The amazing Roman city as beautiful as York or Bath but with way less crowds

This beautiful city stands as a testament to the enduring passage of time. Its cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and vibrant culture are steeped in the legacy of centuries past.

Nestled in the heart of , South West England, Exeter boasts a storied past that takes us on a captivating journey through time.

Its history can be dated back to the Romans and the city is packed with fascinating Roman attractions that offer a glimpse into Exeter's ancient past, including the Roman West Gate and St Catherine's Chapel and Almhouse. Built atop Roman city walls, this medieval chapel provides a glimpse of how Roman structures were incorporated into later settlements.

Excavations in the Cathedral Green and cloister garden have previously unearthered remnants of an early Roman street, timber buildings, and a town house wall and the city has a maze of undergroud passages to explore.

Visitexeter.com says: "Although not exclusively Roman, Exeter's medieval passages were actually built on top of the original Roman aquaducts. There's no denying it's a unique experience exploring the underground passages. and you'll get to learn about the city's history spanning centuries."

Exeter is home to a number of excavated remains which help shed light on the city's early development. Though not currently visible, the remains of a large and luxurious bath house unearthed under Cathedral Green offer insight into the daily lives of Roman citizens. You can learn more about it at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum.

Generally, Exeter is considered far less crowded than Bath or York. While all three are relatively popular tourist destinations, Exeter, being a smaller city compared to Bath and York, tends to feel less overwhelming and bustling. Bath and York, especially during peak season, can be very crowded with tourists, whereas Exeter has a more manageable tourist presence.

The Daily Red Coat Tours will help you uncover hidden secrets that you may not have known about. These guided walking tours are free and run daily throughout the year and help visitors navigate the city's ancient past taking you to all the hidden haunts you might otherwise miss. No booking is required, simply choose a tour, meet your Red Coat Guide and spend 90 minutes discovering Exeter. Tours begin outside ABode Exeter (Royal Clarence Hotel) in Cathedral Yard, or from the Quay House Visitor Centre.

All tours are 90 minutes long, except Exeter's City Wall and Canal Trip which last 2 hours and Introducing Exeter which lasts 1 hour. ()

The history of Exeter begins in the Roman era, around 50 AD, when they planted their flag in this region. They established a fort and settlement called Isca Dumnoniorum. This settlement later grew into a town and eventually became a major Roman city in the region. Just like York and Bath, plenty of evidence of Exeter's Roman past can still be found in the city today, including parts of the Roman walls.

However, it's worth noting that Roman Exeter did not quite enjoy the same level of prosperity as its counterparts in other parts of the country, setting the stage for the city's future evolution.

In the late 11th century, a pivotal chapter was written when William the Conqueror invaded in 1066. High atop a commanding hill, overlooking the city, you will find Rougemont Castle. It emerged as a symbol of Norman authority and sheilded the city from Viking raids.

The 12th century brought about a spiritual renaissance in Exeter, as the awe-inspiring Exeter Cathedral took its place in the cityscape. Crafted in the majestic Norman architectural style, the cathedral is celebrated for its twin towers.

Today this university city is an artistic and cultural hub for the county and there is plenty to do in its environs. Exmouth beach is close by and children will love Crealy Theme Park. Being a holiday hotspot there are a host of seaside activities, boat trips, castles, stately homes and chocolate box Devon villages close by.

The city is served by multiple train stations. The primary station is Exeter St Davids, and there's also Exeter Central and Exeter St Thomas. Exeter St Davids is the largest and busiest, while Exeter Central is more centrally located. The city can also be easily reached by the M5 motorway.