Valentine’s Day in Exeter: Our Insider Guide
Planning a romantic Valentine’s Day in Exeter? Then you’re in the right place! As a resident Exeter business for nearly 27 years, we have the inside scoop on where to go and what to do to ensure you have a memorable day out with your loved one.
To Do
It wouldn’t be a day out in Exeter without heading over to the cathedral. You can book a guided tour to learn more about the history of the building and the stories that frame it, or explore at your own pace for a small admission fee. If you’re tight on time though, just stop for a moment to take in its grandeur from the outside, you won’t be disappointed.
Exeter may not be the biggest city but that makes it the perfect place to venture on foot. With a mix of historic buildings and varied architecture, there’s lots of interesting things to see as you walk around. So, if a romantic stroll is on the cards for your Valentine’s Day date, one of these ten Exeter walks compiled by Visit Exeter might tickle your fancy. We’d definitely recommend a wander down to the quayside.
Prefer to sit back, relax and enjoy a film? You can never go wrong with a cinema date and in Exeter we have the choice of Vue and our favourite, Exeter Picturehouse which also has a nice cafe bar for a pre-film drink or snack.
When you’re in Exeter, it’s hard to resist doing a spot of shopping and maybe you’d like to treat your partner to something while you’re out together. Valentine’s Day is all about romantic gestures so if you’re looking for something extra special, take a look in the window of Mortimers jewellers, just down the road from us on Queen Street. We’d love for you to pay us a visit whilst you’re in the area too, we’re right opposite the amazing Royal Albert Memorial Museum - another must visit place.
Our shop is full of gorgeous pieces, perfect for that special someone in your life. If you’d like to pop in and get something before the day or even on the day, we offer free gift wrapping so it’s ready to give to your loved one straight away. We know that buying gifts can be difficult and that’s why we also offer gift cards for when you’re unsure of what they’ll like best.
To Eat & Drink
Starting your Valentine's Day date early? First stop, coffee and we know just the place. A visit to fellow Queen Street independent, the Exploding Bakery, is a must if you’re in search of a quality cup of coffee and delicious cake. With great music and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, you can happily pass the time away in their cafe as you enjoy your brew.
If the order of the day is something a little bit stronger, we have a huge variety of independent pubs and bars to choose from in Exeter. For a great selection of craft beers and experimental spirits made locally at Exeter Distillery, add TABAC to the top of your bar crawl list. Or, if gin and creative cocktails in an intimate setting are more your thing, then Crocketts is certainly the place to be.
It wouldn’t be Valentine’s day without chocolate and luckily for you (and us), Exeter is home to a little chocolate haven; Chococo. Offering a delectable array of beautifully made chocolates in their shop, they also have a cosy cafe brimming with other chocolate delights. The hot chocolate menu is impressive, with dark, milk and white options, you can also opt for unique flavours, including Cinnamon, Chilli and Dorset Sea Salt Caramel. If you prefer to eat your chocolate rather than drink it, why not try their very own made gelato or order a chocolate fondue to share.
Now that we have your taste buds tingling, we’d like to let you know about the incredible bakery right on our doorstep, Big Bakes Bakery. Although they aren’t open on Monday’s, so you won’t be able to pop in on Valentine’s Day, they have created the most beautiful and delicious Valentine’s boxes that you can pre order for collection on Sunday 13th February. This would make a lovely surprise treat to take for your date on the 14th.
For incredible street food on the go, you absolutely must head over to Red Panda on Gandy Street for an authentic asian lunch. Choose from soft steamed Bao buns, Malaysian inspired Curry or rice and salad bowls. Veggie, vegan or gluten free? Don’t worry, Red Panda has an amazing selection to suit everyone. At peak lunchtime you may need to queue a little but it is absolutely worth the wait! Otherwise, if you are strapped for time, you can pre-order with them online.
For a sit down lunch, why not take a walk down to the quayside for what is widely considered the best pizza in town, at On The Waterfront. Built in a 19th century dock warehouse, On The Waterfront provides a unique setting for your Valentine’s date with multiple rooms and al fresco seating to enjoy the views around the quay. If a romantic dinner is on the cards, we’d recommend No5 on Cathedral Close. They are also running a wine tasting evening with Regency Wines on 17th February so you could get the tickets as a Valentine’s gift.