Exeter Quay and Fore Street

Exeter Feature

We visit the historic Quay and Fore Street

Exeter's Historic Quay

A brief visit to Exeter's historic quayside

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Countryside, History, Walks, Events, the Arts & all things Devon at: DEVONSHIRE magazine.co.uk

Exeter's fine old Custom House - lots of places along the quay to 'chill'

You may have visited Exeter for shopping in the past, understandable really as Exeter's has a great shopping centre and is indeed a lovely city.

Many people forget all about Exeter's Quay, which is easily missed as you drive into Exeter's centre. Can I say that next time you visit, plan in a trip to the quay for a stroll about and perhaps lunch whilst people-watching. There's much activity, and you can take the footbridge that links both sides of the quayside.

While you're on the Quay

Quay Presents 01392 477771 www.quaypresents.co.uk

There's lots to do on the Quay, you can hire canoes, kayaks, pedal bikes and venture down the river (there's a canal path that leads down to the renowned Turf Locks pub - although you need to make sure you plan enough time in for this journey, as it's a fair way).

What's great is the many independent shops, showcasing the work of local artisans, so you can amble along the 'arches' and ďŹ nd many unusual and interesting gifts. There's also lots of cafes, pubs and restaurants where you can rest-up and people watch. There's certainly a slower, more relaxed pace on the Quay than in town centre.

Of course, the Quay is an important part of Exeter's history, bringing trading ships right into Exeter from the open seas. There are many visual and architectural pointers to this past all along the quay. One extremely ďŹ ne building is Custom House which you'll recognise by the cannons situated on the front courtyard (it's open to the public).

What's On? southdevonhub .co.uk

Lutzy's Coffee Shop 01392 432064 www.lutzys.co.uk

The Boatshed Gallery 07454 952650 Exeter Quay - (downriver from Piazza Terracina) www.facebook.com/boatshedgallery

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Exeter's Fore Street

One of Exeter's most historic and interesting streets

Exeter's Fore Street - not to be missed if you're visiting Exeter. Make some time to amble around, with many interesting and independent shops.

St Olaves Church. It was originally an 11th century chapel built for King Harold's mother Gytha. (Saint Olaf being an 11th century King of Norway, martyred in battle). The existing building is late medieval.

Fore Street is undoubtedly one of Exeter's most historic and interesting streets. Further investigation is definitely needed.

Fore Street's witnessed many centuries of Exeter's comings and going. Unfortunately, the Germans didn't help ("Exeter is the

Jewel of the West, and We Have Destroyed It" their boast in 1942) or indeed the potty

postwar City Council who sanctioned many of Exeter's historic buildings for demolition.

Hopefully, lessons have been learned and thankfully some of Exeter's really important buildings survive, namely Tucker's Hall and St Olaves Church which sit directly on Fore Street, with St Nicholas Priory just down an alleyway. Also, there's the House That Moved - Merchant House, just down West Street.

Taco Macho - delicious fresh and authentic Mexican food cooked by the Mexican proprietor Gus - Takeaway also. www.facebook.com/samanthagustavo7869 Tel: 07525 361 362

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In terms of visiting, I'd certainly class Fore Street as one of the more interesting part of Exeter, with many independent shops selling all manner of wares. For instance, take Velveteen Emporium who sell Steampunk clothing, they stock really unique items you'd be hard pressed to find anywhere else. Again, there's Fantasy World, a fancy dress outfitters on the opposite side of the road, or Venus Boutique, a trendy shop selling dresses for occasions such as bridal, prom, formal evening, graduation or even a glitzy number for parties.

Incidentally, a great little place for food is Taco Macho where you can sample proper Mexican food. The proprietor's Mexican (see Gus below), so you know it's totally authentic food. When you're in town, allow yourself some time to explore this really interesting street - don't forget to mention Devonshire magazine! - Editor

Fantasy World 01392 495559 www.fantasyworldexeter.co.uk

Countryside, History, Walks, Events, the Arts & all things Devon at: DEVONSHIRE magazine.co.uk

The view down Fore Street - heading down to the river Exe. It's an ancient street, probably in existance when Exeter was under Roman rule.

Don't miss St Nicholas Priory, which can be found down a side alley as can The House That Moved - Merchant House, directly left in the photo.

Mediaeval Tucker's Hall - the front facade was rebuilt in the Victorian era, but the inside is pure 15th century with panelling and barrel-vaulted ceiling.

It was the Guild Hall of the Incorporation of Weavers, Fullers and Shearmen, built in 1471. It's open on Tuesdays and Thursdays until September. www.tuckershall.org.uk

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© Mike Aslford

enus Boutique We stock a range of gorgeous dresses for occasions such as: Prom • Ball • Party wear Bridal • Bridesmaids Wedding Guests As well as shoes and handbags.

