Page 139 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - England's South Coast

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VISITORS’ CHECKLIST
Practical Information
Devon. Map D5. * 125,000.
n Dix’s Field; 01392 665700.
∑ visitexeter.com
Transport
k 3 Exeter St David's. @ Paris St.

Further east along the coast,
the unspoiled seaside town
Historic industrial buildings and warehouses lining the picturesque quayside in Exeter of Sidmouth lies in a sheltered
bay. It boasts an eclectic array
to its post-Dissolution use as a Located in the heart of the of architecture, the earliest
residence for wealthy Protestant quayside is the opulent Custom buildings dating from the 1820s
merchants. It is now decorated as House. Built in 1680, it now has a when Sidmouth became a
a typical Elizabethan townhouse, visitor centre with lively displays popular summer resort. In the
with oak panelling and elaborate and audiovisual presentations first week of August the town
plasterwork ceilings. highlighting Exeter’s rich history hosts Folk Week, a festival of
from Roman times until today. music and dance (see p29).
P Underground Passages North of Sidmouth lies the
Paris St. Tel 01392 665887. Open daily; E Royal Albert Memorial magnificent church at Ottery
times vary, call ahead. 8 7 Museum and Art Gallery St Mary. Built in 1338–42, under
∑ exeter.gov.uk Queen St. Tel 01392 265858. the supervision of Bishop
Under the city centre lie the Open 10am–5pm Tue–Sun. & Grandisson, it is a scaled-down
remains of Exeter’s medieval This museum has a wonderfully version of Exeter Cathedral,
water-supply system. An varied collection, including which he had helped build.
excellent video and guided Roman remains, an Egyptian In the churchyard wall is a
tour explain how the tunnels mummy, samurai armour and memorial to the poet Samuel
were built in the 14th and 15th a stuffed Bengal tiger shot by Taylor Coleridge, who was
centuries on a slight gradient George V. Interactive displays born in the town in 1772.
in order to bring in fresh water bring Exeter’s long history to life. To the north of Exeter, Killerton
from springs outside the town. is home to the National Trust’s
Environs costume collection. Here,
+ Exeter Castle South of Exeter on the A376, A La displays of bustles and corsets
Castle St. Tel 01392 420703. Open for Ronde is a 16-sided house built and vivid tableaux illustrate
events only. ∑ exetercastle.co.uk in 1796 by two cousins, designed aristocratic fashions from the
Built by William the Conqueror so that they could follow the 18th century to the present day.
after his invasion of England, course of the sun through the Further north, near Tiverton,
the Norman castle was badly day. The interior is decorated with is Knightshayes Court, a
damaged in 1497, and most of shells, feathers and souvenirs Victorian Gothic mansion
the remaining structures were they gathered on their ten-year designed by William Burges.
demolished in 1773. Little Grand Tour of Europe. The grounds feature a series
remains of the original fortress A short drive away is Exmouth, of fine formal gardens.
except for the tall gatehouse, a typical British seaside town.
which can be found in the A popular Regency sea bathing P A La Ronde
gardens of Rougement House, spot, it still has some Georgian Summer Lane, Exmouth. Tel 01395
an 18th-century courthouse that terraces and Victorian villas. 265514. Open Feb–Oct: 10:30am–
is now used for private events. 5:30pm daily. & 7 - = ø
∑ nationaltrust.org.uk
P The Quay P Killerton
Custom House: 46 The Quay. Tel 01392 Broadclyst. Tel 01392 881345. Open
271611. Open Apr–Oct: 10am–5pm House: mid-Feb–mid-Mar: 11am–4pm
daily; Nov–Mar: 11am–4pm Sat & Sun. daily; mid-Mar–Oct: 11am–5pm daily.
8 = ∑ exeter.gov.uk Garden: 10am–5:30pm daily (from 9am
Exeter's historic quay has been Sat). Closed 25 & 26 Dec. & 7 0
restored, with early 19th-century - = ø ∑ nationaltrust.org.uk
warehouses now home to Y Knightshayes Court
interesting crafts and antique Tiverton, Bolham. Tel 01884 254665.
shops, as well as an eclectic mix Open House: 11am–5pm daily.
of delightful cafés, pubs and Garden: 10am–5pm daily.
restaurants. Boats can be hired Bird's-eye view of the unique, 16-sided Closed 24 & 25 Dec. & 7 -
for cruising down the canal. A La Ronde, located near Exmouth = ø ∑ nationaltrust.org.uk

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