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62 articles tagged with "social life"

Warm, inviting independent bookshop interior with wooden shelves filled with books
Guides29 min read

Best Book Clubs and Literary Events in Exeter: A Guide for Readers Who Want Real Connection

Every book club, reading group and literary event in Exeter for 2026 — from Silent Book Club to the UNESCO Book Market on Exeter Quay.

Pamela Silkstone

9 April 2026

A person sitting peacefully by a window with a cup of tea, looking calm and content in their own space
Guides11 min read

The Art of Saying No to Plans Without Feeling Guilty

Practical scripts for declining invitations kindly, the psychology behind social guilt, and how to tell the difference between healthy boundaries and unhealthy avoidance. A guide to protecting your energy without losing your friendships.

Pamela Silkstone

26 March 2026

Friends walking along a scenic green countryside path on a sunny day
Guides15 min read

Bank Holiday Ideas in Exeter and Devon That Don't Involve the Sofa

Make the most of every 2026 bank holiday in Exeter and Devon with day trips, pub gardens, coastal walks and Dartmoor picnics sorted by effort level.

Pamela Silkstone

26 March 2026

Colourful skewers and marinated food cooking on a barbecue grill outdoors in summer
Recipes16 min read

BBQ Season: How to Host the Perfect Summer Gathering

The 2026 British BBQ guide: marinades, veggie options, plancha grilling, sides, drinks and weather tips. Host the perfect summer gathering.

Pamela Silkstone

26 March 2026

Close-up of red wine being poured into a glass with warm golden lighting in the background
Guides14 min read

A Beginner's Guide to Wine Tasting: What to Know Before Your First Glass

Everything you need to know before your first wine tasting — from the five S's technique to basic grape varieties and the booming English wine scene in Devon and beyond. No snobbery required.

Pamela Silkstone

26 March 2026

Hands shaping clay on a pottery wheel in a warmly lit ceramics studio
Guides16 min read

Best Art Classes, Pottery and Life Drawing in Exeter

Get creative in Exeter — workshops at Exeter Phoenix and RAMM, pottery at The Jolly Pottery and CeramExe, life drawing, paint and sip, and term courses.

Pamela Silkstone

26 March 2026

Friends gathered around a table playing board games in a cosy café setting
Guides16 min read

Board Game Cafés in Exeter: 4 Places to Play in 2026

Where to play board games in Exeter: 300+ titles at Board on South Street (£8.50 entry, shut Tuesdays), Sunday pub meetups, and a competitive gaming bar.

Pamela Silkstone

26 March 2026

A brunch table spread with eggs, toast, avocado and coffee in warm morning light
Guides10 min read

Best Brunch Spots in Exeter: A 2026 Guide

The best brunch spots in Exeter for 2026 — from award-winning vegan cafes and bottomless prosecco to all-you-can-eat breakfast bistros.

Pamela Silkstone

26 March 2026

Rows of empty red cinema seats in a dimly lit movie theatre
Guides15 min read

Best Cinemas and Film Experiences in Exeter: A 2026 Guide

Exeter's cinemas for 2026 — the indie Picturehouse, solar-powered Studio 74, Vue and the Odeon, plus summer open-air screenings at Powderham Castle and in the RAMM Gardens.

Pamela Silkstone

26 March 2026

A beautifully crafted cocktail on a bar counter with warm atmospheric lighting
Guides14 min read

Exeter's 10 Best Cocktail Bars 2026: Gandy Street and Beyond

Ten Exeter cocktail bars: the Prohibition cellar at The Bootlegger, Darwin's gin list on Magdalen Road, and Hotel du Vin's walled garden terrace.

Pamela Silkstone

26 March 2026

A warm, inviting coffee shop interior with wooden tables and natural light
Guides13 min read

Best Coffee Shops in Exeter: Where to Work, Meet and Linger

Exeter's independent cafes sorted by need: Boston Tea Party for long catch-ups, Devon Coffee for laptop mornings, Press House for a proper flat white.

Pamela Silkstone

26 March 2026

Bright, modern coworking space with people working at shared tables near large windows with natural light
Guides13 min read

Best Coworking Spaces in Exeter for Meeting People

Exeter's best coworking spaces in 2026 — atmosphere, community and who each one suits. Find the right space to beat WFH isolation.

