Exeter private tours

In Exeter, where Roman walls meet modern vibrancy, the city pulses with stories waiting to be told. Imagine the thrill of Exeter tours that take you beyond the usual landmarks, led by your local guide who knows the city like the back of their hand. Walk through the bustling Quayside, let the aroma of freshly baked scones guide you to a cozy café, or embark on a food and wine tour that reveals the flavours of Devon. On a private tour in Exeter, you'll enjoy a skip-the-line experience at the awe-inspiring cathedral, all while unravelling the layers of this historic city in a way that's both personal and profound. If you’re looking ...

In Exeter, where Roman walls meet modern vibrancy, the city pulses with stories waiting to be told. Imagine the thrill of Exeter tours that take you beyond the usual landmarks, led by your local guide who knows the city like the back of their hand. Walk through the bustling Quayside, let the aroma of freshly baked scones guide you to a cozy café, or embark on a food and wine tour that reveals the flavours of Devon. On a private tour in Exeter, you'll enjoy a skip-the-line experience at the awe-inspiring cathedral, all while unravelling the layers of this historic city in a way that's both personal and profound. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Exeter.

Explore Exeter your way

At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Exeter tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Exeter for every interest, including:

Nature and Wildlife tours: Cycle or stroll the Exe Estuary Trail to Topsham and watch avocets and wigeons at RSPB Bowling Green Marsh, then sample a quayside café before heading back. For a wilder day, your guide can lead you onto Dartmoor to see ponies near Hound Tor or Haytor on a private nature tour.

History tours: Explore Exeter Cathedral’s close, descend into the medieval Underground Passages with pre‑booked tickets, and walk sections of the Roman wall to Rougemont Gardens. Add in St Nicholas Priory or the historic Quayside warehouses for hands‑on, story‑rich tours.

The compact centre is walkable, with local buses and trains to spots like Topsham and Exmouth; for Dartmoor and rural sites, ask your local guide about chauffeured tours or private transportation.

This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Exeter inside and out.

Walking tours & neighbourhoods

Day trip ideas from Exeter

From Exeter, coast, moor, and riverside towns sit close enough for easy day trips and tours, so you can swap city streets for wide views, short walks, and a proper cream tea.

- Dartmoor National Park: Climb to Haytor for big granite views, spot ponies on open moorland, and step through Bronze Age ruins like Grimspound; if you’re into hiking, photography, or old stones, the moor delivers all three without a long drive.

- Jurassic Coast at Sidmouth or Lyme Regis: Follow cliff paths with sea views, try a bit of fossil hunting, and relax on pebble or sandy beaches; if geology, coastal walks, and simple seaside food sound right, this stretch makes an easy plan.

- Totnes and Dartmouth: Browse independent shops and the market in Totnes, then follow the River Dart to harbourside lanes, a stout castle, and boat-filled views in Dartmouth; if you like local food, maritime history, and calm river scenery, this route lines up well.

- Exmouth and the Exe Estuary: Ride or walk the Exe Trail, watch wading birds on the mudflats, and finish on a wide sandy beach; if you want light cycling, nature watching, and a straightforward beach stop, it all fits in a single day.

A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Exeter most travellers miss.