Date spot in Exeter
The Old Firehouse
Climb the creaky stairs of a rambling old pub over several floors, with real ales and ciders, live music and big square pizzas served late.
New North Road, city centre
Address: 50 New North Road, Exeter EX4 4EP- Bar
- Rain-proof ☔
- Cheap and cheerful
- Dog friendly
- Cosy
Why it's a good date: An Exeter favourite for a reason: dim, friendly and open late, so it works as the first stop or the last. Share a pizza, and well-behaved dogs are welcome until the evening.
Photo: Simon Cobb, CC0 (resized)
More from our Exeter guide
Haytor on Dartmoor
Haytor Vale, about 40 minutes' drive south-west of the city
Address: Haytor Visitor Centre, Haytor Vale, Newton Abbot TQ13 9XT- Trip
- Outdoors
- Free
- Out of town
Drive out onto Dartmoor and scramble up Haytor, a great granite tor with views across the moor to the sea, then wander over to the old quarry pond.
Why it's a good date: Wild, open and a short walk from the car park, so it's an easy big view. Go late on a clear afternoon for the light, and finish with a cream tea in Widecombe or Bovey Tracey.
Photo: Nilfanion, CC BY-SA 3.0 (cropped and resized)
Orcombe Point and Exmouth seafront
Exmouth, 25 minutes by train from Exeter
Address: Orcombe Point, Foxholes Hill, Exmouth EX8 2DH- Trip
- Outdoors
- Free
- Out of town
Take the train along the estuary to Exmouth, walk the long sandy seafront and climb to the Geoneedle on Orcombe Point, where the Jurassic Coast begins.
Why it's a good date: The train ride beside the water is half the fun. Check the tides before walking on the beach below the cliffs, and stay for sunset over the sea.
Photo: David Martin, CC BY-SA 2.0 (cropped and resized)
Powderham Castle
Kenton, eight miles south of the city
Address: Powderham Castle, Kenton, Exeter EX6 8JQ- Trip
- Mid-price
- Best in Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Culture
- Out of town
Take a guided tour of the Earl of Devon's family home beside the Exe estuary, then walk out past the lake and the deer park.
Why it's a good date: Grand rooms, good stories from the guides and big grounds to walk off lunch. It opens for the warmer months and special events, so check the dates before you go.
Photo: Partonez, CC BY-SA 4.0 (resized)
