5 Hours In Exeter, England
When most Americans visit England, London is the main attraction. They want to see Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and the iconic Tower Bridge. However, travelers shouldn't forget that there are numerous little towns and cities around London that one could get to in less than three hours. If you get tired of the hustle and bustle of the big city, jump on a train from Kings Cross or Victoria Station, and head to the city of Exeter.
Home to the University of Exeter, The Sunday Times University of the Year 2013, this mid-size English city is the perfect destination for a day trip. And contrary to popular opinion, there is delicious English food to be found everywhere.
Upon arrival, visitors should head to the heart of the city, Exeter Cathedral and the surrounding shops and restaurants. Just off High Street, this quaint area is the picture-perfect setting for a cup of tea and lunch.
Tea on the Green, an Exeter must, boasts a menu full of traditional English fare and a wide variety of teas. If the dreary English weather permits, take a seat at one of the tables outside. You'll get to admire the impressive cathedral and your food at the same time. As for what to order, try the aptly named "The Exeter." For £7.50 (about $11), you get smoked salmon and cucumber sandwiches, a slice of cake (try the Victoria Sponge), along with tea or coffee. In the traditional English way, the tea is served in its own pot, along with individual milk and sugar tubs — a fancy treat for American tourists.
Once you've gotten your full and rested up for the rest of your adventure in Exeter, make your way down to the historic Exeter Quayside. You can work off your lunch by paddling around in a paddleboat, or exploring the shops lining the waterfront.
Before you know it, it will be dinnertime. There is one more place that your taste buds can't miss out on in Exeter: the Old Firehouse.
Rumored to be the inspiration behind J.K. Rowling's Leaky Cauldron in Harry Potter, this establishment is famous for its pizzas. Don't be mistaken; these aren't any normal pizzas. These giant creations are more than a foot squared, and are worth the wait (pizzas don't start being served until 9 p.m. from Tuesday to Saturday). Whether you are a fan of the classic Margherita, or you want to be more adventurous, they have a pizza for you. Try the Chilli Beef, a spicier item, made with freshly made tomato and herb sauce with hot spicy beef, jalapeños, chiles, rosemary, and mozzarella. Wash down your meal with a local cider, and you can now say that you have experienced the Old Firehouse.
As you head back to catch your train from Exeter St. David's, you can leave happy, and stuffed. You have tasted had English tea, traditional tea sandwiches, and the renowned Old Firehouse pizza. The next time you are around the Exeter area, take train to Exmouth Beach. This beach area has a picturesque coast and a number of places to order fish and chips!