Southernhay House Hotel | Adults-Only Near Exeter Airport

Name: Southernhay House Hotel, Exeter
Address: 36 Southernhay East, Exeter, Devon, EX1 1NX
Price range: US$239+
Rating: 8.4

75 photos

Southernhay House Hotel Exeter Exterior photo

Book Direct Here

and save up to 10%

Compared to Booking.com

Key details

Hotel Overview

36 Southernhay East, Exeter, EX1 1NX

Near Exeter Cathedral

Great

8.4

9.4

/10

4.8

4.3

Loved by Southernhay House Hotel guests

Spacious rooms

Delicious breakfast

Attentive staff

Comfortable bed

"Our lovely room Tulip had great bed linen, towels and products."

Lisa from United Kingdom

read full review

"The Room was amazing."

Peter from United Kingdom

read full review

"The roll top bath was great for a soak after a hard day's sightseeing."

Culture34851613587 from United Kingdom

read full review

"We stayed in the room. 'Cotton' and revelled in the large comfortable bed and especially the deep, roll top bath."

Paul B from United Kingdom

read full review

"The hotel is very well located for shopping in Central Exeter and is only a few 100 metres from the Cathedral."

Peter from United Kingdom

read full review

4-star boutique hotel in Exeter with East India Company heritage

Location

Southernhay House Hotel is positioned behind Exeter Cathedral, within a Grade II listed Georgian townhouse. This central location offers proximity to local attractions and amenities, making it easy for guests to explore the city. The hotel provides convenient access to nearby transportation options and historic sites.

Rooms

The hotel offers 11 individually designed rooms, each reflecting the style and history of the original owner, Major General William Kirkpatrick. Room types range from the 'Lovely & Luxe' suites featuring roll-top baths to 'Charming' options, ensuring a choice for every guest. A curated selection of books can be found in each room, enhancing the guest's experience.

Dining

Southernhay House includes an acclaimed cocktail bar recognized as one of the city's finest. The kitchen serves short, seasonal menus that change monthly and utilize locally sourced ingredients from Devon. Guests can enjoy meals in various settings, including the stylish bar, the Club Room, or the terrace during good weather.

Pet Policy

Dogs are warmly welcomed in designated areas of the hotel including the bar, Green Room, garden, and terrace. However, dogs are not permitted in the bedrooms. Guests can expect thoughtful service accommodating their furry friends while they enjoy their stay.

Exclusive Experiences

Southernhay House supports private dining events for those seeking to host special occasions in a unique setting. The hotel offers exclusive use options, accommodating up to 22 guests with a sit-down meal included. This boutique hotel emphasizes a personalized and distinctive experience for each group.

Highlights

Location: behind Exeter Cathedral, Grade II listed Georgian House

Rooms: 11 individually designed rooms, each reflecting unique history

Dining: acclaimed cocktail bar with short seasonal menus

Pet Policy: Dogs welcomed in selected areas

Must-do experiences

Stroll through the historic Exeter Cathedral, a stunning Gothic gem.
Visit the Royal Albert Memorial Museum for local history and art.
Sample a Devon cream tea at the charming Tea on the Green café.
Explore the quirky shops at the Exeter Guildhall, dating back to 1342.
Don't miss the vibrant Exeter Farmers' Market on Thursday mornings.

Location: Perfect

9.4/10Review score

Find the Hotel Location on the Map

Highlights from guests

DiningBreakfast Bliss

The breakfast was amazing, especially the fresh orange juice, smoked salmon, and pancakes with maple syrup and bacon.

Emily Carter from United Kingdom

Review on

BathroomLuxury Soaks

The room had a gorgeous freestanding bath, with beautiful smelling soaps and a powerful shower; perfect after sightseeing.

Kevin Smith from Australia

Review on

BedroomCloud Nine

The bed was extremely comfortable, and the bedding allowed for the most restful sleep I've ever experienced.

Maria Rodriguez from Spain

Review on

Guest ParkingEasy Access

The hotel is close to public parking and within walking distance, which made exploring the city very convenient.

Kenji Tanaka from Japan

Review on

Pick the Room That Suits Your Travel Needs

Rooms for singles, families, or groups—many with breakfast, free cancellation, and exclusive airport packages

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

Show all rooms

View Room Rates & Availability by Date

Check rooms and compare prices for your travel dates today

August 2026 - August 2027

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

August 2026

September 2026

October 2026

November 2026

December 2026

January 2027

February 2027

March 2027

April 2027

May 2027

June 2027

July 2027

Choose dates to see prices

Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

Comfortable Rooms and Convenient Services to Enhance Your Layover

Facilities: Great

8.4/10Review 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

Electric kettle

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

Experience delightful dining at Southernhay House Hotel, where a blend of innovative options and classic favorites await. From bespoke cocktails to comforting breakfasts, each meal is crafted to satisfy diverse palates with a welcoming touch.

