Key details

About the Hotel

Iron Bridge, North Street, Exeter, EX4 3RB

Close to the city center

Great

8.7

8.8

/10

4.2

4.4

Loved by City Gate guests

Friendly staff

Modern bathroom

Great value

Delicious breakfast

Unique rooms

"The rooms are clean but cosy, with a luxury feel"

Rebecca from United Kingdom

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"The venue itself has a unique and stylish charm, making it stand out from more traditional settings."

Lisa from United Kingdom

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"super comfy bed!! very central but not noisy."

James from United Kingdom

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3-star City Gate: Boutique hotel with a historic pub and garden in central Exeter

Dining & Entertainment

The on-site pub serves a menu of seasonal locally-sourced produce with an extensive wine list and cocktail menu. The property hosts comedy nights, live music, and live sport events for guests. The dining room opens onto a secluded patio for al fresco dining, and breakfast offers both full English and vegetarian dishes.

Rooms & Amenities

Each of the 22 air-conditioned boutique en-suite bedrooms has a power shower or bath, a flat-screen TV with Sky channels, and a Nespresso coffee machine. Guests receive complimentary port and homemade sweet treats on arrival, plus an honesty bar with snacks and drinks in the room. Designated smoking area, family rooms, and non-smoking rooms are available, along with a safety deposit box and 24-hour security.

Pet-Friendly Accommodations

The hotel offers dog-friendly accommodations with tailored amenities including pet baskets and pet bowls. Complimentary treats for dogs are provided upon arrival, as noted in guest reviews. The garden area and pub space welcome well-behaved pets, making it a suitable choice for travelers with dogs.

Location & Surroundings

City Gate is a 5-minute walk from Exeter High Street, The Guildhall shopping centre, and Exeter Central train station. Exeter Cathedral is 400 metres away, and Exeter Quay is within walking distance. The city's historic wall runs through the property's outdoor garden space, providing a distinctive backdrop.

Events & Business Facilities

Private and semi-private dining spaces are available for events with personalized service from dedicated event planners. The hotel offers meeting and banquet facilities, fax/photocopying services, and invoice provided for business guests. Indoor and outdoor spaces include a covered and heated terrace for year-round dining and events.

Highlights

Dog-friendly: Pet baskets, bowls & treats provided

Entertainment: Comedy nights, live music & live sport

Garden: Outdoor terrace surrounded by historic city walls

Dining: Locally sourced menu with full English breakfast

Events: Private event spaces with dedicated planners

“City Gate strikes me as a smart choice in Exeter; its location places guests within a short walk of the city center's attractions. I think its dog-friendly accommodations and the pub's local craft beers are particularly appealing. The combination of comfort, character, and convenience makes it a standout.”

Grace WhitmanContent & Editorial Director at Familyhotels

Location: Perfect

9.3/10Review score

View our interactive map

Highlights from guests

DiningPub food elevated

The restaurant food felt restaurant-quality. The gluten-free fish and chips were superb. Breakfast was freshly cooked and delicious.

Harriet from England

Review on

Room FeaturesThoughtful Extras

The room had a Nespresso machine, a sweet treat, and complimentary port. Some rooms even include dog blankets and treats.

Oliver from Canada

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BathroomModern Touches

The large, fully tiled bathroom was modern with nice design touches. The roomy shower had both handheld and rainfall shower heads.

Mei from China

Review on

Guest ParkingConvenient access

Two car parks are within walking distance of the hotel. One of them can be paid using an App.

Hans from Netherlands

Review on

Choose from a variety of room types

Choose from a wide variety of rooms designed for families, including double rooms, family suites, and rooms with breakfast included

Boutique Double Room
2 persons
230 sq. feet
1 Queen-size bed
Air conditioning
Heating
room details
Boutique Twin Room
2 persons
230 sq. feet
2 Single beds
Air conditioning
Heating
room details
Double Room
2 persons
220 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Air conditioning
Heating
room details

Show all rooms

Availability and pricing for your selected dates

Book your family’s getaway in a snap with up-to-date availability and pricing!

Facilities

Each family-friendly hotel provides top-notch amenities for an unforgettable stay with your loved ones

Facilities: Great

8.8/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Safe deposit box
Express check-in/ -out
Pets allowed
24-hour security
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access
Key access

Services

Pet amenities available
Room service
Welcome drink

Dining

In-room breakfast
Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Special diet menus

Business

Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots
Board games
Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

Live entertainment
Sun terrace
Garden area

Room features

Air conditioning
Heating
Mini-bar
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

At City Gate, guests are welcomed into a vibrant culinary hub that celebrates traditional British cuisine while emphasizing fresh, local ingredients. From cozy pub classics to innovative vegetarian offerings, each meal is designed to indulge the senses and provide a comforting retreat after a day of exploration.

