With the beautiful but wild landscapes of Dartmoor and Exmoor, idyllic seasides and a historic capital city, it is no wonder Devon is one of the nation’s most popular tourist destinations. The Future Skills Centre is fortunate to be based in the heart of it.
According to Visit Britain, English tourism in 2019 generated over £100 billion and supported 2.6 million jobs. English Tourism Week celebrates this vibrant sector, a campaign that is especially useful to the industry following two years of the pandemic.
The theme of this year’s English Tourism Week is “You’re Welcome”, and this could not be a truer statement for the likes of Devon. Now that covid-19 restrictions have lifted in England, Devon has excitedly opened its doors to tourists once more. The Future Skills Centre is based next to Exeter Airport, and it has been encouraging and exciting to see the airport start to thrive and become a hub of activity again.
There has never been a better time to choose the Future Skills Centre as your next conference and event venue, and discover what Devon has to offer.
Food and drink
The Volunteer Inn – Ottery St. Mary
Nestled into the heart of East Devon, you will not find a more traditional family run pub then that of the Volunteer Inn in the town centre of Ottery St. Mary. You may even be lucky enough to bump into a familiar face from the rugby scene.
River Exe Café
Dining on a floating barge in the middle of the River Exe is a unique experience to say the least. Offering the freshest local food, you are guaranteed to experience the true taste of Devon at the River Exe Café.
Attractions
Exeter Cathedral
The Cathedral has been at the heart of Devon for a thousand years. Not just a world-class heritage destination, the Cathedral hosts innovative experiences such as the Life: Light and Sound Experience currently on exhibition. With its Great East Window and the West Front Image Screen, the Cathedral is a spectacle and definitely a must-see!
Exeter Chiefs
Some may say there is no better way to spend a weekend than watching former Premiership and European Champions, the Exeter Chiefs, in action. 2022 marks the Chief’s 150th anniversary, and the club forms a glue for the community of Greater Exeter, who come together to support their journey and celebrate their triumphs.
The Great Outdoors
Dartmoor
Home of the Ten Tors Challenge, this place is not for the faint hearted. Deep river valleys and the plethora of wildlife on Dartmoor ensures a great adventure to be had when exploring this historic landscape.
Branscombe to Beer Walking route
Offering fantastic views of the historical Jurassic Coast, this walk is perfect for keen hikers. For those who like to be rewarded with a pint, the town of Beer offers various locations to purchase exactly what its name states.
Sidmouth
A seaside town bursting with big brands alongside small independent shops, Sidmouth is the perfect place to sit back, relax and watch the waves fold on to the shores.
Events
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Queen’s reign, and it is guaranteed that glasses will be raised to celebrate this occasion. The bank holiday weekend is a perfect time to get together with friends, family, and neighbours to enjoy this remarkable occasion in Devon.
Tar Barrels – Bonfire Night
An annual tradition spanning hundreds of years, Tar Barrels is the one evening Ottery St. Mary welcomes on average around 30,000 people to witness the mad procession of barrel rolling through the town. Being the only town in England to carry full sized lighted barrels through the streets contributes to Ottery’s long-lasting legacy.
Venues
The Future Skills Centre
If you are after a training or conferencing venue that embodies this year’s English Tourism Week theme of “You’re welcome”, then look no further than our very own Future Skills Centre.
With up to 160 capacity, a conference suite, Executive Boardroom and 26 additional meeting and training spaces, the Future Skills Centre is one of Exeter’s newest rich conference centres. We pride ourselves on delivering first-class customer service and our team of event specialists would be delighted to work with you to create a bespoke occasion tailored to your needs.
It is clear to see that whatever your requirements, Devon can cater for a vibrant and exciting trip within the UK. With our stunning East Devon location and preferential rates with the on-site Hampton by Hilton hotel, the Future Skills Centre is the perfect venue from which to explore everything Devon has to offer.
If you’d like to enquire about booking a room at the Future Skills Centre, get in touch. We look forward to welcoming you through our doors soon!