Opening hours 10am to 5pm, Tuesday - Saturday.

DARK FASHION & HAIR BOUTIQUE ROCK & STEAMPUNK CLOTHING 50% OFF HAIRCUTS ON MONDAYS WITH PAUL*

GEL POLISH PEDICURE ONLY £15

Closed on Sundays and Mondays.

01392 203339

venus-boutique.co.uk mail@venus-boutique.co.uk

Very friendly and professional one to one service

JESSICA GEL POLISH MANICURE WITH ELLEN ONLY £10 ON FRIDAYS*

151/152 FORE STREET, EXETER

INDUSTRIALROMANCE

VELVETEEN.CO.UK

BEAUTY: facebook.co.uk/

01392 757878

What's On? southdevonhub .co.uk

HAIR: facebook.co.uk/

HEAVYPETALBEAUTY

* offer ends 30th Sep

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music unlimited

Music Unlimited celebrates its 21st birthday in September and its owner Wensleigh Palmer is delighted to report that Music Unlimited is one of only 12 music stores in the UK chosen as a Yamaha Homeworld Centre of Excellence. This is a result of being a Yamaha Specialist with unsurpassed product knowledge and exceptional customer care.

Whether it's a Starter Keyboard, Keyboard Work Station, Digital Piano, Acoustic Piano, Silent Piano (you need to see and hear that one for yourself), Grand Piano or the marvellous range of Viscount Digital Classical Organs, they're all here!

So visit us to see and hear for yourself.

A very warm welcome awaits.

Call us on 01392 251846

4 Station Crescent, Queen Street, Exeter EX4 3SB

Exeter's Queen Street Queen Street's the home of Devon's fine county museum, the Royal Albert Memorial Museum (otherwise known as RAMM) You'll recognise Queen Street easily by its grand architecture.

Firstly the RAMM building, a finely ornate and distinctive Victorian building which appears Italianate in styling (architects, please correct me if I'm wrong!). Then there's the neo-classical facade of the Civic Hall with its colonnade of impressive vertical scale. Across the street stands Queen's Chambers, another exceptional facade hinting at Exeter's grandeur and wealth in days gone by.

Queen Street's a cool place for dining with many bars and restaurants along its length (not to mention Gandy Street just round the back). Further along you'll find the elegant facade of the train station where you'll also find Music Unlimited, an independent piano, organ and keyboard specialist shop (see above left) - the proprietor has over 40 years of experience, so expert advice on hand. They pretty much have it all, new or pre-owned equipment.

HOTEL

2015 & 2016 Wedding Special Offer Wedding Breakfast from £23.95 per person, Evening Finger Buffet from £11.95 per person with no room hire charges. Please contact our wedding coordinator to book a viewing or to request a brochure.

Quote Devonshire to receive 10% OFF your taster menu.

01392 272709

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Above - it's Michael Spiers Jewellers, they've relocated from Castle Street and are now situated at Cathedral Green. Stockists of Omega, Rolex, Breitling, Patek Philippe, Gucci, as well as being stockists of many exclusive ranges of bracelets, necklaces, earrings and rings.

Undoubtedly they're the South West's leading jewellers. You can contact the Exeter branch on 01392 666590 or visit their website at michaelspiers.co.uk (see page 3 for more details) Right - don't miss visiting the totally fab Brook Gallery located at Barnfield Crescent. They're Exeter's leading gallery with many great artworks on show and currently have their Summer Exhibition entitled 'All Things Good' running until the 3rd Sept.

BYSTOCK TERRACE, EXETER EX4 4HY

www.queenscourt-hotel.co.uk

Left - Queens Court Hotel (at Bystock Terrace), an interesting boutique hotel that are also offering a discount on their taster menu, just quote 'Devonshire' magazine to them.

Countryside, History, Walks, Events, the Arts & all things Devon at: DEVONSHIRE magazine.co.uk

TREVOR PRICE: WIFF WAFF

MYCHAEL BARRATT: DETAIL, LONDON MAP OF DAYS

EXETER & BUDLEIGH

C I T Y

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S E A

www.brookgallery.co.uk 01395 443003 | art@brookgallery.co.uk

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EXHIBITIONS CORPORATE SOURCING CONSULTANCY

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What's On?

EXETER: 1 Barnfield Crescent, Exeter EX1 1QT BUDLEIGH: 31 southdevonhub .co.uk Fore Street, Budleigh Salterton EX9 6NH