My kinda city...

With the perfect balance of country and city life, Exeter still shines as the jewel of the West. STEPHANIE DARKES shares her insider insights into the city that stole her heart

- STEPHANIE DARKES

Exeter is the pinnacle of city life in Devon (sorry Plymouth). It is home to a magnificent cathedral and a top-ranking UK university. Chris Martin, Joss Stone and Tommy Cooper all started life in Exeter. It is also one of 20 best places in the UK and the gateway to the South West.

In easy reach of both the moor and the sea, Exeter is a countrycity. Renowned for its beauty and historical architecture in the past, it was chosen by the German Luftwaffe during the Second World War as the first victim in the Baedeker raids, which targeted cities for their historical and cultural value.

This became known as the Exeter Blitz and the bombing wreaked havoc, destroying stunning architecture and homes. A smattering of post-war brutalist architecture now covers the city’s scars, but there is still plenty of history to be experienced.

HISTORY

In the city centre, there is an opportunity to transport oneself back in time. Tucked away behind Fore Street is Exeter’s oldest building, the 900-year-old St Nicholas Priory. If you’re lucky, you can time your visit with a Tudor re-enactment or a theatre production.

If the priory isn’t open (it is only open once a week) the ruins of Rougemont Castle’s red volcanic rock walls can be walked around in picturesque Rougemont Gardens. Exeter City Council runs ‘’red coat tours’’ that will pick up again when things return post-COVID, I’m sure.