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 11-day road trip through London, Bath, Oxford, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Exeter 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 11-day itinerary means that Exeter can easily be combined with other top destinations in England without stress. While it’s possible to travel between London, Bath, Oxford, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Exeter by public transport, renting a car in England opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 11 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: Newquay
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Newquay, e.g., Minerva Hotel
• Sightseeing: Huer's Hut

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 Newquay and Tintagel

• Destinations: Newquay and Tintagel
• Driving distance: 100.27 km, approx. 2 hours and 47 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Newquay, e.g., Minerva Hotel
• Sightseeing: National Trust - Tintagel Old Post Office, Tintagel Castle, Tintagel Toy Museum, and Newquay Zoo
• Recommended tour: Surf Lesson

Set out on a day of discovery and visit National Trust - Tintagel Old Post Office, Tintagel Castle, Tintagel Toy Museum, and Newquay Zoo. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Newquay and Tintagel, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest.

Day 3: Discover Exeter and West Devon

• Destinations: Exeter and West Devon
• Driving distance: 213.41 km, approx. 3 hours and 55 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Exeter, e.g., Holiday Inn Express Exeter City Centre
• Sightseeing: Dartmoor National Park, Exeter Historic Guildhall, Exeter Cathedral, and Bury Meadow Park

Spend the day exploring Dartmoor National Park, Exeter Historic Guildhall, Exeter Cathedral, and Bury Meadow Park. 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 Exeter.

Day 4: Experience Bath

• Destinations: Bath
• Driving distance: 163.31 km, approx. 2 hours and 12 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Bath, e.g., Hampton by Hilton Bath City
• Sightseeing: Thermae Bath Spa, The Circus, Pulteney Bridge, Bath Abbey, and The Roman Baths
• Recommended tour: Best of Bath Walking Tours - Georgian Tour

Continue your journey through Bath, where you can explore Thermae Bath Spa, The Circus, Pulteney Bridge, Bath Abbey, and The Roman Baths. 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 Bath.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Bourton-on-the-Water, Bibury, and Holwell

• Destinations: Bourton-on-the-Water, Bibury, and Holwell
• Driving distance: 113.68 km, approx. 2 hours and 12 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Northleach, e.g., The Wheatsheaf Inn
• Sightseeing: Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens, Bourton-on-the-water, Birdland Park & Gardens, and National Trust - Bibury

Drive through Bourton-on-the-Water, Bibury, and Holwell, stopping to visit Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens, Bourton-on-the-water, Birdland Park & Gardens, and National Trust - Bibury. 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 Northleach.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of Warwick and Stratford-upon-Avon

• Destinations: Warwick and Stratford-upon-Avon
• Driving distance: 83.46 km, approx. 1 hour and 59 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Stratford-on-Avon, e.g., The White Swan
• Sightseeing: Stratford Butterfly Farm, Anne Hathaway's Cottage, Holy Trinity Church, Shakespeare's Birthplace, and Warwick Castle
• Recommended tour: The WalkTalkShow. Co. Uk - Guided Tour of Stratford upon Avon

Spend time discovering Stratford Butterfly Farm, Anne Hathaway's Cottage, Holy Trinity Church, Shakespeare's Birthplace, and Warwick Castle, with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture. After a day of exploring, check into a hotel in Stratford-on-Avon.

Day 7: Spend Time in Oxford

• Destinations: Oxford
• Driving distance: 85.65 km, approx. 1 hour and 31 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Oxford, e.g., Bear And Ragged Staff
• Sightseeing: The Covered Market, Christ Church, and Oxford University Museum of Natural History
• Recommended tour: Oxford | Alumni-Led Walking Tour w/opt New College

Explore The Covered Market, Christ Church, and Oxford University Museum of Natural History at a relaxed pace. Make spontaneous stops for sightseeing, photography, or lunch at a family-run restaurant. Finish the day by checking into another comfortable hotel in the center of Oxford.

Day 8: Explore London

• Destinations: London
• Driving distance: 102.7 km, approx. 2 hours and 32 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in London, e.g., Intercontinental Hotel London - The O2
• Sightseeing: Big Ben, Tower of London, Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, and Tower Bridge
• Recommended tour: Day trip to Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath from London

Continue your road trip through London, enjoying the flexibility to explore Big Ben, Tower of London, Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, and Tower Bridge and nearby points of interest. As the day winds down, arrive at a new hotel in central London.

Day 9: Wander Through London

• Destinations: London
• Driving distance: 14.88 km, approx. 1 hour and 22 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in London, e.g., Intercontinental Hotel London - The O2
• Sightseeing: The British Museum, lastminute.com London Eye, St. Paul's Cathedral, Tate Modern, and Camden Market
• Recommended tour: Historical Pub Walking Tour in London With a Small Group

Visit The British Museum, lastminute.com London Eye, St. Paul's Cathedral, Tate Modern, and Camden Market as you navigate scenic routes. Take time to enjoy local markets, trails, or viewpoints that catch your eye.

Day 10: Uncover Salisbury and Larkhill

• Destinations: Salisbury and Larkhill
• Driving distance: 425.81 km, approx. 5 hours and 34 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Newquay, e.g., Minerva Hotel
• Sightseeing: Stonehenge, Lord's Walk, and National Trust - Stonehenge Landscape
• Recommended tour: Coasteering Experience in Newquay

Continue your exploration of Stonehenge, Lord's Walk, and National Trust - Stonehenge Landscape, taking your time to enjoy scenic drives or leisurely strolls that add to the adventure. End the day by checking into a lovely hotel in Newquay.

Day 11: Bid Farewell to Newquay

• Departure city: Newquay
• Driving distance: 414 metres, approx. 6 minutes
• Sightseeing: Pirate's Quest Adventure Golf

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 1361 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 5-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 5-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 Belmont Park Exeter.

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 Exeter Historic Guildhall, Riverside Valley Park, Piazza Terracina, Exeter Cathedral, and Underground Passages.

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 5: 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 3-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 3 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 Riverside Valley Park for a break and some photos.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.

Day 3 - 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!