Short break in Exeter and surroundings, advice please.

[Justwonswards]

Having searched I can't see much advice except for moves to or uni in Exeter.

I've read a little about Topsham.

We are travelling to Exeter for work, for three days, in February. Any suggestions of things to do, most welcome. Prefer indie/quirky, rather than chain and often prefer ‘areas’ of cities, rather than the city centres.

As we are travelling from North Yorkshire, we are also thinking about adding a stay before/after the Exeter days to make more of the long journey.

Nice hotels, possibly travelling further to The Eden Project?

Any ideas appreciated. Thanks.

And East Devon! (Underrated part of the county IME.)

Woodbury common, the views, the ancient hillfort are stunning. They'd be on the pretty way from Exeter to Sidmouth too.