I think we can all agree that the British climate at this time of year is not – I repeat, NOT – the one. Every time I leave the house I seem to be blasted by gale-force winds and the terrible rain that only seems to fall in Exeter, the type that falls sideways rather than down. Despite this, I’ve been dragging my housemates on expeditions around the city to show them cool things. Why? Because bad weather keeps everyone else indoors, leaving you free to explore without people getting in the way or (shock horror) people’s umbrellas ruining your Instagram-bound snaps of Exeter’s prettiest spots. Intrigued? Read on…
The House that Moved
This is hands down my favourite spot – favourite building – in Exeter. If you haven’t seen it yet, put it on your uni bucket list right now. It’s a Grade II listed building, thought to have been built in 1430, which is amazing in itself; more amazing is that where it stands today is NOT where it was built. All three storeys of it were transported 90 metres in the Sixties in a £10,000 move made by the council after it was threatened with demolition. It now stands at the foot of Stepcote Hill, two minutes from Glorious Art House. It’s instantly recognisable by the fact that it looks like it’ll topple over at any minute!
Al Farid
It’s very likely you’ve walked past this Moroccan restaurant before and never noticed it. Located on the Cathedral Yard in one of the three towering houses built to accommodate the original builders of the Cathedral, it is a treasure trove. It’s hung with loads of bright scarves and beads and little lanterns and the menu is just as colourful. If you’re a fan of mezze, sangria or tagines this is the place for you! It’s great to be in the city centre and yet tucked away in a cosy corner, especially during the winter months.
Stepcote Hill
Chances are, you won’t be aware of this fascinating place right on your doorstep. This is the oldest surviving street in Exeter, just off Fore Street. It was the main route from the river into the city in times gone by and the site of some pretty grim cholera outbreaks in the Victorian era. Fun historical facts aside, it is a tiny and beautiful cobbled street with very old houses and the perfect place to snap a photo or two, specially if you’re wearing that Urban Outfitters jacket you picked up in the January sales…
Double Locks
If we’re being picky, it’s not technically in Exeter. A forty-five minute to an hour walk from the city centre, this pub is the site of the famous Hijacked festival in summer which is when most of us end up there. You may be surprised to know that Double Locks functions beyond a site for Exeter students to wear sequins and get drunk post-exams. The pub is a great place to go to get out of the city and take a walk and serves some pretty great food – your motivation to walk there can be the onion rings with garlic sauce, you’ve burned the calories on the way so no guilt!