Rugby World Cup 2015: Exeter (Sandy Park Stadium)

by Centurion Sales Team

With the Rugby World Cup set to kick off on September 18th, this week we have picked Exeter as our place of interest. Centurion is offering some help and advice on hotels, restaurants, nightlife and how to get to the cities picked to host the matches.

The Sandy Park Stadium in Exeter is home to the recently-promoted Aviva Premiership side Exeter Chiefs. It was built to replace the County Ground in 2006 and is now one of the biggest club rugby grounds in England offering an increased capacity of 12,300.

If you're looking for places to stay, eat or go out, we've put together a short guide below to Exeter, to help celebrate the Rugby World Cup 2015.

Matches

Tuesday 29th September - Tonga v Namibia - 16.45

Wednesday 7th October - Namibia v Georgia - 20.00

Sunday 11th October - Italy v Romania - 14.30

Top places to stay

Holiday Inn Express (1.1 miles from stadium)

The Holiday Inn is renowned for offering great value accommodation and Exeter is no exception. With free parking and an excellent location close to the Sandy Park stadium, the hotel has all you'll need to make your stay a relaxing and easy one. Located in one of the commercial districts of the city, the hotel is just a 10-minute drive from Exmouth.

Blue Ball Inn (0.2 miles from the Stadium)

The Blue Ball Inn offers delightful accommodation within a newly converted stable block and is just a short walk from the Sandy Park Stadium. Each room offers a high level of comfort and relaxation and facilities include a 32-inch flat-screen HD TVs, power showers and Wi-Fi in public areas. Exeter city centre is just a 10-minute drive away and the hotel is conveniently located for sampling some of Devon’s finest beaches.

The Magdalen Chapter (2.8 miles from the Stadium)

If you're looking for an upmarket hotel in the centre of Exeter, The Magdalen Chapter is a brand new 4 star rated hotel opened in 2012 which offers plenty of comfort to guests. Facilities include a fitness centre, REN Spa and an outdoor pool open all year round, free Wi-Fi, a bar and a 24-hour front desk. Rooms have added features such as a monsoon shower, an iPad and a Nespresso machine, with many rooms enjoying views over the Haldon Hills. Just a 15 minute walk from Exeter Central Rail Station and 20 minutes’ drive from Exmouth.

Top places to eat

Jasmine Thai Restaurant

Located in the centre of Exeter on Fore Street, the Jasmine Thai Restaurant offers superior flavours coupled with superior service. The menu consists of a fusion of traditional and modern dishes with Eastern and Western influences served by a team of Thai chefs. The modern and contemporary dining room is one of Exeter's finest and guests will enjoy the authentic ambience, the exquisite food and the excellent service.

The Oddfellows

A smart gastropub located on 60 New North Road, The Oddfellows is well known in Exeter for its unique food and drinks offering. Not only does it serve an excellent selection of pub grub, on the first floor is a cocktail lounge. The interior is decked out with stripped wood flooring and dado panelling and serves English cuisine at its very best using free range meat and local suppliers where possible. Whatever your preference, whether its to relax and unwind after the match or indlulge in a few pre-dinner cocktails, The Oddfellows offers a fantastic experience.

Harry's

Located just one street behind Exeter's bustling shopping centre on Longbrook Street, Harry's offers a relaxing post-match haven to enjoy lunch or dinner. Located in a distinctive red brick winery, this restaurant is a family run bistro that has served as a magnet to locals and visitors alike for more than 14 years. Excellent food coupled with a great selection of ales and wines make this the perfect spot to enjoy your break away.

Top places to drink

Old Firehouse

Described on TripAdvisor as “Quite simply, the best pub in Exeter” we can see why this pub located on New North Road in the centre of Exeter comes up trumps. Not only does it serve up great drinks at great prices with a great atmosphere on top, the late night wood-fired pizzas are to die for! Choose from an excellent selection of local beers and cider and settle down for the evening to enjoy the atmosphere - but get there early if you want a seat!

The Monkey Suit

Located on Sidwell Street, the Monkey Suit is a quirky bar which hosts live music events and has a stage that has played host to many high profile names such as Bez from the ‘Happy Mondays’ and blues legend, Louisiana Red. Upstairs is a Club and VIP Lounge to enjoy the entertainment well into the night. The range of drinks is spectacular and includes the bar's exclusive 'Craft and World Beer' selection as well as a popular and evolving cocktail menu.

Chaucers Inn

Located on the main High Street, Chaucers Inn has been described as a "hidden gem". Do not be put off by the frontage or the central location, instead venture inside and you'll discover a lively, upbeat atmosphere mixed with locals and visitors alike. A great place to relax and unwind after the match - choose from a rich selection of beers and take a seat for the night - you won't be disappointed.

Getting there and away

Address:

Sandy Park Way
Exeter
Devon
EX2 7NN

Parking

There is no on-site parking for supporters on match days but you can gain easy access to the stadium via public transport methods or alternatively there is parking at the nearby Crealy Adventure Park or Westpoint Arena. Parking is £5 per vehicle and includes a free regular shuttle bus service for occupants to and from the stadium both before and after the game. All car parks are clearly signposted from Junction 30 of the M5.

By Taxi

There is a drop off point at the stadium complex from the A379 for taxis and cars. Please do not drop off or pick up on the slip road leading to Sandy Park and on the main A379 as this is illegal and highly dangerous.

By Train

The Exeter to Exmouth railway line runs right past the stadium and offers a regular service on match days. Digby & Sowton Station is less than 10 minutes' walk from Sandy Park. First Great Western offer match day special trains, visit their website for more details.

By Bus

There are three match-day specials which operate three hours before kick-off and for three hours after the final whistle. The No 77 and No 78 which are both run by Dartline Coaches and the C bus, which is run by Stagecoach. If you are travelling from outside of Exeter, Stagecoach operates regular services from a variety of locations including Teignmouth, Dawlish, Exmouth, Topsham and Crediton, all of which terminate at the bus station where you can easily connect onto the C service.

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