Pamela Silkstone

26 March 2026

A flight of craft beers in small glasses on a wooden paddle in a warm taproom setting
Guides16 min read

Craft Beer in Exeter: 9 Taprooms, Bars and Bottle Shops

Nine places to drink craft beer in Exeter: Topsham Brewery's canalside taproom, Otter's pub The Holt on Cathedral Close, and 200+ bottles at Hops + Crafts.

Pamela Silkstone

26 March 2026

Cyclists riding along a scenic countryside path on a sunny day
Guides16 min read

Best Cycling Routes and Bike-Friendly Cafés in Exeter and Devon

The best cycling routes near Exeter for 2026 — Exe Estuary Trail, Granite Way, Haldon Forest, plus bike cafes, clubs, and hire shops for every level.

Pamela Silkstone

26 March 2026

A beautifully plated dish at a fine dining restaurant with warm candlelit ambience
Guides13 min read

Best Date Night Ideas in Exeter: A 2026 Guide

The best date night ideas in Exeter for 2026 — from rooftop cocktails and candlelit restaurants to escape rooms, cooking classes, and budget-friendly options.

Pamela Silkstone

26 March 2026

A group of friends walking together along a scenic coastal path on a sunny day
Guides13 min read

Best Day Trips From Exeter for Groups of Friends

The best day trips from Exeter for groups in 2026 — beaches, Dartmoor walks, food trips and surf days, with transport options for each.

Pamela Silkstone

26 March 2026

Person fishing from a rocky coastline with calm sea stretching to the horizon
Guides14 min read

Best Fishing Spots in Devon: Sea, River, and Reservoir

From charter boats off Dartmouth to wild brown trout on Dartmoor reservoirs, our guide to the best fishing in Devon — and why casting a line with someone is one of the finest ways to build a friendship.

Pamela Silkstone

26 March 2026

A scenic golf course fairway with rolling green hills and trees in the background
Guides13 min read

Best Golf Courses in Devon for a Social Round

The best golf courses in Devon for a day out with friends — from Exeter Golf & Country Club to Saunton's championship links and Bovey Castle on Dartmoor. Green fees, difficulty, settings, and why golf is a four-hour conversation disguised as a sport.

Pamela Silkstone

26 March 2026

A bright, modern gym interior with people working out together during a group fitness class
Guides15 min read

Best Gyms, Yoga Studios, and Fitness Classes in Exeter for Meeting People

The best gyms, yoga studios, and fitness classes in Exeter for 2026 — from budget 24/7 gyms and heated yoga pods to climbing walls and CrossFit boxes.

Pamela Silkstone

26 March 2026

An atmospheric live music performance in an intimate venue with warm stage lighting and an engaged audience
Guides15 min read

Best Live Music Venues and Open Mic Nights in Exeter

Your 2026 guide to Exeter's best live music venues — from legendary indie basements and jazz bars to open mic nights and free gigs across the city.

Pamela Silkstone

26 March 2026

A group of friends laughing together around a pub table with drinks in a warm candlelit atmosphere
Guides14 min read

Best Pub Quizzes in Exeter: Where to Test Your Knowledge With Mates

The best pub quizzes in Exeter for 2026 — Monday to Sunday, every budget. Venues, times, formats, and tips for first-timers who want to join a team.

Pamela Silkstone

26 March 2026

A warm, dimly lit pub interior with wooden tables and ambient lighting
Guides17 min read

Best Pubs in Exeter 2026: 18 Locals, Gardens and Taprooms

The Hour Glass and the Fat Pig for a quiet pint, the canalside Double Locks for beer gardens, Topsham Brewery for craft — 18 Exeter pubs and taprooms.

Pamela Silkstone

26 March 2026

Fans watching a live football match on a big screen in a busy sports bar
Guides16 min read

Best Sports Bars in Exeter 2026: Where to Watch Live Sport

Where to watch live sport in Exeter: The Stand Off's seven screens, Ludo's Ultra HD wall and roof terrace, City Gate, plus Sandy Park and St James Park.

