Face retail outlet.

There are many visitor attractions in a city, which by it's size makes exploring easy, these include: the Castle, Cathedral & West Quarters as well as the High Street and Southernhay. A dominant feature of Exeter is it's Cathedral with the world's longest uninterrupted vaulting and one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Britain; guided tours are available and refreshments can be obtained from the Cathedral Cafe, set in the historic cloisters.

The Quayside, where the River Exe, with England's oldest Pound Lock Canal, makes it's way down the beautiful Exe Estuary towards Exmouth, will delight. There you will find specialist independant shops, alongside waterside pubs and restaurants, with a range of activities including walking, cycling and water sports along with unique "City Runs" organised by Ironbridge Runner Events, who also host the Great West Run, a yearly Exeter half marathon . Two idyllic waterside pubs: The Double Locks and Turf Hotel, are a short boat trip away. The Quay House Visitor Centre, occupying a building dating back to 1680, brings the Quayside to life, with a wide range of historic artifacts and changing displays.

Exeter hosts a vibrant programme of fesitvals throughout the year, including: Animated Exeter, Vibraphonic, Respect and the Summer & Autumn Festivals. The Northcott & Barnfield Theatres provide a top quality programme of theatrical perfomances and the Great Hall at the University of Exeter, along with Exeter Cathedral, host many classical concerts.

Within the city there are numerous galleries showing a wide range of contemporary art, including Spacex, The Turner Gallery and Exeter Phoenix. From paintings to ceramics, sculpture to prints, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

It's good transport links make Exeter and ideal city base from which to further explore the West Country, with the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and Dartmoor on it's doorstep, and Exmoor and North Devon within easy reach.

For the businessman, Exeter is a perfect place to stay. Numerous business parks are positioned on the outskirts of the city, including Marsh Barton & Sowton Industrial Estates.

Many conference centers are located in and around the city, with the University of Exeter a short walk from the city centre itself.  Flights are available from Exeter Airport which connect with national and international destinations, and rail links provide easy access to major cities. Exeter is also easily reached by car, as it sits at the end of the M5 corridor, with Plymouth only 45 minutes away.

Exeter - a beautiful city set amongst rolling countryside, with more landscaped pedestrian spaces and traffic-free shopping areas with excellent restaurants, cafes, shops and cultural life is an ideal destination for both business and pleasure alike.