Exeter Hotels

Book a hotel in Exeter, to experience the wealth of culture and history of Devon's county town. The historic city is within easy driving distance from Plymouth and Bristol as well as surfing and beach hotspot, Cornwall, the perfect launching pad to explore the South West. There are several Best Western hotels in Exeter to choose from with varying distances to the city centre. Booking an Exeter hotel in the outskirts will not be a problem as the city is ordered, compact and easy to navigate.

Exeter neighbourhoods

Descended from an important Roman settlement, Exeter has a long history, which can be seen in the interesting landmarks and architecture. There are numerous buildings worth visiting. If history is your thing, the Exeter Synagogue is one of the oldest in Britain, completed in 1763, a truly magnificent building. The remains of Rougemont Castle, built soon after the Norman Conquest, also make for an exciting jaunt, for here is the place where Alice Molland, the last person to be executed for witchcraft in England was imprisoned. The 11th-century St Peter's Cathedral is definitely worth a visit from your Exeter hotel, as are the ancient and picturesque St Mary's Steps that lead to you to it.

Shopping in Exeter

The beautiful city cathedral, founded in 1050, overshadows the arty quarter of the city, a higgledy-piggeldy area full of traditional cafes and oddball shops. The West Quarter, around St Nicholas Priory, is dominated by clusters of antique shops where second-hand and vintage treasures outnumber mass-produced and branded items. In this quirky corner, you never know what you might find! The Quayside, on the mouth of the peaceful River Exe, is dotted with indie shops, shopping arcades and places to eat. If you're looking for individual and interesting local shops during your stay in a Best Western hotel in Exeter, a trip to the Castle Quarter is a must. You'll find shops and boutiques here unique to the city. Handmade jewellery, original and rare clothing and unique art works set the pace in this classy district. For an easier and more familiar shopping trip, head down to the Guildhall Shopping Centre or Exeter's bustling high street area, where you can find various nationwide, chain stores, such as Marks and Spencers, Wilkinsons, Debenhams and many more.

Eating and drinking in Exeter

For enthusiastic foodies, Exeter is a great destination. Food really is taken seriously. A hotel in Exeter will give you a selection of some of the most highly rated restaurants in the UK. The rural nature of the surrounding county along with the short distance to the sea means that all eateries, from Michael Caines' Abode in Cathedral Yard (voted second-best hotel-restaurant in the world this year) to the numerous pasty and pie stands littered through the city streets, are supplied with the highest quality and freshest produce. Choosing a Best Western Exeter hotel on the outskirts will give you easy access to the numerous country pubs and bars. As can be expected in the West Country, the selection of local watering holes throughout the area is impressive, with plenty of independent breweries and original ciders and ales. For a truly special afternoon pub session, head to Jack in the Green Inn in Rockbeare, the only water hole in the county to get the Michelin Bib Gourmand award and, with an ex-Manoir chef at the helm, it will really rock your bib off.

Attractions and things to do in Exeter

An Exeter hotel will allow you to explore the city, get to know its unique feel and experience many of the wonderful attractions on offer. The city's 'Royal Albert Memorial Museum' covers vast periods of history, taking visitors on a journey through time from pre-history to the present day. With free entry and a continuous rotation of exhibits, this is not one to be missed. On top of numerous other museums, Exeter has a reputation as the 'cultural capital of the South West,' earned by its numerous galleries, exhibitions and shows. For art enthusiasts, the 'Spacex Gallery' and 'Exeter Phoenix' come highly recommended. There is an exciting and varied blend of performances and music in the city. 'The Exeter Corn Exchange' and 'Exeter Pheonix' hold frequent theatrical, musical and comedy shows. You'll get the Moscow Ballet one week and a Freddie Mercury tribute act the following week. For a more underground feel, head to the Cavern Club or Hub, where all the emerging talent in a range of disciplines try out their routines and repertoires on the jovial and enthusiastic, west-country audiences. Book a charming and independently run, Best Western hotel in Exeter and you are guaranteed to have a truly memorable UK city break.

View Exeter Attractions