If you’re looking for a family-friendly city break we can highly recommend Exeter. It’s such an easy city to get around on foot and there’s a huge number of things to do in the surrounding Devon countryside. But where should you stay in Exeter? I’ve recently been introduced to Chute House – a family and dog-friendly holiday let in Exeter city centre.
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If you fancy a self-catering holiday in Devon, here’s some of the reasons why you should check it out.
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1. Family friendly accommodation in Exeter
Chute House is perfect for a multi-generation city break, a couple of families holidaying together or a group of friends.
It sleeps eight people in four bedrooms that can be easily switched from king sized beds to twins depending on who’s staying. The master suite in the loft even has its own ensuite. I’d have dibs on that! The bathroom queues at home have been growing!
The house was fully refurbished in 2021 and has all the mod cons for families. There’s Wi-Fi, Netflix and a dish washer so everyone can have a break from doing after dinner chores.
How beautifully decorated are these rooms?!
There’s also a large, paved garden where you can relax with a Devon cider or gin after a hard day exploring.
2. The location
Speaking of exploring, what a fabulous base for a family holiday in Devon?! Chute House is not far from the heart of the city centre, which is very easy to navigate on foot.
From Chute House you can walk 15 minutes to the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, also known as RAMM, where you can discover all kinds of facts about Devon’s people, places and culture. Meeting Gerald the Giraffe is always a highlight for my girls.
Historic Exeter Cathedral, which is surrounded by atmospheric medieval buildings, is a touch more than 10 minutes away and Exeter Quay is another short 10 minute jaunt from here. Both locations are brilliant places to grab a table at an independent cafe or pub and people watch.
If you’re holidaying with the grandparents you can have a well earned child-free treat at The Ivy on Cathedral Green. Follow it up with cocktails at Oddfellows and a film at Exeter Picturehouse. Can you tell I’m craving a date night?!
Keep an eye on what’s on at Exeter Phoenix and Exeter Northcott Theatre, both a 20 minute walk from Chute House. Both have art house and family-friendly performances throughout the year.
If you’re a footy fan you’re also in prime position for visiting Exeter City Football Club at St James Park, which is a 10 minute saunter down the road.
If your children have any energy left, there’s a park and playground a few hundred meters from the house.
3. Things to do near Exeter
As if that isn’t enough to fill your holiday schedule, the whole of Devon is on your doorstep.
Just outside the city is Crealy Adventure Park and Resort, which is a theme park with small roller coasters, a log flume, zoo, indoor play and plenty of other attractions to keep tots to teens entertained all day.
If you want a beach day then the golden sands and promenade at Exmouth are a thirty minute drive away. You can also catch a bus or train there.
If a visiting a country house and gardens is more your thing, the National Trust properties of Killerton, Castle Drogo and Knightshayes are all less than 40 minutes away. And Powderham Castle,the ancestral home of the Earls of Devon, is 25 minutes south.
Fancy something a little more exhilarating? The Bear Trail is a unique Devon experience inspired by military assault courses. It has mud pits, scrabble nets and rope swings for a fun-packed day out.
You can also hire bikes, try segways or Go Ape at Haldon Forest on the edge of Dartmoor National Park.
Exeter and the surrounding area have something for everyone.
Here’s some more ideas for things to do in and around Exeter.
4. Easy parking in the city centre
One of the biggest draw backs of city breaks can be parking. But not at Chute House.
You can unload or luggage outside and use one of several city centre car parks close by. Download the Ringo app for contactless payment for parking in Exeter and many places around Devon.
If you want to leave your car at home, Exeter bus station is five minutes from Chute House and Exeter Central train station is 0.8 miles away.
5. Dog-friendly accommodation in Exeter
Finally, the great news for pet owners is this holiday let in Exeter city centre allows pets. Just let the owners know when you book and they’ll be happy to welcome your four-legged family member too.
Belmont Park is a few minutes away for walkies. Here’s some ideas for dog-friendly days out in Devon.
If you are planning a UK city break with kids this year, you really must consider Exeter.
Find out more and check availability for Chute House self catering in Exeter.
More options for self catering accommodation in Exeter
If you’re looking for a smaller serviced holiday let in Exeter take a look at Isca House. This has two bedrooms and has been renovated to the same excellent standard as Chute House. It’s located in the city centre near glorious Exeter Quay.
Disclosure: this post has been written with the GIL Properties to help promote its self catering holiday lets in Exeter. Property images have been supplied by Chute House. All other images of Devon are my own.
Planning your next city break? Why not save this post about holiday lets in Exeter on Pinterest.
