Blue Ball Inn, Sandygate, Exeter Clyst Saint Mary Exterior photoBlue Ball Inn, Sandygate, Exeter Clyst Saint Mary Fast Food photoBlue Ball Inn, Sandygate, Exeter Clyst Saint Mary Fast Food photo
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From148US$ /night
Check-in
03Jun2026Select date
Check-out
04Jun2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Sandygate, Clyst Saint Mary, United Kingdom, EX2 7JL
-
Near Ludwell Valley Park
Great
8.7
/10
4.4
/5

4-star historic thatched inn with fine dining in Exeter

Dining

The Blue Ball Inn offers a seasonal menu crafted by the talented head chef, emphasizing the freshest local produce from Devon. Signature dishes showcase meats sourced from nearby farms and fish directly from the coast, ensuring quality and flavor in every bite. Guests can enjoy a drink in the inviting bar or savor a meal in the stylish restaurant, fueled by an extensive wine list that complements each course.

Rooms

The hotel features four contemporary double, twin, and family bedrooms, all newly refurbished to provide ample space for relaxation. Each room includes en-suite facilities and comforting amenities like heated towel rails and flat-screen televisions. Families will appreciate the spacious family room that comfortably accommodates three guests.

Location

Situated on the outskirts of Exeter in Sandygate, The Blue Ball Inn provides easy access to local attractions and events. The property's close proximity to the rugby ground makes it a prime location for pre and post-match gatherings. The beautiful surroundings offer a chance to explore Devon's scenic countryside and coastal paths.

Events and Functions

The Blue Ball Inn accommodates various events, offering a dedicated dining room capable of hosting up to 40 guests for formal gatherings. Customized menus are available to suit each occasion, ensuring that all culinary preferences are met. The venue is suitable for weddings, receptions, and family functions, making it a flexible choice for memorable celebrations.

Children's Amenities

For families visiting the hotel, children can enjoy a play area designed for fun and leisure while parents relax. The restaurant also caters to dietary requirements, making sure younger guests have suitable meal options. The family-friendly accommodations create a welcoming environment for both kids and adults.

Highlights

Dining: Seasonal menu crafted by a talented head chef

Rooms: Four newly refurbished contemporary double bedrooms

Location: Close proximity to the rugby ground

Events: Dedicated dining room for up to 40 guests

Children: Family Play Area for children's enjoyment

Must-do experiences

  • Visit the historic Exeter Cathedral for stunning architecture.
  • Explore the Royal Albert Memorial Museum for local art and culture.
  • Try a Cream Tea at the famous Tea on the Green café.
  • Stroll through the Exeter Quayside for beautiful riverside views.
  • Discover Rougemont Castle, a hidden gem steeped in history.
View all

Select your room type

Blue Ball Inn, Sandygate, Exeter offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Double Room
2 persons
220 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Twin Room
2 persons
220 sq. feet 
2 Single beds
Shower
Heating
Family Room
3 persons
305 sq. feet 
1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed
Shower
Heating
Budget Double Room
2 persons
220 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
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Facilities

Blue Ball Inn, Sandygate, Exeter offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Great
8.7/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Parking
  • No pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Wheelchair access
  • 24-hour security
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Housekeeping
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Special diet menus

Children

  • Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

  • Garden area

Room features

  • Free Wi-Fi in rooms
  • Heating

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
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Dining Onsite

The Blue Ball Inn boasts a delightful dining experience that highlights the rich flavors of British cuisine, featuring locally sourced ingredients that celebrate the essence of Devon. Guests can relish a warm, family-friendly ambiance perfect for various dining occasions, from casual bites to hearty meals.
Blue Ball Inn, Sandygate, Exeter Clyst Saint Mary Restaurant photo
Blue Ball Inn, Sandygate, Exeter Clyst Saint Mary Restaurant photo

The Blue Ball

Traditional British
Ambiance
Family friendly and traditional pub atmosphere, inviting for gatherings or intimate dinners.
Key Offerings
Menus change regularly to showcase the freshest local produce, including options for vegetarians, vegans, and those needing gluten or dairy-free meals. An extensive wine list complements the dishes, ensuring a delightful pairing for every palate.
Reservation
Reservations recommended.
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner: Monday to Saturday from 12:00 to 14:30 and 18:00 to 20:00; Sunday from 12:00 to 17:00.

