Date spot in Exeter
Exeter Quayside
Stroll the old quay by the river, cross the little bridges past the 17th-century Custom House and the brick warehouses, and stop for a drink by the water.
The Quay, below the city walls
Address: Custom House Visitor Centre, The Quay, Exeter EX2 4AN- Outdoors
- Free
- Romantic
Why it's a good date: One of the prettiest spots in the city, and lovely as the light goes. Poke around the craft and antique shops in the old cellars, then pick a pub on the water.
Photo: Simon Cobb, CC0 (resized)
More from our Exeter guide
Cycle the canal to the Turf
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
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.
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)
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)
