Graduation is one of the busiest and most exciting times of the year in Exeter. Every summer, families and friends travel from across the UK and beyond to celebrate with graduates from the University of Exeter, creating high demand for hotels, guest houses and other places to stay.
If you’re visiting for the first time, choosing where to stay can feel a little overwhelming. Fortunately, Exeter is a compact city, and many of its accommodation options are within easy reach of the University’s Streatham Campus, whether you arrive by train or by car.
This guide has been written from a local perspective to help you choose the right area to stay, understand the different accommodation options available, and make the most of your visit to Exeter.
Whether you’re looking for a hotel close to the railway station, a welcoming guest house within walking distance of the university, or somewhere in the heart of the city centre, you’ll find plenty of excellent choices.
👉 Browse our Exeter Accommodation Guide to compare hotels, guest houses, bed and breakfasts, serviced apartments and self-catering accommodation across the city.
| If you’re… | Consider staying in… |
|---|---|
| Arriving by train | St David’s |
| Looking for independent guest houses | St David’s Hill & Richmond Road |
| Want shopping and restaurants nearby | Queen Street & City Centre |
| Prefer a stylish city-centre stay | Southernhay |
Why Book Early for Graduation?
Graduation ceremonies bring thousands of extra visitors into Exeter over a relatively short period. Students are often joined by parents, grandparents, partners and friends, meaning accommodation can become fully booked well before the first ceremony takes place.
Properties closest to the university and the city centre are usually the first to fill, particularly those with family rooms or on-site parking. Booking early not only gives you a wider choice but can also help you secure better prices before demand increases.
If you’re travelling with a larger group, it’s worth reserving accommodation as soon as graduation dates are confirmed. Even if your preferred hotel isn’t available, Exeter’s compact size means there are several excellent alternatives within walking distance or a short taxi ride from the university.
Where to Stay for University of Exeter Graduation
St David’s – Best for Visitors Arriving by Train
For many visitors, St David’s is one of the most convenient places to stay during graduation week. The area is centred around Exeter’s main railway station, making it ideal for families arriving by train from London, Bristol, Plymouth and elsewhere in the UK.
Accommodation includes the Premier Inn opposite the station, together with several independent guest houses as you make your way up St David’s Hill towards the city centre.
The University’s Streatham Campus is within walking distance, although the route is uphill and becomes quite steep in places. On a warm July day, or if you’re travelling with luggage or older relatives, a short taxi can be a more comfortable option.
One of the advantages of staying in St David’s is that you’re also within walking distance of the city centre, giving you easy access to restaurants, cafés and shops once the graduation celebrations are over.
👉 Browse our Exeter Accommodation Directory to compare hotels, guest houses, serviced apartments and other places to stay across the city.
Queen Street & City Centre
Queen Street and the surrounding city centre are excellent choices if you’d like everything close at hand. This area is home to the Rougemont Hotel, located opposite Exeter Central Station, while numerous cafés, restaurants and shops are only a few minutes’ walk away.
It’s a great base for families planning to celebrate after the ceremony, whether that’s enjoying lunch together, visiting Exeter Cathedral or spending the afternoon exploring Princesshay and the historic city centre.
Although on-street parking is limited, several public car parks serve the city centre, making it easy to leave the car and explore on foot.
👉 Read our guide to the 5 Best Exeter City Centre Hotels
St David’s Hill, Bystock Terrace & Richmond Road
If you prefer independent accommodation, this part of Exeter is well worth considering. As you make your way up St David’s Hill from St David’s station towards the city centre, you’ll find a selection of guest houses. Continue along St David’s Hill towards Iron Bridge and you’ll come across The Townhouse Exeter, a contemporary guest house that’s well placed for both the city centre and the University.
The surrounding streets also offer a variety of accommodation options. Bystock Terrace is home to Queens Court Hotel, with a public car park opposite that can be particularly convenient for visitors arriving by car. Nearby Richmond Road also has a small selection of guest houses and serviced apartments, providing quieter alternatives while remaining within walking distance of both the University and Exeter city centre.
