Date spot in Exeter
Cycle the canal to the Turf
Hire bikes on the quay and ride the flat towpath down the Exeter Ship Canal, past Double Locks, to the Turf, a pub at the sea lock where the canal meets the Exe estuary.
From Exeter Quay to Turf Locks, about five miles south
Address: Saddles & Paddles, 4 Kings Wharf, The Quay, Exeter EX2 4AN- Activity
- Outdoors
- Cheap and cheerful
- Best in Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Active
Why it's a good date: There's no road to the Turf, so arriving by bike feels like an achievement. Check it's open before you set off, as it's seasonal, and grab a table on the lawn to watch the boats come in.
Photo: Tim Heaton, CC BY-SA 2.0 (cropped and resized)
More from our Exeter guide
Northernhay and Rougemont Gardens
Queen Street and Castle Street, city centre
Address: Northernhay Gardens, Northernhay Place, Exeter EX4 3QE- Outdoors
- Free
Slip off the high street into England's oldest public gardens, where the paths run beside the Roman and Saxon city wall below the ruins of Rougemont Castle.
Why it's a good date: A calm green pocket a minute from the shops, with benches and old trees. Bring a takeaway coffee or a picnic, and look out for open-air theatre here in summer.
Photo: Simon Cobb, CC0 (resized)
Exeter Phoenix
Bradninch Place, off Gandy Street
Address: Exeter Phoenix, Bradninch Place, Gandy Street, Exeter EX4 3LS- Event
- Rain-proof ☔
- Cheap and cheerful
- Cosy
Catch an indie film in the small cinema, a gig or a comedy night at the city's arts centre, with free exhibitions and a busy café bar downstairs.
Why it's a good date: Relaxed and good value, with something on most nights. Meet in the café bar beforehand, and walk down the lanes of Gandy Street afterwards.
Photo: Stephen Richards, CC BY-SA 2.0 (cropped and resized)
Exeter Northcott Theatre
Stocker Road, University of Exeter
Address: Exeter Northcott Theatre, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QB- Event
- Rain-proof ☔
- Mid-price
- Big night
- Culture
See a play, a musical or a big-name comedian at the theatre on the university campus, which makes its own shows as well as hosting touring ones.
Why it's a good date: A proper night out without a trip to London or Bristol. Check what's on, book ahead for the stand-up nights, and have a drink in the foyer bar first.
Photo: Smalljim, CC BY-SA 3.0 (cropped and resized)
