With its quaint cobblestone streets, historic cathedral, and prime location on the River Exe, Exeter is a quintessential British city that charms visitors and locals alike. If you’re looking to temporarily call this idyllic Devon town home, you’ll find an array of delightful apartments and houses for rent to suit any taste and budget. From budget city flats ideal for solo adventurers to luxury riverside retreats made for romantic rendezvous, Exeter offers an enticing accommodation option for every traveler. Here’s a guide to some of the best areas and properties to scope out when seeking your own tranquil Exeter rental.
City Centre Convenience on a Budget
For those wanting to truly immerse themselves in Exeter’s buzzy heart, the city center is the obvious area for apartment hunters. Here you’ll trade a bit of square footage for the convenience of having the storied Cathedral Quarter, high street shops, pubs, and restaurants just outside your door. And with an abundance of flats in historic buildings, you can still revel in classic British charm without splurging.
For affordability and prime positioning, check out the no-frills modern studios and one-bedrooms at Accommodation.co.uk’s Cathedral View serviced apartments. Basic but comfortable short-term rentals here start at just £65 per night, with larger flats going for £100-£130. You’ll be steps from the magnificent Exeter Cathedral and a short stroll to Princess hay shopping center and Gandy Street’s happening nightlife.
Another value option is taking over a university student’s rental for the summer months when they abandon their city center digs. Websites like Student.com offer modest private rooms and shared flats around £75-£90 per week in buildings like Summerland Gardens and Bonhay House in the heart of the action.
Leafy Retreats Outside The City Core
If you crave more serene, tree-lined environs with extra living space, look for apartments and rental cottages in Exeter’s residential suburbs like St. Leonard’s, Pennsylvania, and Heavitree. You’ll still be within easy striking distance of city sights, but with the bonus of a more relaxed, local neighborhood feel.
On the eastern side of the river, the new Riverside Valley Park development has several properties for short-stay rental, like the swanky 2-bedroom apartments at Boulevard House going for around £450 per week. A steal for the luxury amenities like high-end kitchens, swish ensuite baths, and large sunny terraces looking onto the riverside paths and expansive green spaces.
For old-world ambience, turn your sights to one of Exeter’s many historic residential areas like St. Leonard’s, just across the river from the city center. Cozy homes from centuries past line quiet streets shaded by mature trees. A charming two-bed Georgian-era cottage here can be yours for around £1000 per month, perfect for a couple seeking character-filled tranquility. Expect to dish out closer to £1500-£2000 monthly for larger heritage homes with more rooms, gardens, and original details like exposed wood beams.
Coastal and Countryside Luxe
If rustic rural charm or dramatic ocean scenery is more your holiday vibe, splurge on a luxury rental a bit further afield from Exeter’s urban core. Just ten minutes down the road lies the village of Topsham, a quaint waterfront hamlet beloved by those seeking a classic West Country retreat. Beautifully refurbished riverside homes here come with hefty price tags but plenty of “wow” factor.
A standout is The Folly, a luxury Georgian-era house overlooking the riverbank with three double bedrooms, serene gardens, and outdoor riverside hot tub. Expect to pay around £1500 per week to enjoy perks like wood-burning fireplaces, a chef’s kitchen, and show-stopping views of the Exe Estuary.
Head south toward the English Riviera coastline and you’ll encounter a slew of high-end beach houses available for rent, mostly marketed to holidaying families. Case in point is Under down, a sprawling five-bedroom 19th-century property set on 12 acres of prime surf and sand. For roughly £5000 per week, enjoy amenities like tennis courts, a pool, and direct access to the beach with unbeatable coastal vistas.
Honeymoon Hideaways For Lovebirds
Planning a romantic Devonshire honeymoon or mini-moon escape? Exeter provides the perfect pastoral backdrop, with a crop of indulgent boutique apartments and cottages tailor-made for newlywed bliss. You’ll want to book well in advance and budget for splurging. But a bit of luxury pampering is a justifiable expense for celebrating wedded paradise.
For city sophistication, Harriet’s Honeymoon Retreat delivers an utterly swoon-worthy apartment situated in the converted West Wing of Exeter’s architecturally-sublime Regency McDonald mansion. From the hand-carved four-poster bed to chandeliers sparkling throughout, no detail was overlooked in this sumptuous hideaway starting at £150 per night.
Just outside Exeter in the idyllic countryside village of Clyst St Mary, the Honeymoon Suite Cottage takes rustic indulgence to heavenly heights. Tucked away in secluded private gardens, this thatched roof sanctuary for two features a rose-petal scattered king bed, dual soaker tub, and cozy inglenook fireplace with room rates around £200 nightly.
No matter what sort of Exeter accommodation you have in mind, the options are endless for finding an apartment or house to suit your needs and budget. From city convenience to countryside grandeur and beach chic indulgence, this storied Devon destination offers a rich variety of tranquil home-away-from-home gems.