Category: Southern England

Exmouth is located right where the River Exe dives into the English Channel. This seaside resort is the perfect place for a quiet and relaxing holiday by the sea and is easy to reach by bus from Exeter.

Back in the city, we take a last walk on the Quayside and visit a few shops that are located in this old trading port. With its restaurants, pubs, café, water activities and history, it is one of the most attractive place in the city.

Exeter is probably the most interesting city of our trip from a historical point of view. It was once a Roman City, has the City status , was renowned for its wool commerce and is now considered as the second most important english architectural heritage. Another curious fact: its houses lie on underground passages. Pipes were built to enable the provision of clean river water into the city. As they would leak, they had to be dug up to be repaired; therefore, Underground passages were burrowed to ease their access.
Like lots of other cities in that region, Exeter was bombed during WW2 and it’s architectural and historical heritage was severely affected.

Exeter is also well-situated for numerous day-trips including the Dartmoor National Park (between Plymouth and Exeter).

Underground passages guided tours: £6.00 pp (concession: £5.00)
Cheap accommodation: Globebackpackers

Gallery:
The house that moved, one of the oldest house in Exeter, was moved so it wouldn’t disturb the construction of a new road.
The Royal Clarence Hotel is the oldest hotel in England and was opened in  1769. Unfortunately it was completely destroyed by fire in 2016, but is expected to reopen for 2019.

Although it is possible to go for a swim in Plymouth, the beaches along the coast are much more suitable and pleasant. Bovisand is a holiday park lying just outside the city and is mostly used by locals. Next to Fort Bovisand it features two beaches, private bungalows and is well-served by a bus during the summer, therefore easily accessible even without using a car.

The beach being crowded, we walk along the coast following the SW Coast Path and stop before Wembury Bay. Surprisingly, we only meet few people which makes the walk even more interesting. The views of Plymouth, its breakwater and the coast is breathtaking! Tempted by the cold water on such unusual temperatures, we dive head along the path, directly from the rocks. Unfortunately it’s already time to go back to our guest house, but not before a delicious farm ice cream!

Imbued with a war history and naval facilities, Plymouth might seem cold and unwelcoming at first. But walking through the charming Barbican, crossing the harbour by ferry, trolling along the embankments and the waterfront Plymouth shows us that it has a lot of hidden assets!

The Barbican is one of the few parts of the city that wasn’t destroyed by the WW2 bombings, and you could expect seeing a fisherman from last century just by walking through it! In one of its most charming little street you will find the Black Friars Distillery, the last distillery still producing PGI Plymouth Gin.

On the other side of the town , right next to the Western King Battery, you will find the Royal William Yard. This ex-Naval victualling yard was converted into an offices, apartments, shops and restaurants complex with an original but stunning design.

Finally, the city not only has much to offer for your eyes but also for your ears and taste! With many events and festivals, including the Seafood Festival,  the Ocean City Sounds and the  Ocean City Blues N Jazz Festival,  it can be a bustling city.

Accommodation tip: The Rusty Anchor Guest House right at the seafront!
And for higher budgets : The Duke of Cornwall Hotel