Exeter is a cathedral city and the county town of Devon in South West England. It sits on the River Exe, approximately 36 miles northeast of Plymouth and 65 miles southwest of Bristol. As the administrative capital of the south-west peninsula, it serves as a commercial and service centre for a largely agricultural hinterland. The city is one of the largest and fastest growing in the region, holding significant regional importance through various historical periods.

The history of Exeter began with a civilian settlement associated with the Roman fort of Isca Dumnoniorum around AD 55. It was held by Saxons against Viking attacks before being conquered by the Normans, who built Rougemont Castle to strengthen control. Exeter Cathedral was founded in the mid-11th century, establishing the city as a religious centre during the Middle Ages. Later, it became an affluent centre for wool trade before experiencing limited industrialisation and subsequent economic decline.

The city retains significant examples of medieval, Tudor, and Georgian architecture alongside parts of original Roman walls. It is home to two constituent campuses of the University of Exeter: Streatham and St Luke's. The urban landscape features sophisticated aqueduct systems that once brought drinking water via underground passages. Historic sites include Rougemont Castle and the remnants of the Roman fort, reflecting its evolution from a tribal capital to a modern administrative hub.

Exeter is a centre for education, business, and domestic tourism, regularly voted among the top cities in the UK for quality of life. It offers good facilities for tourists without tourism dominating the local economy. The city blends arts, education, retail, and history, attracting visitors interested in its rich heritage. Its cultural appeal is supported by its status as a historic mid-sized cathedral city with a diverse range of attractions and amenities.

In 2024, Exeter had a population of 138,399, making it the second largest settlement in Devon after Plymouth. It is connected internationally by Exeter Airport and to the rest of the United Kingdom by Exeter St David's railway station. The M5 motorway provides road access, with its south-west exit just south of the city. Under local government restructuring plans, Exeter will become a unitary authority from 2028.