Top 3 Itineraries in Exeter

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Exeter.

If you only have a few days, Exeter weekend getaways are the perfect option. A 3 to 5-day stay in Exeter offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in Exeter are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Exeter’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Exeter offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover England's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Exeter truly unforgettable!

If you’re as convinced as we are that Exeter belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Exeter are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in Exeter and start planning your next trip!

Discover the perfect Exeter itinerary with our handpicked list. Whether you're in Exeter for a short stay or a longer visit, there's an itinerary for you.

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these 3 itineraries will help you experience the best of Exeter without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Exeter!

A scenic 5-day road trip through Cheddar, Bath, Exeter, Porthcurno, and St. Michael's Mount is one of the best ways to experience England. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 5-day itinerary means that Exeter can easily be combined with other top destinations in England without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Cheddar, Bath, Exeter, Porthcurno, and St. Michael's Mount by public transport, renting a car in England opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 5 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Newquay

• Arrival city: St. Michael's Mount
• Accommodation: hotel in Penzance, e.g., Holbein House B&B
• Sightseeing: Saint Michael's Mount

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Newquay. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Porthcurno, Tintagel, Penzance, Trebyan, Trethevy, and Cornwall

• Destinations: Porthcurno, Tintagel, Penzance, Trebyan, Trethevy, and Cornwall
• Driving distance: 253.2 km, approx. 4 hours and 26 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Exeter, e.g., Northgate House
• Sightseeing: National Trust - Lanhydrock, Tintagel Castle, The Minack Theatre, National Trust - Godrevy, and St Nectan's Waterfall

Set out on a day of discovery and visit National Trust - Lanhydrock, Tintagel Castle, The Minack Theatre, National Trust - Godrevy, and St Nectan's Waterfall. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Porthcurno, Tintagel, Penzance, Trebyan, Trethevy, and Cornwall, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest. By the end of the day, check-in at a new hotel, located in central Exeter.

Day 3: Discover Cheddar, Bath, and Exeter

• Destinations: Cheddar, Bath, and Exeter
• Driving distance: 155.66 km, approx. 3 hours and 5 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Bristol, e.g., Clayton Hotel Bristol City
• Sightseeing: Thermae Bath Spa, Pulteney Bridge, Royal Victoria Park Bath, Cheddar Gorge and Caves, and The Roman Baths
• Recommended tour: Blackbeard to Banksy - The Ultimate Walking Tour of Bristol

Spend the day exploring Thermae Bath Spa, Pulteney Bridge, Royal Victoria Park Bath, Cheddar Gorge and Caves, and The Roman Baths. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace. End the day by checking into a new hotel, conveniently located in central Bristol.

Day 4: Experience Exeter and Bristol

• Destinations: Exeter and Bristol
• Driving distance: 306.81 km, approx. 4 hours and 2 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Penzance, e.g., Holbein House B&B
• Sightseeing: Exeter Cathedral, Brunel's SS Great Britain, and Clifton Suspension Bridge

Continue your journey through Exeter and Bristol, where you can explore Exeter Cathedral, Brunel's SS Great Britain, and Clifton Suspension Bridge. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot. Wrap up the day by checking in at a hotel in the heart of Penzance.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Penzance

• Destinations: Penzance
• Driving distance: 55.72 km, approx. 1 hour and 15 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Penzance, e.g., Holbein House B&B
• Sightseeing: Jubilee Pool Penzance Pool & Cafe

Drive through Penzance, stopping to visit Jubilee Pool Penzance Pool & Cafe. Don't forget to embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems along the way. Conclude your day by settling into a centrally located hotel in Penzance.

Day 5: Bid Farewell to Newquay

• Departure city: Penzance
• Driving distance: 55.72 km, approx. 1 hour and 15 minutes
• Sightseeing: Jubilee Pool Penzance Pool & Cafe

Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Newquay. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along this route is around 462 EUR, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Exeter.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Exeter for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

Enjoy a 7-day city break in Exeter with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 7-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of Exeter without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in Exeter

Arrive in Exeter and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town, discovering highlights like Red House Mysteries Escape Rooms.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. The Last Drop is a top-rated recommendation. Say 'cheers' and set the tone for an amazing vacation ahead!

Day 2: Discover Exeter's Most Iconic Attractions

Enjoy your first full day in Exeter by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic Belmont Park Exeter and Mincinglake Valley Park.

Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of Exeter in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 7: Savor Your Final Moments in Exeter

Spend your last few hours in Exeter soaking up the charm of the city at your own pace. Stroll through favorite spots or revisit local markets before bidding farewell to the city.

For more inspiration, explore the complete selection of city breaks in Exeter, all including pre-planned itineraries you can customize to suit your style. Start with a ready-to-go Exeter travel plan and make it your own by selecting tours, accommodations, and more.

A 5-day weekend getaway in Exeter offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life.

However, with a well-planned Exeter itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the city in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.

With 5 days to spend, this is the perfect Exeter weekend itinerary for your trip:

Day 1 - Arrive in Exeter

Arrive in Exeter around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.

• Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
• Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, for example, visiting Northernhay Gardens, and soak in the surroundings.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.

Day 2 - Discover Exeter’s Famous Sights

Maximize your first full day in Exeter with sightseeing, food, and drinks.

• Morning: Visit Exeter Historic Guildhall early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
• Afternoon: Continue to Exeter Cathedral, stopping by Piazza Terracina for a break and some photos.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.

Day 3 - Immerse in the Local Culture of Exeter

No itinerary in Exeter is complete without trying the city's top local delicacies and experiencing the culture.

• Morning: Start with a traditional breakfast to fuel up for the day and then head to Bury Meadow Park.
• Afternoon: Explore Bill Douglas Cinema Museum and Mincinglake Valley Park, stopping at markets, boutiques, museums, or exhibitions along the way.
• Evening: Enjoy a dinner featuring regional specialties and finish with a night tour of the city’s illuminated landmarks.

Day 5 - Depart from Exeter

Make the most of your last few hours in Exeter before your departure.

• Morning: Grab a light breakfast at a local bakery or café and take a final stroll nearby.
• Afternoon: If you have time, do some last-minute sightseeing.

For more ideas, explore our complete selection of weekend trips to Exeter. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable Exeter itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

As you explore Exeter, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Exeter for you.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Exeter in a way that feels truly unforgettable!