Exeter is a city buzzing with a youthful energy that perfectly complements its historic roots. For couples looking to skip the quiet tours and dive straight into the fun, there’s a fantastic scene built around competitive games, unique bars, and lively social hubs. If your ideal outing involves more action and less quiet contemplation, you’ll find plenty of brilliant date ideas in Exeter.
From axe throwing and battling it out in an escape room to enjoying craft beer at a brewery or conquering a climbing wall, the city is packed with experiences designed for a good time. Forget the clichés; these date ideas in Exeter are all about fun, games, and creating great memories together.
15 Fun Date Ideas In Exeter
1. Battle it out at Boom Battle Bar
For a date fuelled by competitive spirit, head straight to Boom Battle Bar. This is the ultimate social gaming spot where you can challenge each other to everything from axe throwing and augmented reality darts to ‘crazier’ golf and shuffleboard. Grab some cocktails and get ready for a high-energy night of playful rivalry.
2. Conquer The Quay Climbing Centre
Get your adrenaline pumping with a date at The Quay Climbing Centre, one of the largest indoor climbing walls in the South West. Whether you’re a total beginner or an experienced climber, tackling the bouldering routes or roped walls together is a fantastic way to build trust and have an active, memorable time.
3. Enjoy pizza and cider at The Old Firehouse
A true Exeter institution, The Old Firehouse is the go-to spot for a relaxed but buzzing date. Famous for its incredible barrelled ciders and legendary giant pizzas, the atmosphere is always lively. It’s the perfect place to share some great food, enjoy live music, and soak up the city’s social scene.
4. Go for a paddle and a pint on the Quayside
Combine scenic views with a pub crawl by hiring a canoe or kayak from Saddles & Paddles on the historic Quayside. Paddle down the canal for an hour or two, then return your boat and explore the fantastic waterfront pubs like The Prospect Inn or The Port Royal. It’s an active date with a rewarding, relaxing finish.
5. Test your wits at Red House Mysteries
If you love a good puzzle, an escape room is one of the best interactive date ideas in Exeter. Red House Mysteries offers immersive, story-driven challenges where you’ll need to work together to crack codes and solve clues before the clock runs out.
6. Sip on creative drinks at The Cocktail Club
For a date with a bit of flair, dive into the lively atmosphere of The Cocktail Club. Known for its inventive menu and energetic bartenders, it’s the perfect spot to kick off a night out. With great happy hour deals, it’s an ideal way to enjoy some high-quality drinks in a fun setting.
7. Get competitive with a classic Pub Quiz
A pub quiz is a brilliant, low-pressure date that’s all about teamwork and banter. Many Exeter pubs host weekly quizzes, but a student favourite is the one at The Imperial, a massive Wetherspoons with a great atmosphere. It’s a classic for a reason.
8. Enjoy craft beer and street food at Topsham Brewery
For a seriously cool and casual date, check out the taproom at Topsham Brewery & Taproom on the Quay. They serve up their own fantastic craft beers and regularly host some of the best local street food vendors. The vibe is relaxed, friendly, and perfect for just chilling out and chatting.
9. Go for a Bottomless Brunch
Kick off a weekend date in style with a bottomless brunch. It’s a hugely popular social event and one of the most fun date ideas in Exeter. Places like The Botanist offer fantastic deals where you can enjoy great food alongside unlimited prosecco or cocktails for a set time.
10. Explore the indie bars of Gandy Street
Take a wander down the atmospheric Gandy Street, Exeter’s hub for independent and alternative nightlife. You can grab a drink at a quirky cocktail bar, a specialist gin distillery, or a cool cellar pub. It’s the perfect location for a bar crawl away from the main chain venues.
11. Catch a gig at Exeter Phoenix
Immerse yourselves in Exeter’s vibrant music scene by catching a live band at Exeter Phoenix. This independent arts hub hosts a massive range of gigs from local, national, and international artists, covering every genre imaginable. It’s a great way to discover a new band together.
12. Strike it lucky at Tenpin Exeter
Sometimes a classic date is the best. Head to Tenpin Exeter for a few games of bowling, hit the arcade for some retro fun, and enjoy a drink. It’s a foolproof formula for a light-hearted and entertaining evening that’s all about having a laugh.
13. Catch a match at The Stand Off
If you’re both into sports, watching a game at The Stand Off is a fantastic, casual date. Co-owned by Exeter Chiefs players, this lively sports bar has a brilliant atmosphere on match days, whether you’re watching rugby, football, or anything else on the big screens.
14. See an indie film at Picturehouse Exeter
A trip to Picturehouse Exeter is a level up from your standard cinema date. This independent cinema has a great bar, comfy seats, and a fantastic programme of indie, foreign, and blockbuster films. You can even take your drink into the screen with you.
15. Brave the Exeter Underground Passages
For a date that’s truly different, explore the city’s spooky Underground Passages. This network of medieval tunnels is the only one of its kind open to the public in the UK. The guided tour is fascinating, a little claustrophobic, and definitely a memorable talking point.
Enjoy Your Date in Exeter
There’s no shortage of fun and energetic date ideas in Exeter, especially if you’re looking to embrace the city’s lively, social side. From competitive gaming and active adventures to brewery hangouts and buzzing pubs, the city is built for memorable experiences.
Trying out new activities and enjoying the city’s vibrant social scene together is the best way to create lasting memories. With so many fantastic date ideas in Exeter, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect outing that’s more about fun and games than a quiet walk in the park.