Pamela Silkstone

26 March 2026

Interior of a theatre auditorium with rows of red seats facing an illuminated stage
Guides12 min read

Best Theatre and Comedy in Exeter: A 2026 Guide

Exeter's best theatre and comedy in 2026 — from the Northcott and Barnfield to the Comedy Festival, improv nights and the city's amateur companies.

Pamela Silkstone

26 March 2026

Person sitting peacefully in morning light practising mindfulness with a calm expression
Guides13 min read

Best UK Wellness Apps for a Calmer Social Life

The best UK wellness and mindfulness apps for 2026 — honest reviews of Headspace, Calm, Balance, Finch and more, plus free alternatives.

Pamela Silkstone

26 March 2026

Two people walking along a scenic riverside path through green countryside
Guides15 min read

Best Walking Routes Around Exeter and Devon for Socialising

The best walks near Exeter for socialising in 2026 — flat canal strolls, estuary trails, Dartmoor tors, each with a pub or cafe at the finish.

Pamela Silkstone

26 March 2026

Two glasses of red wine on a wooden table in a warmly lit wine bar with exposed brick walls
Guides14 min read

Best Wine Bars in Exeter: A 2026 Guide

The best wine bars in Exeter for 2026 — hidden cellars, sommelier-led tastings, vineyard tours, and the places locals go to linger over a good glass.

Pamela Silkstone

26 March 2026

Two people sharing drinks and conversation at a candlelit bar table
Guides16 min read

Dating in Exeter: A Realistic Guide to Meeting People in 2026

An honest guide to dating in Exeter for 2026 — what works on the apps, where to meet people in real life, best first date spots and small-city advice.

Pamela Silkstone

26 March 2026

A stunning sandy beach stretching along a coastal shoreline with blue skies
Guides11 min read

A Day Out in Sidmouth: Beaches, Gardens and Folk Music

Plan a day out in Sidmouth: Jacob's Ladder Beach, Connaught Gardens, the independent High Street, coast path walks and the Folk Festival dates for 2026.

Pamela Silkstone

26 March 2026

A sweeping sandy beach with turquoise water and blue skies, the kind of coastline Devon is famous for
Guides15 min read

Devon Staycation Ideas: Why You Don't Need to Leave the County

Devon staycation ideas 2026: beach weekends, Dartmoor adventures, foodie circuits, a pub trail and wellness retreats — how to plan each one with friends.

Pamela Silkstone

26 March 2026

A beautifully set dinner table with warm candlelight, plates of food, and glasses of wine in a relaxed home setting
Guides12 min read

Dinner Party Themes That Actually Work (And Won't Make Your Friends Cringe)

From Italian nights to dumpling-making parties, these achievable dinner party themes enhance your evening without overcomplicating it. Practical ideas for what to cook, what guests can bring, and how to set the mood.

Pamela Silkstone

26 March 2026

A group of friends laughing together during an indoor adventure activity
Guides13 min read

Escape Rooms, Axe Throwing, and Unusual Things to Do in Exeter

Exeter's best escape rooms, axe throwing, trampolining, and laser tag for 2026 — real venues, honest assessments, and why shared challenges build bonds.

Pamela Silkstone

26 March 2026

Boats moored along a Devon waterfront harbour with historic buildings in the background
Guides14 min read

Exeter's Quay: From Medieval Trading Port to Social Hub

Exeter Quay's 800-year story: the feud that killed the port, Britain's first pound-lock canal, and why it's now the city's best social spot. History, restaurants, walks and activities.

Pamela Silkstone

26 March 2026

A golden sandy beach with blue ocean waves rolling onto the shore under clear skies
Guides14 min read

Exmouth: Beaches, Bars, and the Best Day Out Near Exeter

Exmouth day out guide: Jurassic Coast beaches, floating restaurants, estuary cycling, watersports and the best places to eat and drink. Plan the perfect trip from Exeter.

Pamela Silkstone

26 March 2026

A dramatic moorland landscape with granite tors rising against a wide Devon sky
Guides13 min read

Exploring Dartmoor: A Social Guide to Devon's Wild Heart

Dartmoor is not just for solo hikers. From pub walks and wild swimming to letterboxing and the best Dartmoor pubs worth the drive, here's how to experience Devon's national park with friends.

