SOCIAL SOUTHERNHAY
eat, meet and sleep in the centre of historic exeter
Southernhay House has been welcoming visitors for over 200 years - please join us to eat, meet or sleep in the centre of this historic city.
Independently owned
Our focus is on making you the centre of your stay, creating a luxurious yet comfortable environment. Our dedicated full-time staff are always on hand to ensure all your needs are met. Feel free to ask us for any extras, local advice, dietary requirements, or travel arrangements.
Meet The Team
- General Manager: Sally French
- Hospitality Manager: Lily Davey-Attlee
- Duty Manager: Jack Morton
- Owners: Tony Orchard & Deborah Clark
FAQs
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Parking
We have a driveway in front of the hotel where you can unload and check in. Details of our nearest car parks here.
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Checking in and out
Check in time is 3pm. Feel free to arrive earlier and use the facilities of the hotel. Check out is at 11am. Earlier or later check outs will be accommodated if possible with a fee of £40. Please request on booking.
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Group Bookings
To ensure the best experience for all our guests, we do not accept group bookings of more than 4 rooms unless on an exclusive basis or for private dining functions. If individuals book separately as part of a group (e.g., for weddings, parties), we reserve the right to amend or cancel these bookings.
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Access
Due to the historic nature of the building, we do not have a lift.
All of our public areas are accessible to wheelchair users.
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Non-Residents
Join Us at Southernhay House
Whether you’re a local or visiting Exeter for the day, you’re welcome to enjoy a meal or cocktails at Southernhay House.
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Wi-Fi
This is free and available throughout the hotel.
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Smoking
Southernhay House is a non-smoking hotel. A £400 fee will be charged should we need to deep clean your bedroom for any reason.
Smoking is only permitted outside the hotel at the front.
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Children
There are no facilities for babies or infants in the hotel; children of 8 and older are welcome to book into our rooms overnight on an adult tariff, and on the basis that a Parent will share the room with them. We do not supply cots, roll out beds or divans. Our Apartment has a large sofa bed, which can be made up for a third person (over 8 yrs) - please ask for details.
Our function rooms and facilities are not suitable for children under 8. We have no children's menus.
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Dogs
Dogs are welcome in the Bar, Green Room, garden and on the terrace.
We do not accept dogs in the bedrooms (unless registered Guide Dogs).
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Security
Access to all of our bedrooms is restricted to overnight guests only.
Guests are requested to leave their key with reception at all times when out of the building.
The front door is locked at 10.30pm and access given for residents only after that time: ring the bell and our Night Porter will let you in.
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Air Conditioning
We understand that some visitors will be coming from countries where aircon is standard in all bedrooms. Please be aware: our Georgian house has sash windows, which open for natural ventilation. During heat wave spells, we provide fans and have a heat management plan. This house was built to be warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
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Checking in and out
Check in time is 3pm, but feel free to arrive earlier and use the facilities of the hotel. Check out is at 11am. Later check outs will be accommodated if possible.
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Booking T&Cs
For all of our rates, cancellation is free of charge up to 3pm on the day before your arrival, after which a full one-night charge will be made. In giving us your credit card details, you confirm agreement to these terms and conditions.
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Access
Please note that due to the historic Grade II* listing of the property, we do not have a lift. Staff are on hand to assist with your bags.
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Parking
We have a driveway in front of the hotel where you can unload your bags, check-in and find your bearings. There are several managed car parks close by and parking on the road in Southernhay itself is free overnight. Find details here.
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Wi-Fi
This is free and available throughout the hotel.
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Dogs
We do not accept dogs in the bedrooms, nor the internal public rooms. Dogs are welcome outside, in the garden and on the large terrace.
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Smoking
Southernhay House is a non-smoking hotel. A £200 fee will be charged should we need to deep clean your bedroom for any reason.
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Children
We have no facilities for small children; older children are welcome to book into our rooms on an adult basis. Please note the maximum occupancy for all of our rooms is two guests and all rooms are doubles.
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Eating
We serve food at lunchtimes and in the evening in our Bar, cosy Club Room, Green Room or, weather permitting, outside on the open terrace: you choose where you’d like to eat!
Our Commitment
Our building
We converted this Grade II* Georgian building with especial attention to energy efficiency and minimising noise pollution.
The conversion of a Georgian building to the highest modern standards, with beauty but with the necessary amenities is in itself part of the anti-demolition movement of Eco-Architecture.
Ventilation is natural, and all the windows have been fully restored to be openable; closeable and lockable where necessary.
Our food
Devon is the Tuscany of England. There is no excuse for not using our locally sourced cheese, meat and fish, brought in daily: our fish from Brixham, our steak from Elstone Farm in Crediton. Menus change monthly and follow the seasons. Our party menus are prepared to pre-order and so wasteage is minimal.
Our basics
We long ago committed to no single use, of either plastic or paper. The hotel is strictly no smoking. Our recycling policy is evident, implemented and audited by external specialists.
Our people
Southernhay House is a happy and friendly place to work. Our staff appreciate and endorse our policies of inclusion and zero tolerance towards bullying or rude behaviour.
Our future
In our hotel’s mix of antique and modern, we commit to fully restoring our antiques and to buying the best quality modern furniture and fittings available. This is not a hotel that reinvents itself every decade. Southernhay House believes less is more, and is built to last.
Our building
We have converted this Grade II* Georgian building to prioritise energy efficiency and minimise noise pollution.
This transformation aligns with the principles of Eco-Architecture, preserving the building’s historical beauty while integrating modern amenities. Our efforts contribute to the anti-demolition movement, showcasing how heritage structures can meet contemporary standards.
Natural ventilation is a key feature, with all windows fully restored to be openable, closeable, and lockable as needed.
Our food
Devon is often called the Tuscany of England, and we take full advantage of our local bounty. We proudly use locally sourced cheese, meat, and fish, delivered fresh daily. Our fish comes from Brixham, and our steak is sourced from Elstone Farm in Crediton.
Our menus change monthly to reflect the seasons, ensuring the freshest ingredients. For parties, we prepare menus to pre-order, minimising waste.
Our basics
We are committed to eliminating single-use plastics and paper. Our hotel is strictly no smoking. Our recycling policy is clear, implemented, and audited by external specialists.
Our people
Southernhay House is a happy and friendly place to work. Our staff fully endorse our policies of inclusion and zero tolerance towards bullying or rude behaviour.
Our future
At Southernhay House, we blend antique charm with modern elegance. We are committed to fully restoring our antiques and investing in the highest quality modern furniture and fittings. This is not a hotel that reinvents itself every decade. We believe less is more, and our approach is built to last.