Blue Ball Inn, Sandygate, Exeter Location

Sandygate, Clyst Saint Mary, United Kingdom, EX2 7JL
Map view
Sandygate, Clyst Saint Mary, United Kingdom, EX2 7JL
Nearby
Adrenalin Games Paintball
1800 ft
Restaurants
Moto Motorway Services
1.5 mi
M5 Service Area
Explore Clyst Saint Mary
Local Activities Around Blue Ball Inn
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Sandy Park Rugby Stadium
Sandy Park Rugby Stadium
14 minutes' walk
Home to the Exeter Chiefs, this stadium hosts thrilling rugby matches and events, showcasing top-level sports entertainment.
Romano-British settlement
10 minutes' walk
An archaeological site offering insights into Roman Britain, perfect for history enthusiasts interested in ancient settlements.
Crealy Family Theme Park
Crealy Family Theme Park
10 minutes' drive
A fun-filled theme park with rides and attractions for all ages, making it a great day out for families.
Exeter Cathedral
Exeter Cathedral
10 minutes' drive
A stunning example of Gothic architecture, this historic cathedral features intricate stonework and beautiful stained glass.
Adrenalin Games Paintball
7 minutes' walk
An exciting paintball venue offering thrilling games and equipment rentals, ideal for groups and adventure seekers.
Ludwell Valley Park
Ludwell Valley Park
25 minutes' drive
A serene park perfect for leisurely strolls or picnics, featuring walking trails and natural beauty for relaxation.
Blue Ball
3 minutes' walk
A cozy pub known for hearty meals and local ales, with a welcoming atmosphere and a menu featuring traditional British dishes.
The Plantsman Cafe
9 minutes' walk
A lovely café offering fresh, locally-sourced dishes and vegan options, perfect for a quick and nutritious meal.
Half Moon Inn
8 minutes' walk
A charming inn serving classic pub fare in a rustic setting, ideal for relaxing with friends and enjoying local brews.
Buzz Coffee Roaster
20 minutes' walk
A vibrant coffee shop known for its specialty brews and relaxed vibe, a great place to unwind or work.
Westpoint Arena
Westpoint Arena
5 minutes' drive
A versatile venue hosting concerts and events throughout the year, suitable for all ages and interests.
Getting around
City Centre
Clyst Saint Mary8 min  ·  2000 ft
Airports
Exeter International (EXT)11 min  ·  4.2 mi
Bristol (BRS)157 min  ·  64.8 mi
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-22:00
Check-out
from 07:00-10:00
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.
Breakfast
A full breakfast is served at the price of GBP13.50 per person per day. 
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
9

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Blue Ball Inn, Sandygate, Exeter from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 198 verified reviews
8.8/10
Great
91%
Recommend
Breakfast
7.4/10
Cleanliness
9.1/10
Comfort
9.1/10
Facilities
8.7/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.1/10
Location
8.9/10
Paid Wi-Fi
2.5/10
Staff
9.3/10
Value for money
8.7/10
Guest reviews
based on 198 reviews
8.8/10
based on 385 reviews
8.7/10
Dominic from United Kingdom
Couple
Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: February 12, 2026
6/10
nice roomroom thermostat
the room was really nice, also the dinner i had. it broke up my journey from london to cornwall, good.
the heating reminded me of it was on a timer. the thermostat did nothing, it was quite cold in the early morning. this made things a little uncomfortable.
0 Helpful
Ethan from United Kingdom
Couple
Double Room
1 night in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 22, 2026
9.3/10

