Exeter

This Roman city with a Gothic cathedral at its heart is perfectly placed for beach hopping on Devon’s south coast

- Chantal Borciani

With more historical sights than any other town or city in Devon or Cornwall and a short train ride or drive from miles of beautiful coastline, Exeter is a bountiful stop on any West Country tour.

Founded by the Romans in AD 55, the troops erected a two-mile defensive wall, large parts of which remain. Following the Romans, Exeter was refounded by Alfred the Great and by the time of the Norman Conquest had grown to be one of the most important towns in England.

A booming wool trade during Tudor times brought prosperity and growth to the city, which continued into the Georgian era when rich merchants built elegant houses above Exeter Quay, many of which are still there today.

Despite much of its centre being gutted during the Blitz in the Second World War, when it was subjected to 19 air raids (in one night in 1942, 156 people died), Exeter remains Devon’s commercial and cultural capital.