Restaurant #1
Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free, Dairy-free
Ambiance
The restaurant offers a chic and laid-back space, perfect for enjoying meals in a relaxed atmosphere.
Key Offerings
Highlighting a menu that caters to various dietary needs, this venue serves a full English breakfast alongside fresh croissants and Cornish yogurt, while evening dining is complemented by craft cocktails and jam-jar cocktails in a cozy bar setting.
Reservation
Recommended.
Open Monday to Sunday from 12:00 - 14:30 and 18:00 - 21:00.

Location

36 Southernhay East, Exeter, EX1 1NX

Explore Exeter

Local Highlights

Exeter Cathedral

4 minutes' walk

Gothic architecture and stunning stained glass. Home to the longest uninterrupted stone vault in Europe.

Royal Albert Memorial Museum

7 minutes' walk

Free admission to an extensive collection showcasing art, history, and natural history of Exeter and beyond.

Underground Passages

5 minutes' walk

Medieval ancient tunnels beneath the city. Guided tours reveal fascinating historical insights.

St Nicholas Priory

9 minutes' walk

Historic building offering insights into monastic life and Exeter's heritage, with unique exhibitions.

Exeter Quay

25 minutes' walk

Vibrant waterfront with options for kayaking, cycling, and enjoying scenic views along the River Exe.

Northernhay Gardens

7 minutes' walk

Relaxing city park perfect for strolls, picnics, and events. Ideal for unwinding in nature amidst historical landscapes.

Southernhay House Restaurant

1 minute' walk

Fine dining with seasonal ingredients. Notable for its elegant atmosphere and exquisite menu choices.

Cosy Club Exeter

2 minutes' walk

Eclectic decor and casual atmosphere. Offers brunch, cocktails, and hearty dishes with a unique twist.

Carluccio's

3 minutes' walk

Italian cuisine with a warm and inviting ambiance. Famous for its pasta dishes and family-friendly menu.

The House That Moved

10 minutes' walk

An interactive museum with family-friendly exhibits, intriguing stories, and historical reenactments.

Redvers Buller

15 minutes' walk

A lively pub known for live music and a vibrant atmosphere, hosting regular events for all ages.

How to Navigate the City

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

Interested in Early Bird Booking Discounts?

Unlock Special Airport Rates Instantly

Check Rates

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 GBP25 per person per day.

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:

Real Guest Reviews & Ratings

What Previous Guests Had to Say

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Southernhay House Hotel enjoys a superb location, placing guests within a short walk of both the town center and Cathedral Close. Many appreciate the generously sized rooms featuring comfortable super king size beds, with some even boasting a roll-top bath, perfect after a day of exploring. The breakfast is often described as excellent, especially the fresh orange juice and the selection of Greek yogurt, fruit compote, granola, honey, and nuts; although a few guests have mentioned occasional noise from the bar impacting their sleep.

Show moreShow less

Review score

Based on 75 verified reviews

8.0 /10

Great

79 %

Recommend

Location

9.4/10

Staff

9.3/10

Value for money

7.8/10

Facilities

8.4/10

Pros

Comfy room

Friendly staff

Great breakfast

Perfect location

Cons

Stained shower mat

Excessive noise

Layla from United Kingdom

Couple

Lovely Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: February 09, 2026

9.0/10

a good stay

friendly staff luxury room powerful shower excellent coffee

i appreciated the reception staff, who were genuinely friendly and helpful. our room, named tulip, was pure luxury and featured high quality bed linen. the freestanding bath was a highlight, and the shower was powerful. the coffee, teas, and biscuits were of excellent quality , and added to the charm.

Service

9/10

the reception service was prompt and attentive. the bar service was also noteworthy with staff capable of preparing complex cocktails. i found the staff helpful with directions and local recommendations.

Rooms

10/10

our room, tulip, featured luxury details. it had a large comfortable bed with good bed linen. the bathroom included a gorgeous freestanding bath and a separate powerful shower.

Location

9/10

the hotel is located a short walk from the city center. i noticed the cathedral is easily accessible. the hotel is also near a wine bar.

Dining

8/10

breakfast included fresh orange juice. a greek yogurt selection with fruit compote arrived before the cooked breakfast. aperol spritz and espresso martini cocktails are available.

