Exeter St Davids Station - Image 1
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Exeter St Davids Station

4.1
·312 reviews·, United Kingdom

A charming, traditional British train station with a unique book vending machine and excellent trainspotting opportunities.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Exeter St Davids Station - Image 1

Exeter St Davids Station

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming, traditional British train station with a unique book vending machine and excellent trainspotting opportunities.

4.1
(312 reviews)

"This is actually a really good station, it's very traditional and styled well, it's easy to navigate around."

Vertical photo
TIP

📚 Find Your Next Read

Don't miss the unique book vending machine for your travel reading needs!

🚶‍♀️ Easy Platform Navigation

Clear signage helps you find your platform, but allow extra time for lifts.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Book Vending Machine

The Book Vending Machine

Main concourse

Discover a unique book vending machine for your next read, perfect for train journeys.

TikTok
Traditional British Station Architecture

Traditional British Station Architecture

Throughout the station

Admire the historical platforms and classic British train station charm.

Reddit
Trainspotting Opportunities

Trainspotting Opportunities

Level crossing area

Watch a variety of train operators pass through this busy junction.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Navigating Exeter St Davids

Exeter St Davids is a major hub, so expect it to be busy, especially during peak hours. Plan your platform changes in advance, as some travelers find locating lifts a bit tricky with luggage. Reddit

Beyond the Platform

While the station offers a traditional charm and helpful staff, dining options are limited. Consider packing snacks or grabbing something before you arrive if you have a long journey. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Mid-afternoon
Why
Tour groups thin out
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The book vending machine at Exeter St David’s station!
@rubygranger8
2.7K likes • 44.2K views

📚 Find Your Next Read

Don't miss the unique book vending machine for your travel reading needs! TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Easy Platform Navigation

Clear signage helps you find your platform, but allow extra time for lifts. Reddit

We finally made the trip to see our vending machine in person! #BookTok #PenguinBooksVendingMachine #booksvendingmachine #exeter
@penguinukbooks
837 likes • 15.9K views
reddit.com

I am driving to Exeter St. David train station and taking the train. What’s the best place to park my car?

☕ Limited Food Options

Pack snacks or eat before arriving, as dining choices are scarce. Reddit

🤝 Helpful Station Staff

Staff are known for being kind and efficient, especially at the ticket office. Reddit

reddit.com

Exeter st David’s to Waterloo train

Tips

from all over the internet

📚 Find Your Next Read

Don't miss the unique book vending machine for your travel reading needs! TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Easy Platform Navigation

Clear signage helps you find your platform, but allow extra time for lifts. Reddit

☕ Limited Food Options

Pack snacks or eat before arriving, as dining choices are scarce. Reddit

🤝 Helpful Station Staff

Staff are known for being kind and efficient, especially at the ticket office. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.1
(312 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Exeter St Davids Station is praised for its traditional charm, helpful staff, and ease of navigation. Travelers appreciate the unique book vending machine and trainspotting opportunities. However, the limited selection of food and drink outlets is a recurring point of dissatisfaction.

"This is actually a really good station, it's very traditional and styled well, it's easy to navigate around to which platform you need too, because of consistency you are aware of what platform serves what destination. staff are kind here and work hard to get trains moving, step free access and toilets. Not enough places to eat or drink. Another shop would be beneficial."

Jake B

"No doubt nice station. Good service even for quick London to Penzance and many more because its main station of Devon. Selection of shops around. The level crossing is great for watching trains around. The car park has lots of spaces. Staff were helpful and good at their job. I like this big station, platforms with plenty of benches."

UK Photo Journey

"Traditional British train station. Nice historical platforms. I very much liked nice and helpful staff in the ticket office."

Vladimir Balaz

What People Like

Traditional station charm
Helpful and kind staff
Unique book vending machine

What People Dislike

Limited food/drink options

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Most buses serving Exeter conveniently stop at or near Exeter St Davids Station, making it a central transport hub. Reddit

While direct trains are available, some travelers report delays. It's wise to check live train times and allow buffer time for your journey. Reddit

Exeter St Davids is served by Great Western Railway, CrossCountry, and South Western Railway, offering a wide range of destinations. Reddit

Yes, there is a car park at the station with plenty of spaces available for travelers. Reddit

As the main station in Devon, Exeter St Davids is a key interchange for many services, making it easy to reach various destinations across the region. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

You can purchase tickets at the ticket office, where staff are known to be helpful, or use ticket machines. Reddit

Yes, ticket machines are available for purchasing your train tickets conveniently. Reddit

While specific hours can vary, the ticket office is generally staffed during operational hours to assist passengers. Reddit

