If you’re staying at Welcome Family Holiday Park, Exeter is one of the easiest and most rewarding family day trips you can take in South Devon.
Just 30 minutes away by car (or a short train ride from Dawlish Warren), Exeter offers a completely different pace to the coast – a compact, historic city packed with riverside walks, fascinating museums, underground tunnels, and plenty of family-friendly places to eat.
It’s the kind of place where you can fit a lot into a single day without ever feeling rushed, making it ideal for families with children of all ages.
Why Exeter is Perfect for a Family Day Out from South Devon
Unlike larger cities, Exeter is compact, walkable, and easy to explore in a day. Everything is close together, which makes it especially convenient for families with younger children or mixed-age groups.
A day trip to Exeter works well because you get:
- A mix of indoor and outdoor attractions
- Plenty of free things to do
- Short walking distances between sights
- Good options for rainy or sunny weather
- Easy travel from Dawlish Warren
Whether you want history, shopping, food, or space to explore, Exeter offers a bit of everything in one simple day out.
A Simple Family Itinerary for Exeter
If you’re visiting for the day, here’s an easy way to structure your time so you can see the best of the city without rushing.
Morning: Exeter Quayside Walks and Cafés
Start your day at The Quayside, one of the most relaxed and scenic parts of the city.
This riverside area is ideal for a gentle start to the day, with flat walking routes, independent cafés, and plenty of space for children to explore safely.
You’ll find:
- Waterside cafés and breakfast spots
- Independent craft shops and jewellers
- Galleries and antique shops
- Open space for walking, scooting, or cycling
- Canoe and kayak hire for more active families
This is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the scenery (plus a wee bit of shopping).
Family tip: Mornings are the quietest time to visit, especially in peak summer holidays.
Midday: Indoor Attractions (Perfect for Any Weather)
Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM)
Royal Albert Memorial Museum is one of the best free family attractions in Devon and a great option if the weather changes.
This wonderful treasure trove of exhibits covers local history and artefacts from across the world. The collections include antiquities, costumes, fine art, natural sciences and world cultures. They’ve even got dinosaurs!
Interactive displays are great for curious kids and adults alike, and there are art, music, dance and crafting workshops to help you get creative.
It’s ideal for:
- Rainy days
- Short attention spans (easy to explore in sections)
- A relaxed break from walking
Please note activities vary throughout the year and require booking, but there’s always something exciting going on.
The RAMM is near the Guildhall car park.
Exeter Underground Passages
For something completely different, the Exeter Underground Passages offer a guided tour through the city’s medieval tunnel network.
Built in the 1300s, this amazing network of tunnels carried fresh water pipes into the city – an extraordinary achievement for the time. And the medieval stonework is still standing today.
The Passages are in central Exeter near Princesshay Shopping Centre.
Good to know:
- Guided tours only (booking recommended)
- Best suited to older children
- Can be very popular in school holidays
Afternoon: Choose Your Own Adventure
After lunch, Exeter offers a few different ways to spend the rest of your day depending on your family’s energy levels.
Exeter Cathedral
Exeter Cathedral is one of the finest Gothic cathedrals in England and a must-see if you enjoy history and architecture.
This spectacular building dates from 1350. Its stunning features include the 18-metre high Bishop’s Throne made in the 1400s, the Great East Window with its impressive stained glass, and the unique Astronomical Clock, which still works today.
If you need a rest, you’ll find some delicious treats in the cathedral café, located in the ancient Chapter House.
The cathedral is easy to reach in the city centre. It has a car park, and there are others nearby.
Highlights include:
- Stunning vaulted ceilings
- Intricate stained glass windows
- The unique astronomical clock
- Peaceful surroundings for a slower-paced visit
It’s a great option if you want something impressive but not too physically demanding.
Northernhay Gardens
If you fancy a bit of greenery, take a break in Northernhay Gardens, a lovely oasis in the city centre, just behind Boots. It’s one of England’s oldest parks and is perfect for strolling around tree-lined paths and admiring the flowerbeds brimming with colour.
The gardens are set in an historic area which was once part of the castle defences. There’s a large section of Roman wall and the only surviving Saxon town wall.
It’s perfect for a picnic stop or a calm break before heading home.
Where to Eat in Exeter with Kids
Exeter has plenty of relaxed, family-friendly dining options, making it easy to stop for lunch or dinner during your visit.
Popular choices include:
- Bill’s Exeter – good for everyone with a large, varied menu and friendly staff.
- Zizzi Exeter – who doesn’t love a pizza? Yummy and reliable.
- Hub Box – laid back and delicious. Good for proper burgers, fries and tempting desserts
You’ll also find plenty of independent cafés along the Quayside if you prefer something lighter or more scenic.
How to Get to Exeter from Dawlish Warren
One of the biggest advantages of staying at Welcome Family Holiday Park is how close Exeter is.
- By car: Around 30 minutes (approx. 12 miles)
- By train: Around 15 minutes from Dawlish Warren to Exeter St Davids
- Parking: Central car parks include Princesshay and Guildhall Shopping Centre
Top tip: The train is often the easiest option during peak summer when city parking fills up quickly.
Top Tips for Visiting Exeter with a Family
A few simple tips can help you make the most of your day:
- Visit Quayside early for a quieter experience
- Book Underground Passages in advance
- Combine 2–3 attractions rather than trying to see everything
- Use RAMM as your go-to rainy day option
- Allow time for relaxed food stops rather than rushing
Why Exeter Works So Well from South Devon
Exeter is one of the best family day trips from the South Devon coast because it’s so flexible.
In a single day you can:
- Walk by the river
- Explore a museum or cathedral
- Enjoy good food
- Fit everything into a compact, easy-to-navigate city
And best of all, you can return to the coast in time for an evening swim, entertainment, or a relaxed night back at the park.
The Perfect Base for Exploring Exeter and South Devon
Staying at Welcome Family Holiday Park gives you the ideal base to explore both coast and city.
You’re perfectly placed for:
- Beach days at Dawlish Warren
- Easy day trips to Exeter
- Exploring wider South Devon attractions
- Returning to comfort and entertainment in the evening
It’s the perfect combination of seaside relaxation and city adventure.
FAQs: Visiting Exeter from Dawlish Warren
How far is Exeter from Dawlish Warren?
Exeter is around 12 miles from Dawlish Warren and takes approximately 30 minutes by car or around 15 minutes by train.
Is Exeter good for a family day out?
Yes, Exeter is ideal for families thanks to its compact size, mix of attractions, and balance of indoor and outdoor activities.
What can you do in Exeter with kids?
Families can visit the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, explore Exeter Quayside, tour the Underground Passages, and enjoy open space at Northernhay Gardens.
Is Exeter walkable?
Yes, Exeter city centre is very walkable, with most major attractions within easy walking distance.
What is the best rainy day activity in Exeter?
The Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM) is one of the best free indoor attractions and perfect for rainy days.
Do you need a car to visit Exeter from Dawlish Warren?
No, you can easily travel by train from Dawlish Warren to Exeter St Davids in around 15 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Exeter is one of the easiest and most rewarding family day trips from South Devon. Whether you’re exploring riverside paths, discovering history underground, or enjoying a relaxed lunch in the city centre, it’s a destination that works for all ages and all weather.
And when you’re staying at Welcome Family Holiday Park, it’s right on your doorstep.