The 10 Best Places In Exeter For A First Date

If you're getting ready to go out in Exeter but don't know where to go, here is a list of the best places in Exeter for a first date!

Picking the perfect place for a first date can be difficult, so I’ve complied a list of all the best places in Exeter for a first date!

1. The Quayside

The Quayside in Exeter is full of arts and crafts shops, pubs, and cafes, and the romantic riverside setting sets the mood just right for romance. If it’s sunny and you fancy working your legs out a little, you could hire a pedalo, or if it’s evening you can sit outside at one of the many restaurants and watch the lights dance on the river.

2. Tenpin Exeter

Bowling is a great first date activity because it’s fun enough to stop the date being awkward, but the competitive vibe means that there’s plenty of chance to have some flirty banter with each other. Plus, Tenpin serve vodka slushies in the evening so if you’re looking for some fun-coloured liquid courage, this place is perfect for you. This is one of the most fun best places in Exeter for a first date!

3. Exmouth Beach

Okay, so, this may not exactly be in Exeter but it is nearby! A beach day is a lovely way to spend a date – you can get to know each other walking down the beach or at the amusement arcades, then you could grab an ice cream or even take a dip in the sea. There really are so many things to do, and if it’s a sunny day it’s the perfect excuse to spend the whole day with your potential partner.

4. Royal Albert Memorial Museum

This Museum really has everything from art to ancient history, and since all the exhibits are split up across the floors, you and your date can spend a good amount of time, walking around, looking at the exhibits, and getting to know each other. There are quite a few restaurants nearby, so if your date goes really well, you can always carry it on afterwards!

5. Exeter’s Underground Tunnels

If you feel like getting a little spooky, the Underground Tunnels in Exeter city centre are perfect for you. You and your date can take trip under the city and into the past as you discover more about the catacombs and what they were built for. It can get a little chilly under the city, so there’s a perfect excuse for hand-holding or jacket-borrowing.

6. The Cathedral Green

Whilst this may be more of a starting point for a date, the green is surrounded by many cute little cafes and pubs to choose from, or you and your boo can bring a picnic along and relax on the green. You could even take a trip into the Cathedral if that takes your fancy – either way, it’s a lovely place for chatting, eating and drinking. This is one of the most unique best places in Exeter for first date!

7. Mission Escape

Mission Escape is an escape room wherein you and your date will have to figure out how to get out of a locked room. There are three rooms to choose from, so you can decided whether you want to travel in time to get an anti-aging serum, discover the formula of the most deadly poison ever, or escape the Pharaoh’s tomb. This is a great first date as it is a lot of fun, and the pair of you will have to work together in order to get out, which is a great way to see how well you’d work as a couple.

8. Coffee-Shop-Hopping

There are so many different coffee shops to go in Exeter, so why not try them all? Make a list of all the places you’d like to visit with the person you’re going on your date with, then try and get a coffee at them all. This is a fun way to have a first date as it gives you both the opportunity to treat each other, and gets you out and about with each other without doing anything too high-pressure.

9. Board Exeter

If you or your honey has a passion for all things table-top, then Board is the place for you! This board game themed cafe-bar has every board game imaginable, so order a couple of drinks, pick out a game and crack out with your partner-in-crime. Just a suggestion – stay away from Monopoly, unless you really don’t think the date is going well.

10. Your House!

Okay, okay, this is a little bit of a cheat, but in all fairness the best first date can be made just on your home. Order some takeaway, stick on Netflix and cuddle up with your paramour. You’ll feel comfortable because you’re in your own space, and the fact that you aren’t anywhere fancy like a restaurant means that that layer of pressure is off. Also, if the date isn’t going well, you can easily kick them out. Sorted!