All articles
7 Airport Hotels Near Northernhay Gardens Worth Booking

The Pobonline Journal

7 Airport Hotels Near Northernhay Gardens Worth Booking

Find airport hotels near Northernhay Gardens, Exeter. Compare location, facilities & booking tips to choose the right stay for your trip.

7 Airport Hotels Near Northernhay Gardens Worth Booking

Northernhay Gardens sits at the northern edge of Exeter city centre, adjacent to the city walls and a short walk from Exeter Central station - making it a genuinely useful reference point for travellers who need both city access and a straightforward route to Exeter International Airport. The hotels in this guide range from properties directly near the airport perimeter to city-centre options that keep Northernhay Gardens within reach while still offering practical connectivity for early departures or late arrivals.

What It's Like Staying Near Northernhay Gardens

Northernhay Gardens occupies a calm, elevated strip between the old Roman city walls and the commercial core of Exeter, placing guests within a 10-minute walk of Exeter Central station, the Cathedral Quarter, and the main retail streets. The area stays relatively quiet at night compared to the High Street or Quayside, which suits travellers who want city access without noise exposure. Staying here means you're within walking reach of central Exeter's key landmarks, but airport-bound travellers should factor in that Exeter International Airport is around 5 miles north-east of the city - accessible by taxi or the number 56 bus from the city centre.

Why Choose Airport Hotels Near Northernhay Gardens

Airport hotels near Northernhay Gardens serve a practical dual role: they offer proximity to Exeter city centre for sightseeing or business during the day, while providing either direct airport access or fast transit links for early-morning or late-night flights. Properties near the airport itself sit roughly 5 miles from Northernhay Gardens, meaning the trade-off is straightforward - you gain airport convenience but lose walkable city access. City-centre hotels in this guide keep Northernhay Gardens close but require a short drive or bus ride to the airport, typically under 20 minutes outside peak hours.

Pros:

  • * Direct or fast access to Exeter International Airport without city traffic stress
  • * City-centre options allow same-day sightseeing before or after a flight
  • * Several properties in this category include free parking, cutting transfer costs
Cons:
  • * Airport-perimeter hotels sit too far from Northernhay Gardens to walk
  • * City-centre airport hotels may charge for parking, adding to overnight costs
  • * Limited dining options near the airport perimeter after 9 PM

Practical Booking & Area Strategy

For travellers prioritising both Northernhay Gardens access and airport connectivity, properties along Queen Street and New North Road sit closest to the gardens while remaining on direct bus corridors to the airport. Exeter Central station - under 5 minutes' walk from Northernhay Gardens - connects to St James' Park and St Thomas areas, giving additional transit flexibility. If you're flying via Exeter International Airport early in the morning, booking a hotel on the eastern side of the city (along Honiton Road or near the Met Office business park) cuts your airport transfer to under 10 minutes by car, avoiding city-centre congestion entirely. The Quayside, Guildhall Shopping Centre, and the Royal Albert Memorial Museum are all within 15 minutes' walk of the gardens, making a central base worthwhile if you have time before or after your flight. Book at least 6 weeks ahead during the summer peak (June-August) and during Exeter's Respect Festival period, when city-centre accommodation fills quickly and airport-area properties also see higher demand from outbound tourists.

Best Value Airport Hotels

These properties offer the strongest combination of price, practical airport access, and usable facilities for travellers passing through Exeter - whether connecting to a flight or using the city as a base.

  • 8.2 Very Good
    4120 reviews
    Holiday Inn Express Exeter East By Ihg Holiday Inn Express Exeter East By Ihg Holiday Inn Express Exeter East By Ihg Holiday Inn Express Exeter East By Ihg Holiday Inn Express Exeter East By Ihg

    That was just a preview — check out all hotel photos.

    1/1

    Holiday Inn Express Exeter East By IHG is positioned adjacent to the Met Office in one of Exeter's eastern commercial districts, just 2.8 miles from Exeter International Airport - making it the most airport-proximate city-side hotel in this guide. Northernhay Gardens is reachable by a short drive into the city centre. The hotel includes a free breakfast buffet every morning with hot and continental options, which removes the need to find food before an early departure. Rooms come with air conditioning, power shower, flat-screen TV, and tea/coffee facilities. Two on-site meeting rooms with audio/visual equipment make this viable for business travellers with daytime commitments before a flight.

    • Free breakfast buffet included
    • On-site paid parking available
    • 2.8 miles from Exeter International Airport
  • 8.5 Fabulous
    543 reviews
    Fair Oak House Exeter Airport Fair Oak House Exeter Airport Fair Oak House Exeter Airport Fair Oak House Exeter Airport Fair Oak House Exeter Airport

    That was just a preview — check out all hotel photos.

