Exeter Shopping and Districts

(Exeter, Devon, England, UK)

With medieval cobblestone lanes, pedestrianised streets and renovated quarters, the shopping scene in Exeter features many familiar names lining the High Street. Further outlets are based at the award-winning, renovated Princesshay shopping centre, which was officially opened in 2007 and replaced a stretch of outdated shops.

A number of lively markets take place in Exeter and include a popular farmers' market, which is held every Thursday on Fore Street, as well as the twice-yearly Mamma Mia Italian Market each May and September. Further shopping opportunities present themselves at the Exeter Continental Market each June and November, and throughout the year at the quayside.

Where to Shop

The Exeter Quayside contains a series of converted warehouses, where a selection of antiques stores, handicraft outlets and clothing boutiques await keen shoppers. Fashion retailers and speciality independent shops are also in good supply within the Cathedral Quarter, along with cafes overlooking the magnificent cathedral itself.

For shopping opportunities in the West Quarter of Exeter, look to South Street, King Street and Fore Street, the latter of which being where McCoys Arcade is located. Directly to the north, the High Street is where the largest department stores are based, together with the Guildhall Shopping Centre.

Nearby and on Paul Street, Exeter's Harlequins Shopping Centre is home to jewellers, interior stores, beauty salons and hairdressers, electrical outlets, and shops selling both menswear and ladieswear.

To the north-west of the High Street and surrounding the Northernhay Gardens and the city walls, the Castle Quarter is where you will find Gandy Street, a quirky pedestrianised lane, brimming with character and specialist stores. Other popular shopping streets in Exeter include Magdalen Road and Sidwell Street, while close by and situated alongside the Exe Estuary, the historic town of Topsham provides a very pleasant mixture of shops and galleries, and is worth making the effort to reach.