Exeter

GREAT PLACES TO VISIT IN THE CITY:

• Historic Quayside - one of the most attractive areas in the city, with a fascinating history to discover in the Quay House Visitors Centre, interesting architecture, and lively pubs & restaurants.
• Exeter Cathedral - this majestic cathedral is over 850 years old and is one of the finest examples remaining of decorated Gothic work in England today.
• Underground Passages- unique in Britain - medieval passages that run under the heart of the city, recently reopened after extensive conservation work and with a new interpretation centre.  Dating from the 14th century they were built to cover the pipes that brought fresh water to the city.
• Royal Albert Memorial Museum - a FREE public museum, housing collections of National & International importance.  Currently closed for a £15,000,000 programme of modernisation - reopens in 2010.
• St Nicholas Priory - the 900 year old guest wing of a former Benedictine Priory, converted into a grand Elizabethan residence by wealthy merchants. 

THINGS TO DO IN THE CITY:

• Activities - hire a canoe/kayak from the Quay and paddle up the historic ship canal, hire a bike and explore miles of safe cycle paths, or take a boat trip down river to the estuary mouth.
• Roman Walls - take a self led walk (with interpretation boards) around the old Roman walls.
• FREE guided tours - discover hidden Exeter with the Red Coat tour guides and learn about Medievel Exeter, the Cathedral & Green, Roman Exeter, the Historic Port, or uncover mysteries on a chilling Ghosts & Legends walk.
• Art & Culture - visit the Spaces Gallery or the Pheonix Arts & Media Centre.
• Theatres - the Little Theatre, Northcott Theatre, New Theatre & the Barnfield Theatre - all show a  range of amateur and professional performances - includes open air Shakespeare in the Castle gardens in the summer.
• Cinemas - the Picturehouse, Odeon & Vue cinemas are all located in the City Centre, and show a range of arthouse & blockbuster films.
• Nightlife & Concerts - there are a range of clubs to suit all tastes & styles, and live music most nights (from jazz to heavy metal to classical).
• Shopping - from the quirky and unique to big brand names - there are shops galore - including the newly opened Princesshay Shopping centre & Gandy Street - can you find Parliament Street - the narrowest street in England - and possibly the world?
• Outdoor Markets - throughout the year there are a variety of markets - from the regular Farmer's Market on a thurday to the Continental Market in November, & German Christmas and Christmas Gift Market in December.
• Leisure - swimming, squash, football, badminton, cricket, keep fit - at the Riverside Leisure Centre .   Tenpin Bowling on 22 lanes or play American pool.  Indoor skiing available at Clifton Hill Dry Ski Slope .  Enjoy a day of horse riding at Oaklands .  Watersports (canoeing, sailing, windsurfing), caving, orienteering & climbing (indoor & outdoor) all available with Haven Banks Outdoor Education Centre . 
• Relaxation - Exeter is a very "green" city - with lots of public parks.  Take a break in the Rougemont & Northernhay Gardens and relax in the middle of amazing history: the site dates back to the Romans (who quarried the site for stone for the City walls that run through it) - however, there are also the only remains of the Saxon city walls, William the Conqueror's Castle (destroyed during a dramatic siege in the 12th Century), the first public park built in 1612, and later Victorian landscaping in 1860.

THINGS TO DO IN THE IMMEDIATE AREA:

• Bird Watching on the Exe Estuary - one of the West Country's key wetlands this area is internationally important for wildlife, especially birds; Brent Geese, Avocets, Dunlins & Blacktailed Godwits.  Both RSPB sites at  Bowling Green Marshes (Topsham) & Exminster Marshes are within easy reach of YHA Exeter.  Bowling Green Marshes has a free public hide that is accessible to wheelchair users.  A little further afield is Aylesbeare & Harpford Commons Nature Reserve - a large heathland with Dartford Warblers & Nightjars (in summer).
• River Cruises with Stuart Line Cruises.  Summer special cruises include trips along the Jurassic Coast looking at the wildlife around Beer & Sidmouth.  Winter warmer river cruises explore the exe, or sail with Santa in December.  Also available for private hire.