Unveiling Exeter’s Silver Screen: Exploring the Best Films Set in this Enchanting Destination

Exeter, a beautiful city nestled in the heart of Devon, England, has been a favorite among filmmakers, authors, and television show creators for its picturesque landscapes, historic architecture, and rich cultural heritage. The city’s charm and distinct character have been beautifully captured in a range of media, making Exeter a must-visit destination for any film, literature, or television enthusiast. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the famous films shot in Exeter, explore the city’s enchanting filming locations, and offer practical tips for planning your cinematic journey.

Famous Films Shot in Exeter

Exeter’s diverse landscapes and unique architecture have made it a popular filming location for a myriad of films. Whether it’s the city’s stunning cathedral featured in a historical drama or the mesmerizing Devon countryside in a romantic flick, Exeter has graced the silver screen in several renowned films.

Notable among the famous films shot in Exeter are:

1. “The Guinea Pig”  (1948): This classic British film features scenes shot at the prestigious Exeter School.
2. “The System”  (1964): Exeter’s stunning seafront and beaches provide a charming backdrop for this romantic drama.
3. “Churchill: The Hollywood Years”  (2004): Exeter’s historic buildings and streets were transformed into wartime London for this satirical comedy.
4. “Remainder”  (2015): This psychological drama filmed several scenes in Exeter’s city center and around the university campus.

TV Shows Set in Exeter

Exeter’s appeal extends beyond the cinema screen, with numerous television series choosing the city as their setting. Here are a few popular TV shows set in Exeter:

1. “Flesh and Blood”  (2020): This drama mini-series, featuring Imelda Staunton, utilized the stunning coastline of Exmouth near Exeter.
2. “The Coroner”  (2015): This daytime drama series captured the beauty of Exeter and the surrounding South Devon countryside.
3. “A Very English Scandal”  (2018): Exeter’s historic Guildhall served as a filming location for this critically acclaimed miniseries.

Animated Films Set in Exeter

Animated films may create their worlds from scratch, but real-life locations often inspire these creations. While there aren’t many animated films set in Exeter, several animations have been crafted in studios located in this culturally rich city, such as:

1. “The Wind in the Willows”  (1983): This beloved animated film was produced by Cosgrove Hall Films, which was based in Exeter during the film’s production.
2. “The BFG”  (1989): Another Cosgrove Hall production, this animated adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic children’s book was partially crafted in Exeter.

Famous Books Set in Exeter: 3 Classic and 3 Contemporary

Exeter’s charm and historical significance have made it a popular setting for numerous literary works. Here are three classic and three contemporary novels set in Exeter:

Classic Novels:

1. “Lorna Doone”  by R.D. Blackmore: This classic Victorian novel, set in Exeter and the surrounding areas of Devon, paints a vivid picture of life in the late 17th century.
2. “The Remorseful Day”  by Colin Dexter: The last novel in the Inspector Morse series features key scenes set in Exeter.
3. “Peril at End House”  by Agatha Christie: Although not predominantly set in Exeter, the city is mentioned several times in this classic Poirot mystery.

Contemporary Novels:

1. “The Exeter Blitz”  by David Rees: This historical novel vividly depicts Exeter during the Second World War.
2. “Exeter Burning”  by Gerard Noel: This contemporary novel delves into the religious conflicts of 16th century Exeter.
3. “The Lost Child”  by Patricia Gibney: Exeter’s cathedral city acts as a backdrop for this gripping mystery novel.

Exploring Exeter’s Filming Locations – Where to Go

To fully immerse yourself in Exeter’s cinematic and literary history, here are some key locations you must visit:

1. Exeter Cathedral: Featured in several films and books, the cathedral is a must-see.
2. Exeter’s Historic Quayside: The site of numerous TV shoots, the Quayside is perfect for a leisurely stroll.
3. Powderham Castle: Just outside Exeter, this castle has been a filming location for several period dramas.
4. Exeter School: Featured in “The Guinea Pig”, the school is one of Exeter’s oldest buildings.
5. Exeter’s Underground Passages: These medieval passages, unique in the UK, have often been used in mystery and thriller shoots.
6. The Devon Countryside: The lush countryside surrounding Exeter has featured in countless films and novels.

