Car Hire Exeter

Seated on the banks of the RiverExe, just off the south-west coast of England,Exeter is the perfect base for a variety of fun and fascinating activities. From filling your lungs with fresh air on a countryside hike to visiting numerous sites of historic grandeur, there’s plenty of must-see spaces to explore in the surrounding area.

Many of Exeter’s city centre streets are one-way or pedestrianised. But there’s a variety of car parks and spaces you can use before heading out on foot, as well as several park and ride options serving the centre. You may be lucky to find on-street parking throughout the city, although spaces are often limited.

One of the greatest things about Exeter is that you can spend a day enjoying the city sights and still head out into the countryside. Luckily, its excellent road links make day trips into the wild easy. Follow the A315 going south along the River Exe to reach the neighbouring harbour village of Topsham. Or, to explore Dartmoor National Park, head down Topsham road and join the Devon Expressway off the A379.

When visiting Exeter, you can also venture further afield throughout the rest of the south-west of England. To reach the lively city of Bristol, and enjoy its vibrant music scene, just hop onto the M5 north, while the famous Jurassic Coast stretches from Orcombe Point at Exmouth all the way into Dorset. Alternatively, follow the A30 to reach Cornwall on the southern-west tip of England. A surfing hotspot, Cornwall is also filled with quaint coastal villages that are a gift to the eyes.

As throughout the rest of the UK, you’ll be driving on the left-hand side of the road and overtaking on the right. Speed limits vary depending on road type and location, but generally they will be 70mph (112km/h) on motorways, 60mph (96km/h) on single-carriage roads outside of built-up areas, and 30mph (48km/h) in towns and cities. Always check the signs for the route that you are on however, as these can change.

Something of a unique place, Exeter is a city in name, heritage and history, while still holding onto the atmospheric feel of a quaint market town. Over the years it has stuck to its traditional and idyllic English roots, more likely than not because of its close proximity to the rolling countryside hills. Here, you can enjoy the local city sights, and still have time to explore the rest of Devon and the south-west of England beyond.

Exeter Cathedral 

The building that gave Exeter its city status, Exeter Cathedral is otherwise known as the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter. A Medieval Gothic structure, it grandly looms over the city, making its presence visibly known from miles away.

This enchanting building is known for its ornate vaulted ceiling and astronomical clock, an artistic relic worth seeing on its own. The cathedral offers guided audio tours up to four times a day, so check the times in advance to make sure you don’t miss out when you plan your visit.

Beneath the city

A fascinating feature of Exeter for both locals and visitors alike, its mysterious medieval underground passages give an entirely different view from the city above. These subterranean tunnels were once used to transport water under the city centre, demonstrating how insightful the engineers of the day truly were.

Remarkably, these passages have survived the centuries, even during the Second World War when they were used as shelters for the citizens of Exeter. Now, they are open to the public to explore and discover whispers of the past with a guided tour.

Northernhay Gardens 

Located on the northern side of Rougemont Castle, these gardens are the oldest dedicated public space in the whole of England – and a remarkable place to visit.

Laid out in 1612 for citizens to spend a sunny afternoon wandering around, the park forms a true emerald-coloured jewel hidden in the heart of the city. Lay out a blanket and enjoy a picnic while you watch passers-by – or stop at the café to try one of their tasty cakes and a refreshing cup of tea.

Jurassic Coast

Where beauty meets the adventurously wild, the Jurassic Coast runs from Devon into neighbouring Dorset, and is the sort of place that makes visitors realise just how breath-taking the English coastline can really be.

A World Heritage Site, this spectacular wonder is where rocks and natural landmarks dating back 185 million years can be found. Visitors have been known to spend hours hunting for age-old fossils, or simply enjoying the fresh, salty air. As one of England’s greatest natural wonders, the Jurassic Coast can be enjoyed a stone’s throw from Exeter – or on a longer day trip to the majestic Durdle Door and other awe-inspiring locations around two hour’s drive away.

Car hire in Exeter gives you the chance to explore the compelling history of a city, the roaming lands of Devon and the wider spectacle of south-west England beyond.