The Student’s Guide to Topsham

Welcome to your new life in Exeter: it’s a great city isn’t it? Here’s a guide to its most fashionable, quirky, free-thinking destination – Topsham, an easy bike ride along the canal or just a few minutes by bus or train from Exeter Central and St David’s (your nearest stations to the University and Exeter College).

Topsham has a fabulous selection of indie shops. If you’re on a budget, grab second hand goodies from the charity shops, a pre-loved bookshop and a collectables centre. If you want to decorate your room or flat there are interiors shops with everything from cutlery to house plants, via paintings, ceramics and mosaics.

Time for a coffee? There’s no Pret or Costa in Topsham, just 15 independent outlets where you can open the laptop and spend an hour or two. Many of them sell reusable cups bearing Love Topsham’s own Choose To ReUse logo – take one to the brilliant outdoor benches right alongside the estuary for a little al fresco reading.

The more active can hire canoes, kayaks or paddle boards from along the Exe and make your way to Topsham – it’s an easy adventure with plenty of places to moor or leave a board.

Topsham’s top for a good time if you want to dine and let your hair down. You can visit a cellar serving pizza and wine from the nearby Pebblebed vineyard, take a ferry to the legendary Turf Hotel alongside the canal, or try Exeter’s most belly-busting burger (it’s as big as your face – yes, really) at the unique Pig and Pallet. Don’t worry, there are vegan options too, as there are at many of the town’s other cafes and restaurants.

If you’re planning ahead for the parental weekend visit – that will happen, like it or not – get them to take you somewhere upmarket. In Topsham there’s The Galley and The Salutation Inn, both boasting Michelin Plate awards and perfect for that special meal when you might have to ask for an extra subsidy to see you through the term…

And if all of this isn’t enough, here are Topsham things you definitely won’t find in Exeter city centre – a Saturday market, waterside walks, RSPB bird watching, independent shops, stunning architecture, and views to die for.

Before you head over though, did we mention the discount card? £3 a month gets you a Love Topsham Card. That gives you 10% off here, a free drink there…it’s the must-have for all those watching their bank balance.