AA - Yep, Dunkeswell has the full range of standard military pattern runways. I used to live to the west of Dorchester and Dunkeswell was about 45 mins away by car (and 45 mins flying time from Bournemouth - ideal small X country). I like the place - another little warning is to beware of gliders at Upottery and sky-leaping lemmings over Dunkeswell
I can't say I've tried Eggesford, so can't comment. There used to be a little farm strip with aspirations to become an airfield at Farway Common (virtually South of Dunkeswell, near the coast), but I believe they had planning problems on that one.
And I concur with what everyone has said about Exeter - good friendly service and helpful chappies in ATC
(but expensive!!)