A trip to Exeter City offers a charming and authentic English football away day experience. St James Park, home of the Grecians since 1904, combines a historic football atmosphere with modern facilities, all set in the heart of Devon. For travelling supporters, Exeter provides a welcoming environment, compact stadium, and a city with plenty of pubs, restaurants, and attractions to make a day out truly memorable.

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Getting There

Exeter is located in Devon and is accessible by train, road, and coach, though travel from northern or central England requires more planning.

• By Train: The main station is Exeter St Davids, approximately 15–20 minutes’ walk from St James Park. Direct trains run from London Paddington (2h 30m), Bristol (1h 15m), Plymouth (50 minutes), and Taunton (40 minutes). From the station, fans can walk along Sidwell Street or take a short taxi ride to the stadium.
• By Car: Exeter is accessible via the M5 and A30. On matchdays, traffic near the stadium can be heavy, so pre-booking parking or arriving early is recommended. Official stadium car parks are available, though space is limited.
• By Coach: Away coaches are dropped off outside the away turnstiles, providing a safe and convenient option for travelling supporters.

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Where to Drink

Exeter has a vibrant pub scene, ideal for away fans looking for a pre-match pint.

• City Centre: The city centre is about a 15–20 minute walk from the stadium, with many pubs along High Street, Gandy Street, and Fore Street. The Old Firehouse and The Ship Inn offer traditional ales and a welcoming atmosphere. The Exeter Inn is also popular for fans wanting a hearty pre-match meal.
• Near the Ground: Pubs close to St James Park, such as The Imperial and The Exeter Arms, are friendly to away supporters. However, most away fans prefer the city centre before heading to the stadium.
• Alternative Options: For quieter pre-match drinks, the area around Cathedral Green offers boutique pubs and cafés with a relaxed atmosphere.

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The Ground: St James Park

St James Park is a traditional English football ground with modern touches. With a capacity of around 8,700, it provides a compact and intimate atmosphere where fans feel close to the action.

• Away Section: Visiting supporters are housed in the Big Bank Stand, with an allocation of around 1,000–1,500. The stand is fully covered and close to the pitch, ensuring away chants are audible throughout the ground.
• Facilities: The concourses are well-maintained with kiosks selling pies, burgers, hot dogs, chips, and soft drinks. Alcohol is served in designated areas. Toilets are modern and functional, though queues can form at peak times. Staff are welcoming and experienced in handling travelling fans.

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Food Options

Exeter offers a variety of food options for away supporters before and after the match.

• Near the Ground: Takeaways around St James Park sell traditional matchday food such as burgers, kebabs, and chips. The Imperial provides pub meals for fans wanting a sit-down option.
• City Centre: Exeter city centre has numerous restaurants and cafés serving everything from Italian and Indian cuisine to traditional British pub food. Wetherspoons is also popular for an affordable pre-match meal.
• Local Specialties: Devon is famous for its pasties, cream teas, and seafood. Sampling a Cornish pasty or a Devon cream tea in the city is a local treat for fans visiting from out of town.

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Making a Weekend of It

Exeter is a historic and picturesque city, perfect for a day or weekend away.

• Nightlife: The city centre offers pubs, bars, and restaurants, particularly along Fore Street and Gandy Street. The Old Firehouse and The Ship Inn are popular post-match venues.
• Culture & Attractions: Exeter boasts Exeter Cathedral, the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, and the historic Quayside. Fans can also enjoy walks along the Exe River or visit nearby Dartmoor National Park for stunning scenery.
• Day Trips: Plymouth and Torquay are within an hour’s drive, while the Jurassic Coast offers beautiful coastal walks. Exeter’s location makes it a great base for exploring Devon and Cornwall.

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Away Day Tips

• Arrive Early: Exeter is a small city, but streets around the stadium can become congested on matchdays. Allow at least 90 minutes to get to the ground and find parking or walk from the city centre.
• Drink in the City Centre: Pubs in the city centre offer a safer and more welcoming pre-match atmosphere than those directly around the stadium.
• Dress for the Weather: Devon weather can be unpredictable, so bring layers and waterproofs.
• Engage with the Atmosphere: The Big Bank Stand is compact and close to the pitch, allowing away fans to make a noticeable impact with chants and songs.

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Final Whistle

An Exeter City away day offers a blend of traditional football atmosphere, compact modern facilities, and the charm of a historic Devon city. St James Park provides an intimate environment for away fans, while the city itself offers pubs, restaurants, and local attractions to make a full day or weekend out of your trip.

From pre-match pints in the city centre to cheering your team in the Big Bank Stand, to exploring Exeter Cathedral or walking along the Exe afterwards, an away day here combines football, culture, and local hospitality. Exeter City is a destination that delivers a complete and memorable away day experience for any travelling supporter.