Not something on the original list, but when a weekend away in Exeter was suggested, I spotted this and thought, yep I want to do that. Exeter is in Devon and sits on the River Exe. Fiona recently reminded me that we went there 32 years ago with Cindy. Vague memories of going to Torquey, no memory of visiting Exeter. Alcohol may have been involved.
Anyway, we set off on Friday evening and had a very nice dinner across the road from where we were staying (Mercure). Also popped to The Old Firehouse to watch a band that were fun. Saturday we set off an a quest to find the missing bell and learnt a bit about the city in the process. That Drake......
A short break from bell hunting and over to the Exeter Passages. They were designed to bring clean drinking water from natural springs through lead pipes into the city and Exeter is the only city in the UK to have underground passages of this type. So now its been turned into a tourist attraction.
After a short film about the passages, it was time to don the hard hats and venture forth. These medieval underground passages feel like Exeter’s secret attempt at an escape room: dim lighting, mysterious echoes, and the constant suspicion that a Victorian plumber is about to appear and ask why you’re trespassing in his office.
If you're claustrophobic (Aisha) or tall (Stu), they are probably not a great idea. The tour guide was interesting as we followed along, avoiding the odd drip from the ceiling and wondering if that was a rat scurrying around in the darkness.
By the time we emerged back into daylight, we felt we'd learnt a bit and unlocked the achievement “Did Not Panic in the Narrow Bit.”
After that, it was time for that long standing tradition - Afternoon/Devonshire Tea. First, there’s the cream‑first vs jam‑first debate. In Devon, it’s cream first, because apparently the cream needs a sturdy jam hat. In Cornwall, it’s jam first, because the jam needs a luxurious cream wig. Both sides insist the other is committing a crime against humanity.
Duly fortified it was back to our earlier quest. We found the bell. In a pub - the Ship Inn. Of course. And celebrated with a drink.
Sunday and we headed to Lulworth Cove - gorgeous spot and Lulworth Castle, because dammit I have English Heritage Membership and I don't use it enough. More tradition followed with roast at the Weld Arms and another successful weekend away came to an end.
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