    1/1

    Fair Oak House is the only property in this guide located a literal 3-minute walk from Exeter International Airport's terminal, which makes it unmatched for pre-dawn or late-night flights. Northernhay Gardens is around 8 km away by road, so this option suits pure transit stays rather than city exploration. Rooms include a flat-screen TV with Freeview, kettle, tea, coffee, and biscuits - no restaurant on-site, but the proximity to the airport terminal offsets this. Free parking is included, which is a meaningful cost saving compared to official airport parking charges. Torquay is 30 km away, giving some context for guests combining a coastal day trip with an Exeter Airport departure.

    • Free on-site parking
    • 3-minute walk to Exeter Airport terminal
    • Free WiFi throughout
  • 8.2 Very Good
    2344 reviews
    St Andrews Hotel St Andrews Hotel St Andrews Hotel St Andrews Hotel St Andrews Hotel

    That was just a preview — check out all hotel photos.

    1/1

    St Andrews Hotel sits on the western side of the city centre, with Exeter St Thomas train station just 0.5 miles away and direct M5 motorway access nearby - both useful for reaching the airport quickly without navigating the city core. Northernhay Gardens is approximately a 20-minute walk or a short drive across the city. The hotel offers a free car park, which is a notable advantage given that central Exeter parking is limited and charged at most nearby properties. Full English or continental breakfast is served daily, and all rooms include en-suite shower, Freeview TV, and hospitality tray. The Quayside - with its concentration of pubs and restaurants - is within walking distance, making evening plans easy before an early-morning departure.

    • Free car park on-site
    • Exeter St Thomas station 0.5 miles away
    • Full English breakfast included
  • 9.1 Superb
    828 reviews
    Townhouse Exeter Townhouse Exeter Townhouse Exeter Townhouse Exeter Townhouse Exeter

    That was just a preview — check out all hotel photos.

    1/1

    Townhouse Exeter is a Grade II-listed Victorian guest house located next to St Davids Church, roughly 5 minutes' walk from Exeter Central Railway Station - which puts Northernhay Gardens within a short stroll. For airport travellers, the M5 motorway is just over 10 minutes' drive, providing a clear route to Exeter International Airport without city-centre delays. Some rooms feature original fireplaces, and all en-suite rooms include free toiletries and towels. Breakfast is served in-room, delivered to the door - a genuinely convenient feature for guests with tight morning schedules. The property sources locally produced, fair-trade ingredients where possible, which distinguishes the food offering from standard chain-hotel buffets.

    • In-room breakfast delivery
    • 5-minute walk to Exeter Central station
    • M5 access within 10 minutes by car

Best Premium Airport Hotel Stays

These properties offer stronger facilities, more distinctive settings, or superior food and drink options - suited to travellers who want more than a functional overnight stop near Exeter Airport.

  • 8.6 Fabulous
    4094 reviews
    Holiday Inn Express - Exeter - City Centre By Ihg Holiday Inn Express - Exeter - City Centre By Ihg Holiday Inn Express - Exeter - City Centre By Ihg Holiday Inn Express - Exeter - City Centre By Ihg Holiday Inn Express - Exeter - City Centre By Ihg

    That was just a preview — check out all hotel photos.

    1/1

    Holiday Inn Express Exeter City Centre by IHG sits in central Exeter, placing Northernhay Gardens within easy walking distance and Exeter International Airport around 9 km away - reachable in under 20 minutes by car outside peak hours. The hotel offers family rooms, a shared lounge, air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, and a daily buffet or continental breakfast. Private parking is available on-site, which simplifies logistics for car-based travellers connecting to the airport. Sandy Park Rugby Stadium is 6.6 km away and Powderham Castle is 13 km out, giving some flexibility for guests with a half-day free before a flight. The 24-hour front desk is a practical asset for late check-ins after delayed arrivals.

    • Family rooms available
    • Private parking on-site
    • 24-hour front desk for late arrivals
  • 8.2 Very Good
    3837 reviews
    White Hart, Exeter By Marston'S Inns White Hart, Exeter By Marston'S Inns White Hart, Exeter By Marston'S Inns White Hart, Exeter By Marston'S Inns White Hart, Exeter By Marston'S Inns

    That was just a preview — check out all hotel photos.

    1/1

    The White Hart, Exeter by Marston's Inns is a city-centre inn located 4 minutes' walk from Exeter Cathedral and a comparable distance from the Guildhall - putting Northernhay Gardens within a short walk. The airport is around 20 minutes by car, so this works best for travellers with at least one full day in the city before flying. The restaurant menu goes beyond standard pub fare - gourmet burgers, steaks, curries, sharing platters, and a dedicated dessert menu are available on-site each evening. Private parking is available at £10 per night, which is competitive given the central location. The Royal Albert Memorial Museum is 0.4 miles away, and Dartmoor is around 20 minutes' drive - useful context for guests planning a day trip before heading to the airport.