Facilities

9/10

the hotel has a bar with a log burner. the outside area looked well kept. public car parking facilities are conveniently close to the hotel.

0 Helpful

Show less

Mason from United States

Couple

Apartment

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 05, 2026

6/10

loud noise unattended reception

I found the location to be very convenient. It was a short walk to the town center.

The noise REALLY bothered me one night. I think it came from people in the bar and staff. I had to ask them to be quieter around 1 AM. Plus, there never seemed to be anyone at the reception desk when i needed to leave my keys.

0 Helpful

Billy from United States

Single

Lovely Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 11, 2025

9/10

spacious room clean bed friendly staff

my room was spacious with really good facilities. the bed was very clean. all staff were friendly and helpful. breakfast was personally served to the table, a pleasant change.

The shower mat in the room was stained. I think it should have been discarded.

0 Helpful

Chris from United Kingdom

Couple

Lovely & Luxury Room

1 night in November 2025

Reviewed: December 10, 2025

9/10

Amazing anniversary celebration!

large bed roll top bath generous portions

We stayed in 'Cotton' and enjoyed the large comfortable bed. A highlight was definitely the deep roll top bath. Breakfast was beautifully presented and the portions were VERY generous.

0 Helpful

Dave from United Kingdom

Couple

Lovely & Larger Room

3 nights in August 2025

Reviewed: October 11, 2025

9.4/10

wonderful stay!

central location attentive staff luxurious linen

I recently spent a few nights here and i must say, the central location suited my needs well. the staff were always attentive. Nothing seemed too difficult for them, a great help! i particularly enjoyed the room, it was very clean, the bed linen felt luxurious.

the hall carpeting was a bit dark, navigating at night was slightly difficult.

Facilities

9/10

The hotel features a comfortable bar area great for enjoying nightcaps. Private dining is available offering a more intimate meal setting, very convenient.

Dining

9/10

Breakfast included fresh orange juice along with a greek yogurt selection, complete with fruit compote, granola, honey, and nuts. The pancakes were also beautifully prepared.

Location

10/10

The hotel is near the cathedral, a short walk for sightseeing. It is also close to shopping in the central area. The proximity to nearby attractions is advantageous!

Service

10/10

The reception staff offered friendly service and knew how to craft the perfect aperol spritz. That was really helpful!

Rooms

9/10

The room included great bed linen and fluffy towels. The free-standing bath added a touch of luxury. Toiletries and tea were also excellent qualities, i loved it!

0 Helpful

Show more reviews

Questions of the users

About Southernhay House Hotel

Is there parking available nearby for guests traveling to Southernhay House?

12 April 2024

There is no parking directly at the hotel. Guests can use the driveway for drop-off and check-in. Nearby car parks include Princesshay and Magdalen Street, both of which are very accessible.

Are dogs permitted in the hotel rooms or other areas?

15 May 2024

Dogs are not allowed in the hotel rooms but are welcome in the garden, terrace, and bar areas. Only registered guide dogs are permitted in the bedrooms.

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

20 June 2024

Some luxury rooms have smart TVs, while others are equipped with Fire Sticks that guests can borrow for streaming services.

Is there a lift available in the hotel for guests with mobility challenges?

25 July 2024

Due to the historical nature of the building, there is no lift. All bedrooms are accessed via stairs, but an adjacent apartment offers lift access.

What are the dining options and prices for breakfast at Southernhay House?

30 August 2024

Breakfast for hotel residents is priced at £17.50 per person, and there are options available for lunch and dinner that can be viewed on the hotel website.

What types of beds are available in the rooms at Southernhay House?

5 September 2024

All beds in the hotel are king-sized or super king-sized, and it is not possible to arrange twin beds in any of the rooms.

Can early check-in or late check-out be arranged for guests?

12 October 2024

Check-in is generally at 3 PM, but guests are welcome to arrive earlier and use the hotel facilities. Late check-out can be arranged for a fee, if possible.

What is the atmosphere and style of the dining facilities at Southernhay House?

18 November 2024

The dining atmosphere is stylish yet relaxed, with options to dine indoors or in the garden during pleasant weather. Seasonal menus reflect the best local produce available.

Is air conditioning available in the hotel rooms?

22 December 2024

Rooms are not equipped with air conditioning due to the historic status of the building, but all windows can be opened for ventilation.

Are there any age restrictions for children wishing to stay at the hotel?

17 January 2025

Children aged 8 and older are welcome, but the hotel does not provide cots or children's amenities. They must stay with an adult in the same room.