Rebecca is an experienced travel writer, specialising in Japan and the UK. Born and raised in the West Country, she's also spent time living in London, Cambridge and Kyoto, and is now based in Newcastle. She loves promoting independent and inclusive businesses, and sustainable off-the-beaten-track travel.
Southernhay is within walking distance of everything Exeter has to offer, from historic buildings, museums and underground passages to indie shops, pubs and event venues. A stone's throw from the cathedral and a ten minute stroll from the quay, the location is convenient but neverthless feels quite and peaceful.
By train: Exeter St David's is a 20-minute walk or short taxi ride from the hotel, reached in around 3 hours from London Waterloo, 1 hour from Bristol, and 3 hours 30 mins from Penzance. Book train tickets.
By car: Exeter is around 4 hours' drive from London, under 2 hours from Brighton and 1 hour from Plymouth. Parking is available on Southernhay East overnight or in a local car park.
The original features of this listed Georgian building are beautifully preserved, from elegant Neoclassical columns to delicate cornicing. Thoughtful, modern design touches complement the historic building; luxurious bathrooms have underfloor heating, and a mix of bespoke and antique furniture has been thoughfully chosen to fit each room. The hotel is aimed at adults and makes a perfect romantic weekend getaway.
Staff here are attentive and efficient without being overbearing, happy to advise on menu choices or local excursions. Facilities are carefully designed and well maintained, but given the size of the hotel there's no room for anything like a spa or pool. The grand dining room is cosy yet spacious, with its open fire and floor-to-ceiling windows. As the hotel is housed in a listed building unfortunately no rooms are fully wheelchair-accessible.
- Bar
- Dining room
- Function rooms
- Free Wi-Fi
Each of the eleven rooms is thoughtfully furnished with a focus on hand-picked antiques and locally made pieces - from the elegant writing desk in Sugar to the delicate chandelier in Wilberforce. Southernhay has a no single-use plastic policy, so cruelty-free toiletries are full-sized.
Room types: Intimate Rooms, Comfy Rooms, Larger Rooms, Luxury Rooms, SevenCentral Apartment
Key amenities: ensuite bathroom, TV, tea & coffee-making facilities, hairdryer, free Wi-Fi
Breakfast options are extensive, with croissants, toast and granola with fruit and yoghurt all served as standard; on top of which you can order everything from baked eggs to a Full English. Simple but inventive seasonal lunch and dinner menus are also on offer and there's an original cocktail menu, with inventive and non-alcoholic options.
Bar menu: Locally-sourced classics, bar snacks and "tiffin tins" to share. Available at lunchtimes and in the evenings to eat at the bar, in public rooms or al fresco. Plates from £7.50. Cocktails from £8.
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