Take your group on a magical festive break to Exeter. Its wonderfully atmospheric Christmas Market on Cathedral Green, this year taking place 18th November – 18th December, offers the ultimate festive experience. Browse for unique and artisan gifts whilst enjoying festive food, mulled wine and live music on the bandstand at the foot of the West Front of Exeter Cathedral.

There is a conveniently located coach drop off point on South Street, in the heart of the city just a stone’s throw from the Cathedral. Coach parking is available at Haven Banks, located on Exeter’s beautiful Quayside, just a 20-minute walk or short bus journey into the city centre.

Exeter’s compact city centre makes it ideal for Christmas shopping, with a great range of shops within easy walking distance of each other. Find big names such as John Lewis in the High Street and Princesshay, and a wealth of independents in the wonderfully eclectic Fore Street and artisan Gandy Street.

It wouldn’t be Christmas without a traditional pantomime. With Le Navet Bete’s ‘A Christmas Carol’ at the Exeter Northcott, ‘Beauty and the Beast’ taking to the stage at Exeter Corn Exchange and ‘Cinderella’ playing at Exeter Barnfield – Exeter has nothing but choice when it comes to sparkling entertainment this Christmas. The festivities don’t stop there. Exeter’s very first Winter Wonderland arrives in Northernhay Gardens between 17th November – 2nd January; bringing an ice rink, winter treats and a colourful Santa’s grotto to the city. Also not to be missed is a visit to Princesshay’s Alpine Market, packed with festive food and drink as well as locally-produced gifts.

All of the city’s historic attractions are open year round. Escape the hubbub of Christmas shoppers and take a tour of Exeter Cathedral, or book a guided walking tour of the city with the Red Coat Guides to discover more about Exeter’s fascinating, 2,000 year long history. Travel the world or back in time at RAMM, Exeter’s free city-centre museum; it is like a Victorian-gothic Tardis with modern amenities. Enjoy art, birds, animals, insects, world cultures, history and diverse exhibitions.

The highly anticipated St Sidwell’s Point Leisure Complex is also due to open this winter, with 3 swimming pools, a state of the art gym and rooftop spa. It will be the first leisure centre in the UK built to the super energy efficient Passivhaus standard.

Jump aboard the new Discover Exeter adventure bus tours and explore the city’s spectacular sights and attractions. With a handy hop-on, hop-off open bus ticket, this is the perfect way to learn more about Exeter and delve deeper into its ancient past. If you’d like to travel further, admire the stunning tors, moorland views and ponies on Dartmoor National Park, with a Dartmoor Explorer ticket.

When it’s time for a refreshment stop, you won’t be disappointed with the many opportunities to indulge in fresh Devon produce at Exeter’s great choice of restaurants and cafés. Follow the Exeter Food and Drink Trail to inspire your Christmas get-together in our city. We’ve teamed up with Devon’s Top Attractions to offer the opportunity to experience Exeter’s Christmas offering, with a familiarisation visit this December. As part of a festive showcase on the English Riviera, you’ll get the chance to visit Exeter’s Christmas markets as part of the itinerary. Visit us on stand E33 at the British Tourism & Travel Show to find out more, or call 01803 400143.

Go to www.visitexeter.com/christmas to find out more about visiting Exeter this Christmas.