This part of Exeter offers a good balance of convenience and character, making it a popular choice for visitors who prefer independent accommodation over larger chain hotels.
👉 Browse Guest houses and boutique accommodation in Exeter
💡 Local Tip
If you’re arriving by train, St David’s is one of the most convenient places to stay. The walk to the University is perfectly doable, but it’s uphill in places, so if you’re dressed for graduation or travelling with older relatives, a short taxi can be a more comfortable option.
Southernhay
Southernhay is one of Exeter’s most attractive historic neighbourhoods, known for its elegant Georgian buildings and its convenient location between the Cathedral Quarter, Princesshay and the Exeter Bus Station.
The area offers a mix of accommodation, from larger hotels to boutique options such as Southernhay House, making it a good choice for visitors looking for a stylish city centre stay. It’s also well placed for restaurants, cafés and shopping, making it easy to enjoy the celebrations after the graduation ceremony.
From Southernhay, the University can be reached by bus, taxi or on foot, while many of Exeter’s best-known attractions, including the Cathedral and the city’s historic streets, are just a short walk away.
👉 Browse our Exeter Hotels listings to explore hotels across the city.
Which Type of Accommodation Is Right for You?
Choosing the right place to stay depends on who you’re travelling with and how long you’re planning to spend in Exeter. While graduation ceremonies are the main reason for your visit, many families choose to turn the occasion into a weekend break and enjoy everything the city has to offer.
One Night Stay
If you’re arriving the day before graduation and heading home shortly afterwards, staying in either St David’s or the city centre is likely to be the most convenient option. Both areas offer easy access to the University, restaurants for a celebratory meal and good transport links if you’re travelling by train.
Visiting as a Family
Families often appreciate a little extra space, parking and somewhere to relax after the ceremony. Larger hotels and serviced apartments can be a good choice, while guest houses often provide a more personal welcome and a quieter atmosphere.
Independent Accommodation
Exeter has a number of independent guest houses and boutique hotels, particularly around St David’s Hill and Richmond Road. These can offer a more individual experience than larger chain hotels and are often within walking distance of both the university and the city centre.
Travelling on a Budget
Graduation week can increase demand for accommodation, but there are still good-value options available if you book early. Looking slightly beyond the busiest city centre streets can often provide better value while still keeping you within easy reach of the University and Exeter’s main attractions.
👉 Browse the options in our Exeter Accommodation Guide to compare hotels, guest houses, serviced apartments and self-catering properties across the city.
Getting to the University for Graduation
One of the advantages of staying in Exeter is that the city is compact, making it relatively easy to travel between your accommodation, the University and the city centre.
If you’re staying in St David’s, Queen Street or the city centre, many visitors choose to walk to the University’s Streatham Campus. Do bear in mind that some routes involve a fairly steep uphill climb, so if you’re attending a ceremony in formal clothing or travelling with older relatives, a short taxi journey may be the more comfortable option.
Exeter also has a comprehensive local bus network, with regular services connecting the city centre to the University and surrounding areas. If you’re staying a little further away or simply prefer not to walk, the bus is a convenient alternative.
Taxis and private hire vehicles are readily available throughout Exeter. You’ll find a taxi rank at St David’s Station, while taxis can also be booked in advance or picked up from taxi ranks in the city centre. Taxis are also available from Exeter Airport, making them a convenient option if you’re arriving from further afield.
If you’re travelling by car, it’s a good idea to plan your parking before setting off. Exeter has a number of public car parks within easy reach of the city centre and University, although it’s always sensible to allow a little extra time to park and make your way to the ceremony, especially if it’s your first visit to the city.
Make the Most of Your Visit to Exeter
Graduation is the highlight of your visit, but if you’re staying overnight or making a weekend of it, Exeter has plenty to enjoy beyond the ceremony. From celebratory meals and historic streets to riverside walks and shopping, the city is compact enough to explore on foot, making it easy to fit in a little sightseeing during your stay.
