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Airbnb in Exeter: Where to Stay + What to Know Before You Book

A practical guide to choosing the right Airbnb in Exeter — from the best areas and parking tips to busy dates and managed alternatives.

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Airbnb vs Booking Direct: Quick Comparison

Looking for Airbnb alternatives in Exeter? Here's how booking direct compares:

Airbnb Book Direct (Gillams)
Platform fees Service fee added No platform fees
Local support Via platform messaging Direct phone/email
Longer stays Varies by host Flexible weekly/monthly
Company invoicing Rarely available PO/VAT invoices available
Maintenance Host-dependent In-house team (same-day)

See full Airbnb alternatives guide →

Best Areas to Stay in Exeter (by Trip Type)

Exeter is compact and walkable, but choosing the right area makes a real difference to your stay. Here's a quick guide based on what you're visiting for:

City Centre

Walking distance to shops, restaurants, the Cathedral, and nightlife. Best for weekend breaks, tourists, and business visitors. Limited parking — expect to use public car parks.

Best for: Shopping & dining

The Quayside

Scenic waterfront location with cafés, pubs, and canal walks. A 5-minute stroll to the centre. Popular for couples and relaxed weekend stays. Parking can be tricky at peak times.

Best for: Weekend getaways

Near the University (Streatham)

Pennsylvania, Prince of Wales Road, and Higher Hoopern are closest to Streatham Campus. Ideal for graduation, open days, or visiting students. Quieter residential streets. See university section

Best for: University visits

Heavitree & St Leonard's

Residential areas east of the centre, often with easier parking. Close to St Luke's Campus. Local shops on Magdalen Road. Good for longer stays or visiting the hospital.

Best for: Longer stays & parking

St Thomas & Alphington

West of the river, a short bus ride to the centre. More affordable options and often better parking. Suits visitors with a car or those attending events at the Matford Centre.

Best for: Budget-conscious guests

Near Sandy Park (Rugby)

If you're attending a Chiefs game, staying near Sandy Park or in Topsham saves the post-match rush. Limited Airbnb availability — book early for big fixtures.

Best for: Rugby match days

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Areas We Cover

  • City Centre – shops, restaurants, station access
  • Heavitree – near RD&E Hospital, residential
  • St Davids – University links, good transport
  • The Quays – waterfront, leisure stays
  • Pinhoe / M5 corridor – contractor access routes
  • Topsham – village feel, estuary views

Airbnb in Exeter: What "Good Value" Looks Like (and Hidden Costs to Check)

Exeter Airbnb prices vary widely depending on location, time of year, and property type. Here's what to expect and what to watch for:

  • Typical nightly rates: £70–£120 for a central one-bed flat; £100–£180 for a 2–3 bed house. Prices rise 20–40% during graduation and peak events.
  • Cleaning fees: Often £30–£60 per stay, so short trips feel the cost more than week-long bookings.
  • Service fees: Airbnb adds a service fee (typically 10–15%) on top of the listed price.
  • Parking costs: If the property doesn't include parking, budget £10–£15/day for city car parks.
  • Check-in times: Late arrivals may incur extra fees — confirm before booking if your train gets in after 9pm.
Tip: Compare the total cost Always check the full booking total (including all fees) before comparing properties. A cheaper nightly rate can end up more expensive once cleaning and service fees are added.

Parking, Check-in, and Practical Questions to Ask Hosts

Before confirming any Exeter Airbnb, make sure you've covered these practical points:

  • Parking: Does the property have off-street parking, a permit, or nearby pay-and-display? Residential streets near the centre often require permits. For city centre car parks and rates, see Visit Exeter's parking guide or Exeter City Council's car park information.
  • Check-in time: Most hosts set check-in from 3pm–4pm. If you're arriving early or late, ask if luggage drop-off or key safes are available.
  • Wi-Fi speed: For work trips or streaming, ask for the broadband speed if it's not listed.
  • Cancellation policy: Policies range from flexible (full refund up to 24 hours before) to strict (no refund). Check before booking, especially for events that might change.
  • Local contact: Will the host (or a co-host) be reachable if something goes wrong? This matters more for longer stays.
Parking tip: If you're driving, budget £10–£15/day for city centre car parks. Properties in Heavitree, St Leonard's, or Alphington often have easier (and cheaper) parking options. Ask hosts about permit zones before booking.

