Things to do around Exeter

One of the things that you could do is take the train to Totnes. This place has a very quaint main street and the rail journey from Exeter is very pleasant as the line hugs the coast slicing through red sandstone cliffs.
www.visittotnes.co.uk

If the tide is right, you can take a cruise on the River Dart down to Dartmouth. The Round Robin Ticket also includes a stream train back to Paignton. From Paignton, you would have to purchase a one way ticket back to *Newton-Abbot for the mainline train back to Exeter. (Do the trip in reverse if tide times are better on an available date).

• It might be better to simply purchase on the day (for £10) a Devon Day Ranger ticket. Click the map to show you the area of validity. (An Exeter to Totnes off peak day return is £6.90). http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/times_fares/pre884ec0a04000200ad4c9439053fea.aspx Mainline trains = www.nationalrail.co.uk

http://www.dartmouthrailriver.co.uk/tours
http://www.visitexeter.com
Also consider a trip down to the seaside at Exmouth. I would not rave about the town but the beach is nice enough and the train ride has nice estuary views. Alternatively, consider going to Teignmouth - which is on the same line as Totnes but nearer to Exeter.

I like Exeter and it makes a great base for exploring the area.

You can visit Topsham and take the train south, which runs alongside the sea for part of the route. Dartmoor National Park is on the doorstep. Honiton is famous for its lace.

There are plenty of houses and gardens that you could visit - see nationaltrust.org.uk. They have overseas membership available.

Do you like any of:

Agatha Christie

Riverside homes

Steam trains

Steam trains to boats to the riverside home of Agatha Christie

Naval Officers

???

If you're interested in cathedral architecture, Wells would be worth a visit.