Exeter Hotels

Best places to stay in Exeter

Exeter city centre is a lively area that’s home to the main attractions as well as shops, restaurants and bars aplenty, plus easy access to Exeter Central railway station. Further north, the suburb of Pennsylvania is a student stronghold that offers plenty of green space, still within walking distance of the action. The Quayside area has picturesque river views, cobbled promenades and a relaxed vibe, while Topsham is just 4 miles from Exeter and is well worth considering for its quaint atmosphere and eclectic selection of shops and eateries.

Where to stay to be near the popular attractions

If you’re all about the attractions, consider staying in the city centre. You’ll be just a short walk from Exeter’s number one sight, the Cathedral, a stunning and intricately carved Gothic structure that’s as impressive inside as it is outside. Also on your doorstep here are the fascinating Underground Passages, which once brought water to the medieval city and are now open for guided tours. A hotel in the centre will also put you within strolling distance of the Quayside if you fancy a change of scene.

Where to stay with your family in Exeter

Families in search of an Exeter hotel will love the Quayside. If the weather’s nice, rent a boat from Kayakhub and cruise along the River Exe, or take a stroll through the expanse of green space that opens up just south of the quays. On less clement days, there’s a tenpin bowling alley and a climbing gym to keep little ones occupied, plus a wide range of high-quality cafés and restaurants to refuel afterwards. Mercure Exeter Southgate Hotel is perfectly placed between the Quayside and the city centre and has family guestrooms for up to four people.

Where to find cheap hotels in Exeter

For budget hotels in Exeter, look near the city’s various train stations for an inexpensive and convenient option. Mercure Exeter Rougemont Hotel is housed in an elegant Victorian building that belies its affordability and is situated directly opposite Exeter Central, with double rooms from as little as £66/night. A short walk away near Exeter St David’s is The Telstar, a stylish and well-rated B&B with a lounge/bar that serves breakfast for a fee. Rooms here are very reasonable at around £75 per night.

The 5 must-sees of Exeter

• Exeter Cathedral: Magnificent Gothic place of worship dating back over 600 years – the vaulted ceiling is particularly impressive.

• Royal Albert Museum and Art Gallery: World-class museum and gallery with exhibits covering everything from zoology to fine art.

• Undergrounded Passages: A complex of narrow, winding tunnels from the 14

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  century with a rich and fascinating history.

• Exeter Quay: Attractive waterfront area with something for everyone, from Georgian architecture to antique shops, riverside pubs and watersports centres.

• Topsham Museum: Situated in a quaint fishing town just 4 miles from Exeter, this museum pays tribute to the area’s maritime past.

Party and nightlife in Exeter

If you fancy starting your Exeter night out with a relaxed drink by the river, head to the Quayside, where On the Waterfront has cask ales, tasty pizza, and an al fresco terrace. Stroll over to the city centre for a traditional pint at historic pubs like The Ship Inn and The Turk’s Head, both within touching distance of the Cathedral. For a sophisticated tipple, try Gandy Street, a narrow lane with an impressive array of options, including The Mermaid and The Cocktail Club. To end the night with something a bit more raucous, The Old Firehouse is renowned for its live music, while Timepiece (just around the corner) is the city’s premier nightclub.

Going shopping in Exeter

Exeter city centre has shops to suit all tastes – the aptly named High Street stretches for a full mile and offers fashion chains, beauty suppliers, department stores and more. Nearby, you’ll also find Princesshay, a modern shopping precinct with over 70 high-street brands, and Guildhall Shopping Centre, an ideal indoor option for those rainy days. The Quayside is great for antiques and furniture boutiques, as is nearby Topsham, where it’s well worth a visit to the large Antiques Centre and its three floors’ worth of goods. While you’re there, Topsham Saturday Market boasts a range of stalls selling local produce, handicrafts, flowers, jewellery and more.

Hotels with rooftop bars

Hotel Indigo Exeter is a boutique offering in the heart of the city centre. Guests can get a breathtaking view of the Cathedral and beyond, looking towards Exmouth Bay from Becketts, an intimate rooftop hideaway that serves classic champagnes and innovative cocktails.

Hotels with gourmet restaurants

Located on the outskirts of Exeter, The Devon Hotel has a reputation for high-end cuisine that showcases local products. The venue’s elegant Carriages Brasserie, housed in a Georgian manor, offers top-class food all day long, including a daily carvery and a famed Sunday lunch.

Spa hotels in Exeter

For some well-deserved relaxation amid the bustle of the city centre, Hotel du Vin Exeter has a spa offering a range of treatments with products from REN and Nimue. Guests can choose from massages, body scrubs, facials and more, and there’s a super-stylish outdoor pool heated to a toasty 27 degrees.

Exeter Luxury hotels

Southernhay House Hotel is an intimate and luxurious hotel in a Grade II-listed Georgian townhouse. With just 12 unique rooms to choose from, the venue has the personal touch and boasts amenities, including a classy cocktail bar and an airy restaurant serving seasonal specialities.