Visiting the University, Hospital, or Business Parks: What to Prioritise

University of Exeter (Streatham Campus): Stay in Pennsylvania, Prince of Wales Road, or near St David's station for quick access. Graduation weeks (mid-July) book up months in advance.

St Luke's Campus / RD&E Hospital: Heavitree, St Leonard's, or the city centre are closest. A 5–15 minute walk is realistic from most central Airbnbs. Stagecoach buses run frequently from the city centre.

Exeter Science Park / Skypark: These are on the eastern edge of the city. Consider Cranbrook or staying near the M5 junction if you're driving daily. Limited Airbnb options in these areas.

Met Office / Business Parks: The Met Office is at Exeter Science Park. For work stays of a week or more, a managed short-stay with bills included may be simpler than Airbnb.

When Exeter Gets Busy (and How to Avoid Overpriced Stays)

Certain dates fill Exeter's short-stay accommodation quickly and push prices up. Plan ahead for:

  • University Graduation (mid-July): The busiest week of the year. Book 2–3 months ahead if possible.
  • Freshers' Week (late September): Parents dropping off first-years fill nearby accommodation.
  • Exeter Chiefs home games: Sandy Park holds 14,000+ fans — central Airbnbs book fast on big match days.
  • Christmas markets & half-terms: The Cathedral Christmas market and school holidays bring families to the city.
  • Bank holidays: May and August weekends see higher demand for Quayside and city centre stays.
Tip: Book early or consider managed stays If you're visiting during peak times, booking 4–8 weeks ahead secures better choice and pricing. Managed short-stay providers often hold some availability even when Airbnb looks full.

Looking for a More Predictable Stay?

We manage short-stay homes across Exeter with clear pricing, local support, and no platform fees. Book direct for a simpler experience.

Check Short-Stay Availability Compare Airbnb vs Booking Direct

If You Want a More Predictable Stay: Serviced & Managed Options

Airbnb works well for many guests, but there are situations where a managed short-stay might suit you better:

  • Longer stays (1 week+): Managed lets often include weekly cleaning and a single contact for any issues.
  • Work trips: Invoicing, consistent check-in times, and reliable Wi-Fi are easier with a professional provider. See our corporate accommodation in Exeter for company invoicing and contractor stays.
  • Relocation / house sale: If you need flexibility on dates, a managed short-stay can accommodate changes more easily.
  • Peace of mind: No last-minute cancellations from hosts, and local support if something goes wrong.

Gillams Properties manages short-stay homes in Exeter for guests who prefer a direct, transparent booking process.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which area of Exeter is best to stay in?

City Centre is best for walkability. The Quays suits a waterside stay. St David's is great for rail travel. Heavitree is practical for RD&E access.

Is parking difficult with Airbnb stays in Exeter?

Parking can be challenging in central Exeter. Always confirm whether parking is included or what nearby options are available before booking.

Why do Airbnb prices change so much in Exeter?

Prices change with demand, seasonality, events, length-of-stay discounts, and added fees like cleaning and platform charges.

Are there extra fees when booking Airbnb?

Cleaning and platform fees can significantly change the final total. Always check the full breakdown before confirming.

What's a good alternative if I need a flexible stay?

Short stay lets and serviced accommodation can be strong alternatives, especially for longer bookings or if you want clearer pricing and local support.

What dates are busiest (and most expensive) for Exeter accommodation?

Graduation weeks (July) and Freshers' Week (September) are peak times with limited availability and higher prices. Rugby match days at Sandy Park also fill central accommodation quickly.

What's best for visiting the University of Exeter / Streatham Campus?

Pennsylvania, Prince of Wales Road, and Higher Hoopern are close to Streatham Campus. These areas suit visiting parents, academics, or contractors.

What's best for visiting St Luke's Campus / city-side stays?

St Luke's is on Heavitree Road, so Heavitree itself, St Leonard's, or the city centre are closest. Look for properties near Magdalen Road for easy access.

Can I book a managed short stay in Exeter without Airbnb platform fees?

Yes. Booking directly with a local provider like Gillams Properties means no platform service fees and local support throughout your stay.

Property owner in Exeter? Airbnb Management →

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