Booking in advance is often recommended, especially for longer journeys or during peak times, to secure the best fares and ensure availability. Reddit

Information on luggage storage facilities is not widely available, so it's best to check with station staff directly if you require this service. Reddit

🎫 📍 Onsite Experience

The station offers step-free access and accessible toilets, ensuring a comfortable experience for all passengers. Reddit

Yes, accessible toilets are available for passengers' convenience. Reddit

You can find a unique book vending machine, enjoy trainspotting, and admire the traditional station architecture. TikTokReddit

The station has consistent signage that makes it easy to find your platform, though some may need a moment to locate lifts. Reddit

Absolutely! The level crossing area is a great spot for trainspotting, with various operators passing through. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The selection of places to eat or drink is limited. It's advisable to bring your own snacks or dine elsewhere before your journey. Reddit

Current reviews suggest limited dining facilities. Travelers often recommend bringing your own food due to the scarcity of options. Reddit

While there are some shops, the variety is not extensive. Bringing your own snacks is a popular suggestion among travelers. Reddit

Based on traveler feedback, it's generally recommended to eat before arriving at the station due to the limited food and drink choices. Reddit

Besides the popular book vending machine, information on food vending machines is not readily available, so it's best to be prepared. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The historical platforms offer a charming backdrop, and the level crossing provides dynamic shots of passing trains. Reddit

Yes, the station is a great location for trainspotting and photography, with multiple train operators frequently passing through. Reddit

The traditional British station style lends itself well to photography. Explore the platforms for classic shots. Reddit

Generally, casual photography for personal use is permitted. However, it's always wise to be mindful of other passengers and station operations. Reddit

A versatile camera that can handle both architectural details and moving subjects (trains) would be ideal. Consider a zoom lens for capturing trains from a distance. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Exeter St Davids Station offers a unique point of interest for families with its book vending machine, providing a fun way to keep kids entertained on a journey. TikTok The station's traditional architecture can also spark imagination. While dining options are limited, bringing snacks is a good strategy. Reddit The step-free access makes navigating with strollers much easier. Reddit

🚶 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, Exeter St Davids Station offers a chance to save by utilizing the book vending machine for affordable reading material instead of buying expensive books. TikTok Since food options are scarce and potentially pricier, packing your own food and drinks is highly recommended to keep costs down. Reddit The station itself is free to explore, and its historical charm provides a pleasant atmosphere without any entry fee. Reddit

🚄 Train Enthusiasts

Exeter St Davids is a must-visit for train enthusiasts. As a major hub for Great Western Railway, CrossCountry, and South Western Railway, you'll see a diverse range of rolling stock. Reddit The level crossing offers excellent trainspotting opportunities, and the station's traditional British design provides a classic backdrop for photography. Reddit The helpful staff can also offer insights into train movements. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Unique Book Vending Machine

Exeter St Davids Station boasts a rather unique attraction: a book vending machine. This delightful feature, highlighted on TikTok, offers a convenient way for travelers to pick up a new read for their journey. TikTok It's a charming addition that caters to book lovers and provides a novel experience beyond typical station amenities. TikTok

This initiative, supported by publishers like Penguin Books, aims to make literature accessible and spontaneous for commuters and travelers. It's a testament to creative ways stations are evolving to offer more than just transit. TikTok If you're passing through, don't miss the chance to discover your next literary adventure right on the platform. TikTok

Navigating Exeter St Davids: Accessibility and Signage

Exeter St Davids Station is recognized for its traditional British charm and ease of navigation. The station provides step-free access and accessible toilets, ensuring a comfortable experience for passengers with mobility needs. Reddit Clear and consistent signage throughout the station helps travelers easily identify their platforms and destinations. Reddit

However, some visitors, particularly those with luggage, have noted that it might take a little extra time to locate the lifts. Reddit It's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the station layout or ask station staff for assistance if you're unsure, especially if you're on a tight schedule. The helpfulness of the staff is frequently praised, making it easier to find your way. Reddit

A Hub for Train Enthusiasts

For those with an interest in railways, Exeter St Davids Station is a prime location. It serves as a major station in Devon, handling services from Great Western Railway, CrossCountry, and South Western Railway. Reddit This diverse range of operators means a constant flow of different trains, making it an excellent spot for trainspotting. Reddit

The station's layout, including a level crossing, offers good vantage points for observing the comings and goings. Reddit Whether you're a seasoned railfan or just enjoy watching trains, Exeter St Davids provides a dynamic and engaging experience. The historical platforms themselves add to the atmosphere, making it a picturesque setting for any railway enthusiast. Reddit

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