Despite being East Anglian based I love flying into Exeter. It's very GA friendly and has all the Navaids a PPL should need. Mind you, I am slightly biased having done my IMC there and, in fact, making my first solo post PPL out of there.
I'd say what's the hurry, enjoy the flight down there and then meander back the next day. In fact, I'd go the scenic route too, travel east of London then along the south coast. You've got airspace to traverse round the Bournemouth area but the views you get over IoW and Poole Harbour take some beating.
This flying lark is supposed to be fun, remember.
Booking out and security is pretty efficient at Exeter, you can sometimes get held up though waiting departure if there is a Flybe on approach.