Celebrate with a Meal
A graduation ceremony deserves a celebration, and Exeter has an excellent choice of restaurants, ranging from independent cafés and bistros to well-known favourites. Whether you’re planning a relaxed lunch or a special evening meal, it’s worth booking ahead, particularly during the summer graduation period.
💡 Local Tip
If you’re planning a celebratory meal after the ceremony, it’s worth reserving a table in advance. Popular restaurants can be busy during graduation week, particularly at lunchtime and in the evening.
👉 Looking for somewhere to celebrate? Browse our Exeter Restaurants Directory to discover restaurants, cafés and places to eat across the city.
Explore Exeter
Exeter’s compact city centre makes it easy to explore on foot, allowing you to combine the graduation celebrations with some of the city’s historic landmarks, independent shops and riverside attractions.
If the weather is kind, Cathedral Green is a lovely place to sit for a while after the ceremony before exploring the surrounding Cathedral Quarter and the independent shops and cafés along Gandy Street. Princesshay is just a short walk away if you fancy some shopping.
If you’re staying overnight, Exeter Quayside is well worth a visit. It’s a great place to enjoy a riverside walk, stop for a coffee, or simply relax and watch the boats go by.
If you’re interested in Exeter’s history and heritage, the Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM) and the Underground Passages both offer a fascinating insight into the city’s past.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place to stay for University of Exeter graduation?
There isn’t a single “best” place to stay, as it depends on how you’re travelling and what you’re looking for. If you’re arriving by train, St David’s is one of the most convenient areas. Queen Street and the city centre are also excellent choices, while Southernhay offers a more stylish city centre setting. If you prefer independent accommodation, consider the guest houses around St David’s Hill, Bystock Terrace and Richmond Road.
Is St David’s a good place to stay?
Yes. St David’s is an excellent choice if you’re travelling to Exeter by train, as it’s centred around the city’s main railway station. You’ll find a mix of hotels and guest houses nearby, with the city centre and University both within easy reach.
Can I walk from St David’s to the University?
Yes. The University’s Streatham Campus is within walking distance of St David’s, although the route is uphill and can feel quite steep in places. If you’re attending a graduation ceremony in formal clothes, travelling with luggage or accompanying older relatives, a short taxi journey may be a more comfortable option.
Should I book accommodation before graduation dates are confirmed?
If you’re certain you’ll be attending graduation, booking early is usually worthwhile. Accommodation in Exeter can become limited once graduation dates are announced, particularly for hotels and guest houses close to the University and city centre. Always check the booking’s cancellation policy before confirming your stay.
Which railway station is best for graduation visitors?
Exeter St David’s is the closest main railway station to the University and is the best choice for most visitors arriving by train. Exeter Central Station is another convenient option, particularly if you’re staying around Queen Street or in the city centre, although it’s slightly further from the University.
Can I visit Exeter without a car?
Absolutely. Many graduation visitors arrive by train, and Exeter is a compact city that’s easy to explore on foot. Local buses and taxis are readily available if you don’t want to walk, and staying without a car means you don’t need to think about city centre parking.
Are taxis easy to find in Exeter?
Yes. Taxis and private hire vehicles are widely available throughout Exeter. You can book one in advance, arrange one by phone or use taxi ranks in the city centre and at St David’s railway station. Booking ahead is a sensible idea if you’re travelling at a particularly busy time.
Where can we celebrate after the graduation ceremony?
Exeter has a great choice of restaurants, cafés and pubs for celebrating after the ceremony. The city centre offers something for every taste and budget, while many graduates and students head to The Imperial, a popular pub close to the University with a large outdoor seating area that’s especially busy on warm summer days.
👉 Looking for somewhere to celebrate? Browse our Exeter Restaurants Directory for restaurants, cafés, pubs and places to eat across the city.