    • 4-minute walk to Exeter Cathedral
    • On-site restaurant with full evening menu
    • Private parking available at £10/night
  • 8.6 Fabulous
    1016 reviews
    The Globe The Globe The Globe The Globe The Globe

    That was just a preview — check out all hotel photos.

    1/1

    The Globe is a renovated 16th-century coaching inn set in the centre of Topsham, 4 miles from Exeter city centre - placing Northernhay Gardens roughly a 15-minute drive away. For airport travellers, Exeter International Airport is accessible via the A30 corridor without passing through the city. Rooms are fitted with Vi-Spring beds, free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, and en-suite bathrooms; a 2-bedroom apartment is available for families requiring extra space. The bar and restaurant use daily-changing menus built around Devon and West Country produce, with award-winning ales also on offer - a meaningful step up from standard airport-hotel dining. Topsham rail station is 7 minutes' walk away, connecting to Exeter Central in under 10 minutes for guests who want city access without driving.

    • Vi-Spring beds in all rooms
    • Daily-changing menu with local Devon produce
    • Topsham rail station 7 minutes' walk away

Smart Travel & Timing Advice for Exeter Airport Stays

Exeter International Airport operates with noticeably higher passenger volumes between late June and early September, when Southwest England holiday traffic peaks and flights to Mediterranean destinations run at full capacity. Book airport-adjacent properties at least 6 weeks ahead during this window - Fair Oak House in particular has limited rooms and sells out faster than city-centre options. The quietest booking window is November through February, when rates at city-centre properties like The White Hart and Townhouse Exeter drop and availability is wide. If your flight is before 7 AM, staying airport-side (Fair Oak House or Holiday Inn Express Exeter East) eliminates the risk of city traffic delays entirely. For stays of 2 nights or more, a central Exeter base near Northernhay Gardens gives better value - you can use public transport or a single taxi to the airport rather than paying for airport-area parking across multiple nights. The Exeter Festival of South West Food & Drink (typically April) and the Exeter Respect Festival (July) both drive accommodation demand across the city, so factor these into your booking timeline if your travel dates overlap.

  • What It's Like Staying Near Northernhay Gardens
  • Why Choose Airport Hotels Near Northernhay Gardens
  • Practical Booking & Area Strategy
  • Best Value Airport Hotels

    • 1. Holiday Inn Express Exeter East By Ihg
    • 2. Fair Oak House Exeter Airport
    • 3. St Andrews Hotel
    • 4. Townhouse Exeter
  • Best Premium Airport Hotel Stays

    • 5. Holiday Inn Express - Exeter - City Centre By Ihg
    • 6. White Hart, Exeter By Marston'S Inns
    • 7. The Globe
  • Smart Travel & Timing Advice for Exeter Airport Stays
Hotels featured in this article
1. Holiday Inn Express Exeter East By Ihg
2. Fair Oak House Exeter Airport
3. St Andrews Hotel
4. Townhouse Exeter
5. Holiday Inn Express - Exeter - City Centre By Ihg
6. White Hart, Exeter By Marston'S Inns
7. The Globe
Was this article helpful to you? Thanks for your feedback

You may also like

Explore more articles with curated hotel picks and local insights you might enjoy

8 Smart Airport Hotels Near Phoenix Parks and Recreation

8 Smart Airport Hotels Near Phoenix Parks and Recreation

Updated Apr 23, 2026 9 min read
Find the best airport hotels near Phoenix Parks and Recreation. Compare locations, amenities, and booking tips to choose the right stay in Phoenix.
5 Central Hotels Close to The Broad in Los Angeles

5 Central Hotels Close to The Broad in Los Angeles

Updated Apr 23, 2026 9 min read
Looking for central hotels near The Broad in LA? Compare 5 well-located options with real distances, transit tips, and booking insights.
4 Airport Hotels Close to Long Bridge Park Worth Booking

4 Airport Hotels Close to Long Bridge Park Worth Booking

Updated Apr 23, 2026 10 min read
Find the best airport hotels near Long Bridge Park, Arlington. Compare distance, amenities, and booking tips to make the right stay decision.
4 Standout Design Hotels Close to Mile Square Park

4 Standout Design Hotels Close to Mile Square Park

Updated Apr 23, 2026 10 min read
Staying near Mile Square Park in Fountain Valley? Compare 4 design hotels with pools, kitchens & breakfast included. Practical booking guide inside.
100% Verified Reviews