Where to Sleep in Exeter: 3 Cheap and 3 Luxury Options

Whether you’re looking for luxury or traveling on a budget, Exeter offers a range of accommodations:

Budget Options:

1. The Great Western Hotel: Located near the city center, this budget-friendly hotel offers comfortable rooms.
2. The Clock Tower Hotel: Another affordable option, this hotel is close to many of the city’s key filming locations.
3. Premier Inn Exeter City Centre: A reliable budget option, this hotel is conveniently located for exploring the city.

Luxury Options:

1. The Magdalen Chapter: A stylish boutique hotel set in a former Victorian eye hospital.
2. Bovey Castle: Just outside Exeter, this luxury hotel and golf resort offers a taste of grandeur.
3. Southernhay House Hotel: This luxury boutique hotel is located in the heart of the city, offering easy access to key locations.

Where to Eat in Exeter: 3 Budget and 3 Luxury Options

Exeter boasts a vibrant food scene, with options to suit every budget:

Budget Options:

1. The Flat: A popular spot offering delicious, budget-friendly vegetarian and vegan pizzas.
2. The Old Firehouse: Famous for its hearty pub food, this place won’t burn a hole in your pocket.
3. Hubbox Exeter: This casual eatery serves up affordable American-style burgers and hotdogs.

Luxury Options:

1. The Restaurant at Lympstone Manor: Offering fine dining with stunning views of the Exe estuary.
2. Gidleigh Park: Just outside Exeter, this restaurant boasts two Michelin stars.
3. Harry’s Restaurant: Located in the city center, Harry’s offers a range of upscale dishes.

Detailed Itinerary Day by Day

Planning a trip to Exeter? Here’s a suggested itinerary:

Day 1: Historical Exeter

Start your day at the Exeter Cathedral, featured in numerous films and books. From there, stroll to the historic Quayside, a popular filming location. After lunch, explore the medieval Underground Passages.

Day 2: Cinematic Exeter

Visit Exeter School, featured in “The Guinea Pig”. Later, head to Powderham Castle, a popular location for period dramas.

Day 3: Literary Exeter

Spend your day exploring the Devon countryside, the setting for many classic and contemporary novels. Return to Exeter for dinner at one of the city’s renowned restaurants.

Local Legends and Curiosities

Exeter is steeped in local legends and curiosities. The city’s Underground Passages are shrouded in mystery and have inspired several tales. The Exeter Riddle Sculpture in High Street is a point of curiosity and features in local folklore.

Hidden Gems in Exeter

Beyond the well-trodden paths, Exeter has several lesser-known spots that have made their way onto the screen:

1. Topsham: This charming town outside Exeter has been used as a filming location for several TV series.
2. Haldon Forest: Just a short drive from the city, this beautiful forest has featured in several films.
3. The Royal Clarence Hotel: The first hotel in England to be called a ‘hotel’, its historic interiors have provided a backdrop for several period films.

What to Pack for a Trip to Exeter

When packing for your trip to Exeter, consider the season. Summers are warm, so pack light clothing. Winters can be cold and wet, so pack a waterproof jacket, warm clothing, and sturdy shoes. Always pack a good pair of walking shoes, as you’ll likely be exploring on foot.

Transportation Tips

Exeter is a compact city and many filming locations are within walking distance of each other. For further locations, the city has an excellent public transport system. Buses are frequent and cover most of the city and surrounding areas. Taxis are readily available, and there are several car hire companies if you prefer to drive.

Conclusion

From its iconic cathedral to its charming quayside, Exeter’s rich cinematic and literary history is waiting to be discovered. So, pack your bags, brush up on your Exeter-set films and books, and get ready to explore this cinematic city.