Comfortable Stay Near the Motorway

decorated roomcomfortable bedconvenient parkingexcellent food
The room was nicely decorated. It had a comfortable bed. I found convenient parking close to the room. The staff were lovely. I enjoyed the excellent food in the pub.
The motorway created noise in the car park during the night.
Service
9/10
The staff seemed pleasant and attentive. Our server, Grace, offered friendly service, and she was helpful. Nothing seemed too much trouble for her. She was helpful.
Rooms
9/10
The Double Room included tea and coffee facilities. The room was clean. There was a good hot shower. Furnishings was lovely.
Location
10/10
The hotel offers easy access to main roads. The hotel is only a couple of minutes from the motorway. It features good parking. The location is suitable for travelers.
Dining
9/10
I had dinner in the pub, and the food was excellent. Breakfast featured a choice of continental breakfast or a full English. Staff. The menu has excellent choices.
0 Helpful
|
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Hudson from Canada
Business traveller
Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 16, 2025
9.3/10

rugby weekend delight

motorhome parkingsunshine beersuper breakfastperfect location
the motorhome parking was really sorted for the rugby games. i enjoyed beer in the sunshine. breakfast was super with a busy atmosphere. location is perfect for the m5 and sandy park.
the bbq only had burgers and hotdogs available.
Location
9/10
the location is advantageous because it is near sandy park stadium and provides convenient access. the proximity to the m5 motorway simplifies travel. on-site parking is available and it adds to convenience.
Dining
9/10
the food was delicious and the portions were ample. breakfast was enjoyable, even when the place was busy. the menu features a good mix consisting of traditional options alongside contemporary dishes.
Rooms
9/10
the room was very clean, simple and spacious. heating was amazing and the temperature was controlled by thermostat. the rooms looked super, despite that i didn't stay in one.
Service
10/10
staff members are friendly and offer a warm welcome. the team are well-organized when they are managing events. staff were helpful when i needed to check in late.
0 Helpful
|
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Stella from Greece
Family with children
Family Room
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed: November 20, 2025
7/10

reasonable stay overall

accommodating stafffriendly staffcomfy roomrude womanmissing menumissing drinks
the staff were so accommodating. they were really friendly and helpful. the rooms are lovely, clean, and comfy.
i booked a table in advance for six people. an older woman was rude to the barman and to us. she left us without menus or drinks.
0 Helpful
FAQs
About Blue Ball Inn, Sandygate, Exeter
How far is Blue Ball Inn, Sandygate, Exeter from Exeter International Airport?
The hotel is 4 km from Exeter International Airport, approximately a 6-minute drive.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Blue Ball Inn, Sandygate, Exeter?
Check-in is available from 15:00 and check-out is by 10:30.
Is parking available at Blue Ball Inn, Sandygate, Exeter?
Free public parking is available on-site without the need for a reservation.
What dining options does Blue Ball Inn, Sandygate, Exeter offer?
The hotel features an on-site restaurant and guests can also dine at the sister pub, The Puffing Billy in Exton.
What room amenities are available at Blue Ball Inn, Sandygate, Exeter?
Rooms include a 32-inch flat-screen HD TV, Wi-Fi, an electric kettle, and en-suite shower rooms.
How far is Blue Ball Inn, Sandygate, Exeter from Exeter city centre?
Exeter city centre is about 10 minutes away by car.
What nearby attractions are accessible from Blue Ball Inn, Sandygate, Exeter?
Nearby attractions include Exeter Chiefs' rugby stadium and Devon's beaches.
Is free Wi-Fi available at Blue Ball Inn, Sandygate, Exeter?
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.
Does Blue Ball Inn, Sandygate, Exeter offer breakfast?
A continental breakfast or a full cooked breakfast is available for an additional charge of 13 GBP.

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Check-in
03Jun2026Select date
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04Jun2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room