Exeter

Brightside Exeter – The A38 Stop on Haldon Hill

Brightside Exeter was our first restaurant, opening in February 2023 on the A38 at Haldon Hill, just outside Exeter – opposite Exeter Racecourse.

It sits at a useful point for almost any South West journey. Coming off the M5 and heading towards Plymouth or Cornwall? Exeter is the natural handover. Coming back from the coast and not quite ready to rejoin the motorway? Same. It’s a genuine crossroads stop, and the food is worth the pull-in.

Haldon Hill gives you views across Devon. Brightside Exeter gives you a proper meal. Between the two, it’s a good place to be.

The Food

An all-day menu from breakfast through to evening. The Brightside Breakfast does what it says – bacon, sausage, eggs, hash browns, beans, mushrooms, roasted tomatoes, toast – and it’s cooked fresh every time. Beyond breakfast there’s fish and chips, sourdough pizza, burgers, salads, and a kids’ menu that will keep little ones happy while you eat in peace.

Vegan and gluten-free menus are proper menus. Dogs are welcome inside.

A Note on EV Charging

EV charging is not currently available at Brightside Exeter. We’re working to bring charging to more of our restaurants. If EV charging is essential to your journey, our nearest sites with charging points are Brightside Honiton (A303, Devon) and Brightside Ram Jam (A1, Rutland).

Book a Table

Walk-ins welcome, but booking ahead is sensible at weekends and during school holidays.

What’s Nearby

Haldon Forest Park (next door, off the A38)

3,500 acres of woodland directly adjacent, less than a mile away. Free to enter (car parking charges apply). Walking trails for all abilities, mountain biking, Go Ape high ropes course, orienteering, play areas, and bike hire. If you’ve got children who need to burn some energy before getting back in the car, this is your answer.

Go Ape Haldon

Tree-top adventure course in the forest. Zip wires, rope crossings, and Tarzan swings through the canopy. Good for older kids and adults.

Exeter Racecourse (directly opposite)

One of the South West’s best-known National Hunt tracks, perched on Haldon Hill with views across Devon. Race days draw big crowds; Brightside is the obvious stop before or after. Children under 17 go free with a paying adult.

Exeter City Centre (15 mins)

Exeter Cathedral, Royal Albert Memorial Museum, the Roman walls, Exeter Quayside, and Gandy Street. Worth knowing about if you’re making a day of it.

Killerton (National Trust, 20 mins)

Beautiful gardens, house, and estate walks near Broadclyst.

Crealy Theme Park (20 mins)

Major family theme park. Over 60 rides and attractions. Brightside Exeter is a natural pre- or post-visit stop.

Powderham Castle (20 mins)

Riverside castle with a deer park, farm shop, and regular event days.

Summer Events 2026

Exeter Racecourse – throughout the season, directly opposite. Race days from spring through to autumn. Children under 17 go free with a paying adult. Check the Jockey Club website for 2026 fixtures.

Haldon Forest Park seasonal programme – throughout summer. Activity trails, Go Ape sessions, and outdoor events. Good for families looking for a structured day out.

Crealy Theme Park – open throughout summer school holidays. Over 60 rides and attractions. Brightside Exeter is a natural stop either side of the day.

Boardmasters – 5–9 August 2026, Newquay. Travelling to Cornwall for the festival? Exeter is a key waypoint on the A38 heading west. Stop at Brightside before you hit the festival traffic.

Eden Sessions – throughout summer, Eden Project, St Austell. Big-name acts in the biomes; draws significant traffic through Exeter all summer.

Getting Here

Brightside Exeter is on the A38 at Haldon Hill, just outside Exeter – the same exit as Exeter Racecourse. Plenty of parking on site. If you’re coming south on the M5, take the A38 and follow signs for Exeter Racecourse.