A practical guide to choosing the right Airbnb in Exeter — from the best areas and parking tips to busy dates and managed alternatives.
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:
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 & diningScenic 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 getawaysPennsylvania, 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 visitsResidential 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 & parkingWest 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 guestsIf 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 daysExeter Airbnb prices vary widely depending on location, time of year, and property type. Here's what to expect and what to watch for:
Before confirming any Exeter Airbnb, make sure you've covered these practical points:
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.
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.
Certain dates fill Exeter's short-stay accommodation quickly and push prices up. Plan ahead for:
We manage short-stay homes across Exeter with clear pricing, local support, and no platform fees. Book direct for a simpler experience.
Airbnb works well for many guests, but there are situations where a managed short-stay might suit you better:
Gillams Properties manages short-stay homes in Exeter for guests who prefer a direct, transparent booking process.
The best areas depend on your trip. City centre suits shopping and dining. The Quayside offers a scenic, relaxed feel near restaurants. St Leonard's and Heavitree are quieter residential options with parking. Near the University is ideal for visiting students or graduation ceremonies.
Yes. Exeter is compact and most central Airbnbs are within 10-15 minutes' walk of the High Street, Cathedral, and main attractions. Quayside properties are about 5-10 minutes from the centre. Areas like Pennsylvania or St Thomas may need a short bus ride or taxi.
If you need a car, look for properties in residential areas like Heavitree, St Leonard's, or Alphington that mention off-street or permit parking. City centre stays often rely on pay-and-display car parks, which can add £10-15 per day to your costs.
Absolutely. The Quayside has cafés, pubs, and waterfront walks, with the city centre a short stroll away. It's particularly nice in summer. Just check parking options as on-street spaces fill quickly at weekends.
Check the exact location (use the map), parking arrangements, check-in times, and the cancellation policy. Read recent reviews for cleanliness and accuracy. For longer stays, ask about bills, Wi-Fi speed, and any weekly cleaning included.
Yes, many hosts offer weekly or monthly discounts. For stays over a few weeks, consider a managed short-stay provider for clearer terms and local support. We offer flexible short-stay lets in Exeter for guests who need a reliable longer booking.
Graduation weeks (July) and Freshers' Week (September) are peak times with limited availability and higher prices. Rugby match days at Sandy Park and events at the Northcott Theatre also fill central accommodation quickly.
Airbnb is a platform connecting guests with private hosts. Serviced accommodation typically means professionally managed flats with hotel-like amenities. Short-stay lets are furnished properties let for days to months, often with bills included and managed by a letting agent like Gillams.
Yes. Booking directly with a local provider like Gillams Properties means no platform service fees and local support throughout your stay. We manage short-stay homes across Exeter for guests and landlords.
Pennsylvania, Prince of Wales Road, and Higher Hoopern are close to Streatham Campus. These areas suit visiting parents, academics, or contractors. For St Luke's Campus, stay in the city centre or Heavitree for the quickest access.
St Luke's is on Heavitree Road, so Heavitree itself, St Leonard's, or the city centre are closest. Central Airbnbs are very walkable to St Luke's. Look for properties near Magdalen Road for a mix of cafés and easy access.
Contact a local managed accommodation provider immediately. We sometimes have short-notice availability and can help relocate guests at short notice. Having a direct local contact is valuable if your original booking falls through.
All deposits protected with government-approved schemes (MyDeposits/DPS).
PRS member for independent complaints handling.
All HMOs fully licensed through Exeter City Council.
Gas safety, electrical inspections (EICR), and valid EPC ratings.