The best date spots in Exeter

Having said all this, this is only my opinion, which is a rather cynical view of Valentine’s considering romance in my life is currently non-existent. Valentine’s Day can be quite wholesome, depending on how couples approach it. Sometimes, the best gifts are those that are the most meaningful, rather than gifts that are majorly expensive.

So, to all those lucky people who are in a romantic relationship, enjoy Valentine's Day by celebrating love. To all those singletons, enjoy the day with friends instead, treat yourself to those cheesy gifts and try not to worry about not finding 'the one'. Fingers crossed that you may even have a secret admirer!

Emily Roughton talks you through the best date spots in Exeter, for all interests and budgets!

EXETER is filled with a plethora of date spots, so whether you are looking for a first date idea, or you have been with your partner so long that you have run out of date suggestions, this list will hopefully provide you with some inspiration!

Exeter Quay — The Riverside Café

My top spot has to be the underrated Riverside Café! It is situated inside the same building as the Antique Centre on Exeter Quay, so it's the perfect refreshment pitstop during a sunny afternoon of browsing the Quay’s historic cellar shops or walking along the River Exe. I strongly recommend finding a table outside to watch the swans and ducks swimming by. With a reasonably priced menu, my personal favourite is the banana milkshake with a deliciously fluffy scone.

Boom Battle Bar

Looking for something a little bit more adventurous? Boom Battle Bar is for you. A bar packed with a host of wild games, such as axe throwing, augmented reality darts and crazier golf, this venue is ideal for those competitive couples who enjoy a game where they can win! You can even book a ‘Date Night’ session through their website, allowing you to play three different games for 90 minutes. With a bar to keep your glasses filled, this would also be a great double date location!

The Glorious Art House

The Glorious Art House is a vibrant yet hidden gem which has become a firm favourite of independent café lovers. Situated on Fore Street, it is a thriving and friendly sanctuary with impressive art displays on all of its three floors. It caters to rainy and sunny days, with sunshine yellow walls inside to brighten your day and a secluded courtyard garden for when warmer weather arrives. I love its eclectic vibe, especially the mix and match crockery and gloriously over-the-top hot chocolates (they are a must!). I definitely recommend this hideaway for a quirky, chilled date.

The Royal Albert Memorial Museum

A museum trip is a brilliant idea for a first date. Why? Because it means that there is no risk of an awkward silence when you are surrounded with so many artifacts that can create icebreakers and spark conversation. What’s more, entry to the RAMM is free and they are constantly revamping their exhibitions, meaning that this type of date is not limited to a onetime trip (looking at you, you serial Tinder daters!).