Short Breaks

Exeter is the perfect choice for a short break at any time of the year, whether it's for shopping or to experience Exeter's rich culture or rugby scene.

Recognised as one of the most vibrant, attractive and historically interesting cities in England, Exeter also boasts a great mix of accommodation choices. Whether in search of a special interest break or simply a relaxing get away, Exeter has an excellent range of hotels, ranging from boutique character hotels to historic buildings offering the ultimate in luxury such as the Hotel Du Vin and Southernhay House Hotel. If you prefer to stay somewhere smaller and more intimate, there are a fantastic choice of Bed and Breakfasts and Guest Houses that offer a friendly welcome, great service, cosy and comfortable accommodation.

If you are on a budget, you may choose to stay in campus accommodation, a backpacker hostel or camping, glamping and caravanning sites. Exeter also has a good selection of self-catering accommodation, from luxury city apartments to rural cottages on the city’s outskirts.

Whether you’re planning a weekend break, or a longer stay, there is so much to see and do.

Delve in to Exeter’s fascinating past during your stay on a visit to one of the city’s many visitor attractions. Highlights include the mysterious medieval Underground Passages, magnificent Exeter Cathedral, historic Quayside and award-winning Royal Albert Memorial Museum. Get your bearings on a free Red Coat Guided Tour. A variety of tours are available, each one taking in Exeter’s many sites of interest and hidden treasures.

If shopping is your passion, Exeter won’t disappoint. At the heart of the city is the award-winning Princesshay Quarter with a great choice of shops, cafes and restaurants. Alternatively head to the Cathedral Quarter for classic independent shops, or the High Street featuring popular store names, including a large John Lewis. The Guildhall and Harlequins undercover shopping centres are home to more high street names and small individual businesses, whilst cobbled Gandy Street with its trendy clothing and jewellery shops is also home to the famous Cavern Club and Exeter Phoenix.

If that isn’t enough, then Exeter’s West Quarter is full of quirky unusual shops situated in attractive historic buildings and interesting arcades, leading downhill towards the River Exe. On the Quayside you'll find antiques, crafts and cafes situated in historic bonded warehouses. On the edge of Exeter's city centre lies Magdalen Street, great for local food and drink, and just 4 miles from Exeter, the estuary town of Topsham offers an eclectic cluster of specialist shops and fine restaurants.

With even more great eating establishments opening in the city, Exeter is now renowned as one of the top dining destinations in the south west. Plan a foodie break and head to Queen St Dining for international cuisines and a weekend street food market during your stay. Princesshay also has a number of popular big name restaurants, or head to the Cathedral Quarter or Gandy Street for cafes and teashops in charming historic buildings, restaurants and bistros with great views and independent restaurants serving top quality Devon produce.

Many of Exeter's pubs have been serving visitors and locals for hundreds of years - you can taste real ales and fine wines in the historic pubs, reputed to have once been frequented by famous names including Sir Francis Drake and Charles Dickens. There are also smart wine bars in the city, nestled amongst independent boutiques.

To round off your short break, Exeter has a great choice of evening entertainment to enjoy – catch a show at the Exeter Northcott Theatre, music or comedy at the Exeter Corn Exchange or live music at the Exeter Phoenix, the Terrace or one of the city’s many pubs. Check out our what’s on calendar to plan your short break around one of the city’s many vibrant events.