Late summer sunshine set to boost tourism

Tourism businesses are planning to make hay while the sun shines with forecasters predicting a fine end to the Bank Holiday weekend.

After a cloudy start, Sunday is expected to bring highs of around 23°C with bright spells through the afternoon, while Monday looks even better, with temperatures climbing to 26°C and plenty of sunshine.

The conditions are set to draw families and day-trippers into Exeter and across Devon for the final long weekend of the summer.

Heavy traffic is expected on the M5 and routes into Exeter, particularly on Sunday morning and throughout Monday as visitors head home.

City attractions are gearing up for one of the busiest weekends of the year. Exeter Cathedral is preparing for a high number of visitors, alongside the city’s Underground Passages, Royal Albert Memorial Museum, and popular outdoor spaces such as Cathedral Green and the Quayside. Restaurants, cafés and shops in the city centre are also expected to benefit from the influx.

In the surrounding countryside, traditional Bank Holiday events such as the Lustleigh Show on Monday are also set to benefit from the fine forecast.

Tourism leaders say the weather gives the region the perfect opportunity to end the summer season on a high.