Southernhay House Hotel * Boutique Exeter Stay

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Southernhay House Hotel Exeter Exterior photo

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Key details

About the Hotel

36 Southernhay East, Exeter, EX1 1NX

Close to Exeter Cathedral

Great

8.3

9.4

/10

4.8

4.3

Loved by Southernhay House Hotel guests

Lovely decor

Comfy bed

Fantastic service

Huge rooms

Excellent breakfast

"The room was lovely, very spacious and with really good facilities."

Julia from United Kingdom

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"The bar area is really nicely kitted out and is a great place to relax (fantastic martinis btw)."

Philip I from United Kingdom

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"Bar and restaurant are both beautifully designed with many references to the building's historic past."

Jon

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4-star boutique hotel in Exeter with rich heritage

Location

Southernhay House Hotel is located behind Exeter Cathedral, offering guests direct access to the historical city center. This Grade II listed Georgian townhouse allows easy exploration of local attractions and shops. The hotel also provides convenient nearby parking options, ensuring easy access for guests arriving by car.

Rooms

The hotel offers 11 individually designed bedrooms, each reflecting its heritage linked to Major General William Kirkpatrick of the East India Company. Rooms range from spacious luxury options with roll-top baths to intimate settings, ensuring a quality experience regardless of size. Guests can enjoy curated book collections in their rooms for an added touch of personality.

Dining

Dining at Southernhay House includes a choice from a short, seasonal menu that changes monthly, all focusing on locally sourced produce from Devon. Guests can enjoy their meals in the stylish bar, Club Room, Green Room, or outdoors on the terrace. The hotel's renowned cocktail bar is also a highlight, featuring bespoke cocktails made by knowledgeable staff.

Amenities

Guests can unwind in the cozy Club Room by a warm fire or relax in the secret garden during the summer months. There are ample areas for socializing and enjoying meals, which include options for small plate sharing and crafted beverages. Dogs are welcomed in the bar and garden, making the hotel more accommodating for pet owners.

Exclusive Offers

Southernhay House Hotel also provides exclusive use for events, accommodating up to 22 guests with tailor-made dining options. Guests can take advantage of special rates for extended stays, enhancing the home-like atmosphere. The hotel strongly supports sustainability and local culinary experiences, making each visit special.

Highlights

Location: Behind Exeter Cathedral for easy access

Rooms: 11 individually designed bedrooms

Dining: Seasonal menu focusing on local produce

Amenities: Stylish bar and secret garden

Exclusive Offers: Available for private events

Must-do experiences

Stroll through the historic Exeter Cathedral; it's breathtaking.
Taste a traditional cream tea at the nearby Tea on the Green.
Visit the Royal Albert Memorial Museum for rich local culture.
Explore the underground passages beneath Exeter for a thrill.
Experience the magic of Exeter's farmers' market on Thursdays.

Choose the Room

From cosy doubles to spacious family suites – all with flexible options, breakfast, and exclusive deals.

Lovely Room
2 persons
17 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Charming Room
2 persons
18 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Lovely & Larger Room
2 persons
22 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Heating
Shower
room details

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Check Dates & Room Rates

See what's available for your travel dates

September 2026 - September 2027

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Check-in/ Check-out

Amenities

Thoughtfully designed amenities for a comfortable & memorable stay

Facilities: Great

8.3/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
VIP check-in/ -out
Express check-in/ -out
No pets allowed
24-hour security
Adults only
Luggage storage
Allergy-free rooms
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access

Guest Parking

No parking available.

Services

Room service
Housekeeping
Laundry
Dry cleaning
Welcome drink

Dining

In-room breakfast
Restaurant
Snack bar
Bar/ Lounge area
Special diet menus

Business

Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Spa & Leisure

Sun terrace
Garden area
Leisure/ TV room

Room features

Heating
Sitting area
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

Southernhay House Hotel presents a delightful blend of elegant dining experiences that cater to diverse palates. Guests can indulge in thoughtfully crafted vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options, all within a chic, laid-back atmosphere that invites relaxation and culinary exploration.

Restaurant #1
Seasonal British fare with vegetarian and vegan options
Ambiance
A charming and sophisticated setting, perfect for both casual lunches and intimate dinners.
Key Offerings
Enjoy a full English breakfast featuring croissants, orange juice, and Cornish yogurt or explore a distinctive menu that celebrates local flavors and low-intervention wines.
Reservation
Recommended for dinner.
Open for lunch and dinner from Monday to Sunday: 12:00 - 14:30 and 18:00 - 21:00.

Southernhay House Hotel Location

36 Southernhay East, Exeter, EX1 1NX

Explore Exeter

Local Highlights

Exeter Cathedral

4 minutes' walk

Gothic architecture with stunning stained glass. Host to various concerts and services, plus free admission on certain days.

Royal Albert Memorial Museum

7 minutes' walk

Diverse exhibits from art to natural history. Engaging family activities and free entry make it a must-visit.

Northernhay Gardens

7 minutes' walk

Historic public gardens perfect for a stroll or picnic. Notable for its serene landscape and vibrant flower displays.

Underground Passages

5 minutes' walk

Fascinating medieval passages beneath the city. Guided tours available that explore Exeter's history.

Biking at Exeter Quay

25 minutes' walk

Biking along scenic routes by the river. Cycle rentals available nearby, suited for all skill levels.

