Nightlife

Exeter is a lively university town offering an abundance of classical concerts and theater productions, as well as clubs and pubs.

An abundance of concerts, opera, dance, and film can be found year-round at the Exeter Phoenix, Bradninch Place, Gandy Street (tel. 01392/667080; www.exeterphoenix.org.uk), and Exeter University's Northcott Theatre, Stocker Road (tel. 01392/493493; www.exeternorthcott.co.uk), which is also home to a professional theater company.

Well House Tavern, Cathedral Close (tel. 01392/223611; www.michaelcaines.com/taverns/exeter), is part of the Royal Clarence/ABode Exeter. It's housed in a building believed to have been constructed in the 14th century, though the Roman well in the basement predates that estimate. The tavern is said to be haunted -- though the ghost, who wears a flowing white dress and is affectionately called Alice, is said to be good-spirited when she appears. Join Alice and the other regulars for a pint or a light meal.

Featuring a great view of the canal, Double Locks, Canal Banks (tel. 01392/256947; www.doublelocks.co.uk), welcomes a varied crowd, largely students. It features live music (jazz, rock, and blues) with no cover charge, and you can get traditional pub grub to go with your pint.