City Gate

Traditional British

Ambiance

Set in a charming location in the heart of Exeter, the City Gate features a traditional pub atmosphere with a large dining room perfect for family gatherings and a beautiful private terrace for sunny breaks.

Key Offerings

Highlights include seasonal dishes such as pan-roasted Elston Farm lamb rump and Brixham hake, as well as vegetarian options that cater to all palates. Guests can enjoy a refreshing drink from the in-house bar while savoring delightful meals.

Reservation

Recommended for larger groups.

Open for lunch and dinner; hours may vary.

City Gate Location

Iron Bridge, North Street, Exeter, EX4 3RB

Map view

City landmarks

Landmark

Exeter Quay

1.0 mi

Park

Northernhay Gardens

2200 ft

Landmark

Underground Passages

2600 ft

University

University of Exeter

1.1 mi

Church

Riverside Church

3100 ft

Nearby

Church

Exeter Cathedral

1600 ft

Museum

Royal Albert Memorial Museum

1000 ft

Castle

Rougemont Castle

2000 ft

Off Fore Street Mint Lane

St Nicholas Priory

1300 ft

Queen Street

1300 ft

17 Catherine St

St Catherine's Chapel and Almshouses

1400 ft

Church

St Pancras Church

700 ft

Cathedral Yard Exeter Cathedral

Statue of Richard Hooker

1100 ft

Queen Street

Miles' Clocktower

1200 ft

Event hall

Exeter Guildhall

1100 ft

Church

St Stephen's Church

1300 ft

Exeter High Street

Exeter Riddle Sculpture

1400 ft

Frog Street In a park off Frog Street

The Medieval Exe Bridge

1800 ft

Exeter - Catacombs and Lower Cemetery

1600 ft

Bridge

The Iron Bridge

300 ft

Art object

Redvers Buller

1600 ft

Restaurants

Conservatory Restaurant

500 ft

18 North Street

Steaks N Sushi

400 ft

23-24 North Street

Herbies

500 ft

15 North Street

Red Rose

500 ft

13-14 North Street

The Lin Den

500 ft

13 North Street

Gulliver's Fine Coffee & Cakes

600 ft

13 North Street

Turtle Bay

1100 ft

Queen Street Guildhall

Cote Brasserie

1300 ft

19-21 Cathedral Yard

Explore Exeter

Exeter Cathedral

6 minutes' walk

Gothic architecture and stunning stained glass. Guided tours reveal its historical significance.

Royal Albert Memorial Museum

4 minutes' walk

Free entry museum featuring art, history, and natural history exhibits. Great for families.

Underground Passages

10 minutes' walk

Medieval underground tunnels. Guided tours available, providing unique historical insights.

Rougemont Castle

8 minutes' walk

Historic castle with scenic views. Explore the grounds and enjoy a picnic with the family.

Exeter Quay

20 minutes' walk

Scenic riverside area for walking, cycling, and watersports. Cafés and rental services available.

Riverside Church

12 minutes' walk

A tranquil space offering yoga classes and meditation sessions suitable for all levels.

Belmont Park

20 minutes' drive

Beautiful park with walking trails and green spaces. Ideal for a family outing or a quiet stroll.

Conservatory Restaurant

2 minutes' walk

Elegant setting with a diverse menu. Known for local dishes made from fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Steaks N Sushi

2 minutes' walk

Unique blend of steak and sushi offerings. Casual dining atmosphere, perfect for a quick bite.

Herbies

2 minutes' walk

Vegetarian restaurant featuring hearty dishes. Cozy vibe with an extensive menu for healthy eaters.

Exeter Phoenix

15 minutes' walk

Arts venue hosting live music, theaters, and exhibitions. Family-friendly events are regularly scheduled.

The Cavern Club

15 minutes' walk

Popular music venue with live performances. Known for its vibrant nightlife and welcoming atmosphere.

Tips on navigating the city

City Centre
Exeter 4 min · 1000 ft
Airports
Exeter International (EXT) 16 min · 6.4 mi
Bristol (BRS) 163 min · 67.3 mi
Train
Exeter St Thomas Railway Station 10 min · 2700 ft
Exeter St Davids Train Station 11 min · 3000 ft

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-23:00

Check-out

from 07:00-11:00

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.

