A quieter side of Exeter, close to the best of the city

ExeSixteen is in St Thomas, a friendly neighbourhood just west of the River Exe. It is a peaceful base for slow mornings and relaxed evenings, with Exeter Quay, the city centre and useful transport links all within easy reach.

START AT THE QUAY

Exeter Quay is around a 15-minute walk from the house. Follow the river to waterside cafés and restaurants, independent shops and the historic Custom House. Hire a bike for the traffic-free canal and Exe Estuary trails; take to the water by canoe, kayak or paddleboard; or try the Quay Climbing Centre. The canal path continues towards Double Locks and the Exe Estuary for a longer walk or cycle ride without the car.

Find out more: visitexeter.com/things-to-do/exeter-quayside

EXETER CATHEDRAL

Around a 20-minute walk away, the Cathedral is home to the Exeter Book, a 15th-century astronomical clock, the medieval Bishop’s Throne and the world’s longest uninterrupted medieval stone vault. Its programme includes choral services, organ recitals, concerts, exhibitions, family activities and special roof tours.

Plan your visit and see what’s on: exeter-cathedral.org.uk

ROYAL ALBERT MEMORIAL MUSEUM

RAMM brings together Exeter’s story, natural history, art and world cultures. Highlights include Roman Exeter and the Seaton Down Hoard, Gerald the giraffe, samurai armour and a meteorite around four billion years old. There are also temporary exhibitions, family trails and object-handling sessions.

Explore the collections and programme: rammuseum.org.uk

UNIVERSITY VISITS AND GRADUATION

ExeSixteen gives families, prospective students and graduation guests a comfortable base away from the busiest student streets. Streatham Campus is home to the Forum, Great Hall, Northcott Theatre, lakes and gardens; St Luke’s is home to Medicine, Sport and Health Sciences, Nursing, Allied Health Professions and Education. Most graduation ceremonies take place in the Great Hall at Streatham. Allow roughly 30–40 minutes to walk to Streatham, depending on your destination.

Visitor information: exeter.ac.uk/our-campuses

Graduation guidance: exeter.ac.uk/students/graduation

RUGBY AND EVENTS AT SANDY PARK

Sandy Park is home to Exeter Chiefs and also hosts conferences and other events. The simplest public-transport option is normally a local train from Exeter St Thomas, changing at Exeter St Davids for Digby & Sowton, followed by the signed walk to the stadium.

Fixtures and match-day guidance: exeterchiefs.co.uk

HOSPITAL VISITS

For guests visiting or supporting someone at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, ExeSixteen offers the privacy of a whole house and space for family members to stay together. The main acute hospital is the Wonford site on Barrack Road; some outpatient services are at the separate Heavitree site, so check the appointment letter carefully. Wonford is best reached by taxi or a planned bus journey, usually changing in the city centre.

Site maps and travel information: royaldevon.nhs.uk/our-sites

DISTANCES AT A GLANCE

• River Exe: around 5–10 minutes on foot

• Exeter St Thomas station: around 5 minutes on foot

• Exeter Quay: around 15 minutes on foot

• Cathedral and city centre: around 20 minutes on foot

• Streatham Campus: roughly 30–40 minutes on foot

Walking times are approximate and vary by route and pace.

BUSES AND TRAINS

Exeter St Thomas station is around five minutes away on foot. Local trains connect with Exeter St Davids for mainline services and run south towards the Exe Estuary, Dawlish, Teignmouth, Torquay and Paignton.

The nearest regular city buses leave from Cowick Street. Stagecoach routes A (Alphington–St Thomas–city centre) and E (Exwick–St Thomas–city centre) provide the most useful links into central Exeter. Services 6A, 66, 359 and 360 also use Cowick Street but are less relevant for most city stays or operate less frequently.

For the University, take route A or E into the city centre and change for Stagecoach 4 or 4A, which serve Streatham Campus, St Davids station, the city centre and St Luke’s Campus. For RD&E Wonford, routes vary by time and starting point; plan the journey with Stagecoach or Traveline rather than relying on a single direct service from Cowick Street. Bus routes and timetables can change, so please check live information before travelling.

EXETER WITHOUT A CAR

The Quay, Cathedral, shops, cafés, riverside paths, St Thomas station and Cowick Street buses are all close enough to make walking the natural first choice. Local trains also open up easy days out along the Exe Estuary and the South Devon coast.