North-East of Plymouth and South-West of Bristol you will find the historic city of Exeter, often called the 'heart of Devon'. Delivering a diverse range of attractions, hotels, and restaurants, not to mention well connected to the motorway, it makes for a great city short break location.
Hire a car in Exeter and visit the excellent Royal Albert Memorial Museum, which is newly refurbished. Named the National Art Fund museum of the year in 2012, it has fantastic displays, and offers excellent views over the city. Alternatively you can hire a car in Exeter and head to the sandy beaches of Exmouth, Dawlish Warren and Teignmouth.
Close to the town of Kenton you'll find the simply breath-taking Powderham Castle. Construction on the castle began over 600 years ago and provides a fine example of architecture in the area. This magical setting is loved by locals as much as tourists, making it a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Exeter.
Hiring a car from Exeter St. David's railway station means you can access the castle via the A379, making it only an 18 minutes journey. If you rent a car from Exeter, be sure to visit Bicton Park Botanical Gardens, a 60 acre scenic outdoor location that is only 13 miles away and one of the largest attractions in Devon.
