Exeter - Shopping

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Shopping

Exeter

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Overview

Shopping The guide was updated: 2023-01-24

Exeter’s compact and mostly pedestrianised centre makes shopping a breeze with a wealth of familiar and unique retail choices to help do some serious damage to your credit card. The historic High Street running through the centre is easy to navigate (only buses are allowed through), and features many of the big brand stores such as Laura Ashley, Marks & Spencers, Waterstones, Boots and Dingles, now part of the upmarket House of Fraser group.
The Guildhall and Harlequins are two of the covered shopping centres, while the newly opened Princesshay hosts a collection of high-end brands and independent outlets. The cobbled atmospheric and ancient Gandy Street is the place for distinctive designer wear, crafts and unusual accessories, while the steeply sloping Fore Street has a collection of retro clothing, music and extreme sports stores. Continuing downwards to the bottom of the hill, the Quayside has a small but rewarding collection of gift, craft and antique shops housed in historic cellars and warehouses.

Princesshay

Princesshay

Exeter's newest shopping Quarter, Princesshay, has a great mix of popular fashion stores and favourite brands including Debenhams, Crew, Molton Brown, Topshop, Zara, New Look, Hotel Chocolat, Reiss, Karen Millen, LK Bennett, Fat Face, Oasis and the region's only Apple Store.

Gandy Street

Gandy Street

Many consider Gandy Street to be one of the most charming and interesting streets in Exeter. Just off the High Street, it is lined with bijou gift shops such as Kintamani and Moko, independent jewellers selling hand made jewellery, such as Silver Lion, and a selection of intimate wine bars and restaurants, including Hatts and John Gandy's.

Quayside Area

Quayside Area

The Quayside has been enhanced to provide a fascinating mix of historic and contemporary design. It is the ideal place to browse antique shops, walk and cycle, take a relaxing boat trip or find something good to eat. Just 10 minutes walk from the city centre are small local shops sited in historic cellars and bonded warehouse, such as Eclectique and Goodwood Cellars. Sited around the River Exe there's a mix of antiques and crafts shops, such as Quayside Crafts & Gifts and the Warehouse Gallery. You can hire bicycles and canoes from Saddles & Paddles to explore the River Exe and canal, or simply relax at one of the al fresco restaurants and cafes with waterside views. Take the foot ferry or footbridge across to Piazza Terracina for watersports equipment at AS Watersports, or visit one of the mediterranean style cafes and restaurants, such as Bar Venezia, the Waterfront or The Prospect. For great live music head to the Revelry.

High Street

High Street

At the heart of this compact centre are all the great high street names, all within easy walking distance from each other. These include H&M, Bhs, Boots, Build A Bear Workshop, Laura Ashley, Marks and Spencer, Office and Paperchase, Early Learning Centre and many more.

Guildhall Shopping Centre

Guildhall Shopping Centre

The Guildhall Shopping Centre has everything from independent stores, services and cafés to some of the big high street names such as Primark, Argos and WH Smith.

Fore Street and The Real McCoy

Fore Street and The Real McCoy

Fore Street in the West Quarter is a rare find, not only for its architecture, but for its unusual shops and arcades. The McCoy's Arcade is home to vintage and retro clothing shop The Real McCoy and Manson's Guitars, while the City Arcade has some interesting shops such as Reform Records, which plays an integral part in the South West dance music scene.

Darts Farm Shopping Village

Darts Farm Shopping Village

Situated just outside the historic estuary town of Topsham, nationally recognised Darts Farm offers a truly special shopping experience. The farm shop is a food lover’s haven with home grown mud-caked vegetables, artisan cheeses, organic bread, local wines, sauces, preserves, cakes, cordials, biscuits and more. The on-site master butcher, fishmonger and cider maker are all experts in their field and provide only the best local produce. Darts is also home to a selection of hand picked high quality retailers such as Orange Tree, Fired Earth, The Aga Shop, RSPB, Cotswold Outdoor, a florist, beauty therapist and Pilates studio, as well as their own restaurant, gift, garden, children’s clothes and toy departments.

Harlequins Shopping Centre

Harlequins Shopping Centre

The Harlequins Shopping Centre is in the centre of Exeter, linked to the Guildhall Shopping Centre which then takes you to the High Street. Most of the shops and restaurants are independent businesses, committed to giving a high level of customer service and bringing extra variety to the shopping and eating in Exeter. The Harlequin Shopping Centre offers a wide variety of specialist shops which includes furnishings & interiors, cooking equipment, beauty, hairdressing & nail salons, party and greeting cards, fashion and accessories, watches and electronics. In addition there are restaurants and cafés offering a range of meals and drinks throughout the day.

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