Here are the top nine things to do in Exeter as a student with your besties this Valentine’s Day

Alexa, play ‘Flowers’ by Miley Cyrus


Regardless of whether you’re coupled up or not, you can still celebrate with your besties even on the most romantic day of the year. If you’re not sure how to spend Galentine’s in Exeter, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with these nine activities.

Top Tip: Maybe avoid The Ivy if you’re single.

1. Watch The Notebook

Showing at the Campus Cinema at 6:30 pm and 9 pm on Valentine’s Day, you can’t go wrong with this classic. Tickets are only £2 so bring your friends, a couple of snacks and a box of tissues if you’re feeling emotional.

2. Decorate Cookies

Run, don’t walk to M&S to get your hands on these. And when we say run, we mean quite literally run as TikTok might have made them sell out already. These are perfect for a wholesome night in with your besties – just put on some tunes, pop open a bottle of Prosecco and get creative. They actually taste good too.

3. Spa Day

If no one is treating you this Valentine’s, why not treat yourself? We know the words “luxury” and “student” don’t typically go hand in hand but at only £10 per visit at St Sidwell’s Point Spa, you would pretty much be paying the same amount for a single Venom at TP. Other spa options include The Haven Spa in the Guildhall, and Wear Park Spa at Exeter Golf and Country Club to name a few.

4. Afternoon/Cream Tea

Another luxury, we know, but it does only happen once a year so you may as well enjoy it. After all, cream tea is a specialty of Devon and Cornwall so you’re in the perfect place for this.

5. Love Island

Yes – Love Island will be airing on Valentine’s Day this year. However, with the classic return of Casa Amor, the couples will be spending this day apart. So rest assured, you won’t be forced to watch the islanders enjoy romantic dates in the sunshine. Instead you can watch the drama/cheating unfold with your friends while you sit in your freezing Exeter student house – what’s not to love?

6. Bottomless Brunch

Brunch and drinks will always go down well with a group of friends and there are plenty of options in Exeter. Coincidentally, the 14th February happens to be a strike day so if you have no morning lectures, then this would be perfect for you (if you’re not behind on uni work).

7. Clubbing

“Forget your troubles just dance” – the wise words of Fever. Just live by this motto on your Galentine’s night out and you’ll be bound to have a great time. Who knows, you might even find your future Valentine on the dance floor.

8. Wine and Cheese Night

Simple, effective and very much Exetah. All you need is a cheese board (or any wooden board that doesn’t have remnants of raw meat on it), some cheapish wine and candles in wine bottles for that additional ambience and you’re all set. Be prepared to take a thousand photos too.

9. The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth

Okay, this isn’t actually in Exeter but it’s close enough. Enjoy a cute day out with friends and spread some love to adorable donkeys. Apparently donkeys form close friendships with one another that last a lifetime – sounds like they would celebrate Galentine’s too.

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