Breakfast

A full breakfast is served at the price of GBP 15.0 per person.

Children & extra beds

Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 1.

Pets

Pets are allowed on request.

Number of rooms:

Family-focused reviews and ratings

Read feedback from other families who have stayed to ensure you make the right choice.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

City Gate is widely appreciated for its blend of hotel and pub atmosphere, situated conveniently close to Exeter's attractions like the Cathedral and city center. Guests often highlight the individually decorated, spacious rooms, some noting air conditioning and the welcome addition of fresh milk and a selection of teas and coffee. Breakfast in the conservatory is a particular favorite, although some guests have found the soundproofing between rooms less than ideal. Its proximity to Exeter St David train station makes it convenient for rail travelers.

Review score

Based on 6 verified reviews

7.8 /10

Very good

100%

Recommend

Location

9.3/10

Staff

9.3/10

Free Wi-Fi

8.1/10

Value for money

8.5/10

Pros

Welcoming staff

Comfortable room

Good breakfast

City center location

Cons

Loud noise

Air con issues

Noisy traffic

Lack of sleep

based on 421 reviews

4/5

Henry from United Kingdom

Single

Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: February 17, 2026

6/10

overpriced restaurant absent staff

The staff greeted me with a cheerful smile, and they were very helpful. The room was clean, colorful, and very bright.

The restaurant was very overpriced. I found this unacceptable. My fire alarm in the room went off twice in the middle of the night. There was nobody around, so I could not ask anyone what was happening. I will not be staying here next time I visit.

0 Helpful

Scarlett from United Kingdom

Single

Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 28, 2025

7/10

convenient location friendly staff lovely toiletries dust problem mold problem dirty stairs

The location was convenient for exploring. The staff were very friendly! The room came with nice toiletries, and shortbread. I found those personal touches lovely.

The cleanliness of the restaurant was not up to par. I saw dust and dirt in the toilets. there was mold in the toilets. The stairs to the room were dirty. It worried me at first. The room itself was clean though

0 Helpful

Sebastian from Germany

Single

Double Room

3 nights in October 2025

Reviewed: December 22, 2025

9.0/10

satisfying stay

garden terrace friendly staff

The sunday lunch in the pub was fantastic. It features a very nice garden terrace. my room was spacious. A fridge allowed me to store my own items. staff members were very helpful and friendly, assisting with various requests. i found the overall experience to be quite pleasant.

during my stay, i found that the room i was in felt noticeably tired. it was to need both updating and a comprehensive deep clean. i saw mould in the bathroom on the ceiling, and floor tiles.

Facilities

9/10

the pub has a huge garden plus several areas designated for private functions! these areas were in constant use . there is a wonderful log fire that is kept roaring for warmth.

Rooms

8/10

The room included a well-stocked mini bar and a fridge with ample hanging space. lovely toiletries and plentiful tea and coffee were restocked. the bed was very comfortable. The hotel was quiet at night.

Service

10/10

The staff was helpful. sam, a friendly and cheery presence, served me in the restaurant! sam looked after me very well throughout my visit and kept the log fire roaring.

0 Helpful

Charlotte from United Kingdom

Single

Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 13, 2025

9/10

fresh milk comfy bed lovely toiletries

The room had lovely toiletries. fresh milk was in the fridge, this was a nice touch. the bed was very comfy. I slept very well.

The staircase was narrow. I did not see a lift.

0 Helpful

Jason from United Kingdom

Couple

Superior Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: November 23, 2025

9/10

nice stay indeed

friendly staff comfortable bed stocked minibar garden view

i appreciate the staff's friendly demeanor. they are helpful when i checking in. the room had a comfortable bed and nice bathroom. i found a well stocked minibar with drinks and snacks. the garden view from the room was beautiful.

the hotel did not have lifts, and stairs were narrow. this made access difficult with luggage.

Facilities

9/10

the hotel features a pub. it offers a nice autumn vibe and a selection of drinks. i note the pub is accessible directly from the hotel.

0 Helpful

Irene from Greece

Couple

double room

3 nights in October 2025

Reviewed: November 20, 2025

7/10

adequate amenities

plug socket appropriate decor polite lady small bathroom faulty television bath plug

the bedroom included many plug sockets the decor was appropriate i found nice features the young lady who checked us in was polite and thorough

the bathroom was very small i could barely turn around the tv did not function the bath plug would not release easily i needed a glass to empty the bath

0 Helpful

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