Yoga at The Hip Hop Yoga Studio

12 minutes' walk

Relaxation-focused yoga sessions in a friendly atmosphere. Classes available for all ages and skill levels.

Southernhay House Restaurant

1 minute' walk

Stylish venue featuring locally sourced dishes, great atmosphere, and an exquisite selection of wines.

Rendezvous Wine Bar

1 minute' walk

Charming wine bar offering a great range of wines and light bites. A cozy spot perfect for gatherings.

Carluccio's

3 minutes' walk

Italian cuisine with an inviting ambiance. Known for fresh pasta and delicious desserts; family-friendly options available.

Exeter Phoenix

15 minutes' walk

Creative arts venue hosting live music and film screenings. Offers a vibrant atmosphere for audiences of all ages.

The Cavern

15 minutes' walk

Popular music venue featuring local and touring artists. Known for its lively vibe and range of events throughout the week.

Getting around

City Centre
Exeter 6 min · 1700 ft
Airports
Exeter International (EXT) 14 min · 5.7 mi
Bristol (BRS) 161 min · 66.6 mi
Train
Exeter St Thomas Railway Station 14 min · 3700 ft
Exeter St Davids Train Station 18 min · 5000 ft

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-23:59

Check-out

from 07:00-11:00

Guest Parking

No parking available.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.

Breakfast

A full breakfast is served at the price of GBP 29.0 per person.

Children & extra beds

There are no cots provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Languages

English, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Hebrew, Lithuanian, Latvian

Number of rooms:

Guest Ratings & Reviews

Real Guest Experiences & Ratings

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Southernhay House Hotel is frequently praised for its central location, placing guests within a short walk of both the town center and Cathedral Close. Many find the rooms spacious and comfortable, often featuring super king size beds and well-appointed bathrooms. The breakfast receives consistent acclaim, with options like fresh orange juice and a selection of Greek yogurt, fruit compote, granola, honey, and nuts being particular highlights, though some guests have noted steep stairs within the hotel.

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Review score

Based on 83 verified reviews

8.2 /10

Great

81 %

Recommend

Location

9.5/10

Staff

9.2/10

Value for money

7.6/10

Facilities

8.3/10

Pros

Excellent staff

Delicious breakfast

Spacious room

Central location

Good facilities

Cons

Stained shower mat

No car parking

Russell from United Kingdom

Single

Charming Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: February 04, 2026

9/10

convenient location public parking

The location was convenient. Public car parking was close to the hotel. The hotel is within easy walking distance of major sights (i walked everywhere).

The stairs were steep. Navigation was difficult at night, especially given the low light and dark blue carpeting.

0 Helpful

Steve from United Kingdom

Couple

Lovely Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 30, 2025

7/10

helpful staff central location expensive breakfast little character

i stayed in a lovely room here. the staff were helpful. it had a central location and that was very convenient (close to everything i needed).

the breakfast was expensive when not included. i thought it lacked a little character. high rise office blocks overlooked the hotel and it affected the ambiance.

0 Helpful

Theodore from United States

Couple

Charming Room

3 nights in October 2025

Reviewed: October 28, 2025

6/10

Acceptable stay, but some concerns.

stained shower mat slippery shower tray

The breakfast was good. The smoked salmon and scrambled eggs were served hot.

The shower mat in my room was stained. It should have been discarded, though the soap bottle in the shower was made of glass, not fixed to anything, so it was easy to fall. The shower tray was slippery, made the shower unsafe.

0 Helpful

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Questions of the users

About Southernhay House Hotel

Is there a designated parking area for guests at Southernhay House?

15 October 2024

There is no dedicated parking at the hotel, but a drop-off area is available for check-in. Guests can use nearby car parks such as Princesshay and Magdalen Street, which are within walking distance.

Which types of rooms feature free-standing baths?

28 March 2025

All Luxury rooms offer free-standing baths. For those looking for a unique bathtub experience, these are the ideal choice.

Are pets permitted at Southernhay House?

10 December 2024

Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed in the bedrooms. However, pets are welcome in the Bar, Green Room, garden, and on the terrace.

What is the closest parking option, and is it reliable for availability?

22 April 2025

Princesshay Car Park is the nearest multi-storey facility, just a 3-minute walk from the hotel. It typically has sufficient spaces available for guests.

Do the luxury rooms include smart TVs capable of streaming services?

5 May 2024

Some Luxury rooms feature Smart TVs, while others may have Fire Sticks available upon request for streaming services like Netflix.

Does the hotel offer any twin bed accommodations?

30 June 2025

The hotel does not have any rooms that can be arranged with twin beds. All rooms feature king or super king beds for one or two guests.

Is breakfast available for hotel guests, and what is the cost?

14 February 2025

Breakfast is served for £17.50 per person, and menus for lunch and dinner can be found on the hotel's website.

What options are available for dining at the hotel?

2 November 2024

Guests can dine in the Bar, Club Room, or Green Room, with seasonal menus that change monthly. Outdoor dining may be available on the terrace when weather permits.

Can guests access disabled facilities in the hotel?

19 January 2025

The hotel does not have a lift due to its listed historic status, but the bar and restaurant areas are located on the ground floor, accessible to all guests.

What are the check-in and check-out times at Southernhay House?

27 September 2024

Check-in is at 3 PM and check-out is at 11 AM. Early check-ins or late check-outs may be arranged for an additional fee, subject to availability.