Exeter Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Exeter Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Exeter packs loads of sights into a compact city. The stunning Gothic Cathedral (4.5/5 TripAdvisor) dominates the centre with its impressive vaulted ceiling and astronomical clock dating from 1484. Entry costs £10 for adults, free for under-18s (EX1 1HS, open 9am-5pm Mon-Sat, 11:30am-4pm Sun).

The city walls tell Exeter's story - they're among the best-preserved Roman walls in Britain. I recommend the Red Coat Guided Tours (4.5/5 TripAdvisor) which run daily from the West Front of the Cathedral. They're completely free and the guides know their stuff.

Exeter Quay offers a different perspective with its historic warehouses now housing shops and restaurants. The Custom House Visitor Centre explains the maritime history and you can hire kayaks or paddleboards to explore the canal - brilliant fun after a morning in your hot tub!

Don't miss the Royal Albert Memorial Museum (4.5/5 TripAdvisor, EX4 3RX, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm, free entry). Its diverse collections cover everything from local archaeology to world cultures and natural history. We particularly love the Gerald the giraffe exhibit - he's been the museum's mascot since 1919!

Pet Friendly

Bringing your dog to Exeter? You've made a great choice! The city has tons of green spaces including Riverside Valley Park where dogs can run free along miles of paths following the River Exe. It's perfect for morning walks before returning to your cottage.

Many Exeter attractions welcome well-behaved dogs. Powderham Castle (EX6 8JQ) allows dogs on leads in its grounds and deer park. The gardens are gorgeous and there's a pet-friendly café too.

For eating out, The Fat Pig pub (EX4 3AT) welcomes dogs and serves excellent local food. The Beer Engine in nearby Topsham not only allows dogs but has a special dog menu! Water bowls appear without asking.

Exeter's surrounding beaches have varying dog restrictions. Exmouth Beach allows dogs year-round on its eastern section, while Dawlish Warren has seasonal restrictions. I always check the latest rules before heading out - Devon Council's website has up-to-date information.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Exeter

The Underground Passages (4/5 TripAdvisor, EX4 3RB) are genuinely unique - Exeter is the only UK city with a network of medieval underground passages you can tour. Built in the 14th century to bring clean drinking water into the city, these narrow tunnels aren't for the claustrophobic! Tours last 25 minutes (£7.50 adults, £5 children) and include a fascinating exhibition. Book ahead as they often sell out, especially during school holidays.

Exeter Cathedral (4.5/5 TripAdvisor, EX1 1HS) deserves several hours of your time. The longest uninterrupted medieval stone vault in the world spans its ceiling and the detailed carvings throughout tell countless stories. The Exeter Book, one of the oldest books in English, is kept here. Visitors comment on the peaceful atmosphere and knowledgeable volunteer guides. The Cathedral Café serves excellent cream teas - Devon style of course (cream first, then jam)!

Dartmoor National Park starts just 15 minutes from Exeter. Haytor (TQ13 9XT) offers spectacular views after a short climb. The granite tors, wild ponies and ancient stone circles create an otherworldly landscape. One visitor wrote: "Feels like stepping into a Tolkien novel - absolutely magical in all weathers." The park covers 368 square miles, so you'll want to return multiple times during your hot tub cottage stay.

What's the best time to visit Exeter?

May to September offers the warmest weather and longest days. September is my personal favourite - the summer crowds have gone but the weather's still good. The Christmas Market (late November to mid-December) transforms Cathedral Green into a winter wonderland if you fancy a festive hot tub break.

Do I need a car in Exeter?

Not necessarily. The city centre is compact and walkable. Excellent bus services cover the city and surrounding villages. However, a car gives you freedom to explore Dartmoor, the coast and rural cottages with hot tubs that might be outside the city.

Where can I park in Exeter city centre?

The Guildhall Shopping Centre car park (EX4 3HP) is centrally located with 400 spaces. Princesshay (EX1 1GE) offers another 500 spaces. Both charge around £3 per hour. Park and Ride services from Sowton, Matford and Honiton Road cost £2.60 return and run every 15 minutes.

What's the best area to stay in Exeter?

For city access, look at cottages in St Leonard's or Pennsylvania - leafy suburbs within walking distance of the centre, many with hot tubs. For countryside with easy city access, villages like Topsham or Broadclyst offer the best of both worlds.

Are there any good walks near Exeter?

The Exeter Green Circle is a 12-mile route divided into five sections circling the city through parks and countryside. The Exe Estuary Trail offers flat walking or cycling along the river. Haldon Forest Park has excellent marked trails for all abilities just 15 minutes from the city.

What's the best day trip from Exeter?

The Jurassic Coast is 30 minutes away - Sidmouth and Beer offer beautiful beaches and fossil hunting. Totnes and Dartmouth make great day trips for shopping and riverside pubs. The Eden Project is under 2 hours away in Cornwall.

1. Visit Exeter Official Tourism Site
2. Exeter Council Leisure Guide
3. Dartmoor National Park