Pamela Silkstone

26 March 2026

People working together at a shared table in a bright, modern coworking space
Guides10 min read

Freelancing and Loneliness: Building a Social Life Without a Workplace

With 4.4 million self-employed workers in the UK, freelance loneliness is a growing crisis. Here's how to build the social connections that offices provide passively — when you're doing it all on your own.

Pamela Silkstone

26 March 2026

A person sitting alone at a cafe table looking out of a window, reflecting on change and new beginnings
Guides12 min read

Friendship After Divorce: Rebuilding Your Social Life When Everything Changes

Divorce does not just split a couple — it splits a social network. With 42% of UK marriages ending in divorce, here is how to navigate the friendship fallout, rebuild your social life, and find connection again.

Pamela Silkstone

26 March 2026

A group of young friends laughing together outdoors in warm golden light
Guides10 min read

Friendship in Your 20s: The Decade That Shapes Your Social Future

Your 20s are the golden age of friendship — but also when the cracks start showing. Why this decade matters more than any other for your social life, and how to be intentional before it's too late.

Pamela Silkstone

26 March 2026

Two women having coffee together at a sunlit table, engaged in warm conversation
Guides10 min read

Friendship in Your 40s: The Reinvention Years

Your 40s are a friendship crossroads — kids, careers, divorce, relocation. But midlife is also when you know yourself well enough to build the friendships you actually want. Here's how.

Pamela Silkstone

26 March 2026

Older adults sharing a meal and laughing together at a communal table
Guides12 min read

Friendship in Your 60s and Beyond: Why It's Never Too Late

Retirement can be socially devastating — or an extraordinary opportunity. Research on loneliness in over-60s, practical tips for building community, and why the friends you make now might be the most important of your life.

Pamela Silkstone

26 March 2026

A warm, dimly lit traditional British pub interior with wooden bar, beer taps, and warm amber lighting
Guides14 min read

The Great British Pub: Why It Matters More Than Ever

A love letter to the British pub — its history, its crisis, and why this irreplaceable social institution deserves to survive. From community-owned locals to Devon micropubs, the pub is fighting back.

Pamela Silkstone

26 March 2026

An intimate live music venue with warm lighting and an engaged audience
Guides14 min read

How Music Brings People Together (And the Best Places to Hear It in Exeter)

How music bonds people, plus the best live music venues in Exeter for 2026 — from the Cavern and Phoenix to Powderham Castle concerts, choirs, and open mic nights.

Pamela Silkstone

26 March 2026

Two dogs running joyfully on a beach with their owners walking together in the background
Guides14 min read

How Pets Bring People Together: The Social Life of Animal Owners

From dog walks to veterinary waiting rooms, pets are Britain's greatest social catalyst. Explore the research behind why animal owners make more friends, build stronger communities, and have conversations the rest of us are too British to start.

Pamela Silkstone

26 March 2026

Volunteers working together in a community garden, smiling and chatting while planting
Stories12 min read

How Volunteering Changed My Social Life: Real Stories From the Community

From food banks to community gardens, volunteering is one of the most powerful — and overlooked — ways to build genuine friendships. Real stories from people across the UK who found connection through giving their time.

Pamela Silkstone

26 March 2026

A vibrant crowd celebrating at a Pride event with rainbow flags and colourful banners
Guides16 min read

LGBTQ+ Social Life in Exeter: A 2026 Guide

Your complete guide to LGBTQ+ social life in Exeter for 2026 — Pride, Queer Fest, The Vaults, community groups, inclusive sport and safe social spaces.

Pamela Silkstone

26 March 2026

An aerial view of a historic English cathedral city with green spaces and traditional architecture
Guides17 min read

What to Do When You're New to Exeter: A 2026 Starter Guide

Just moved to Exeter in 2026? Your complete starter guide — best neighbourhoods, where to eat, how to meet people, transport, and making the city feel like home.

Pamela Silkstone

26 March 2026

A warmly lit dinner table with shared plates of food and glasses among friends on a winter evening
Guides15 min read

New Year in Exeter: How to Start 2027 With Connection, Not Just Resolutions

Start 2027 right with social habits that last — parkrun, Silent Book Club, Dry January socials and more. Your guide to New Year in Exeter beyond resolutions.

Pamela Silkstone

26 March 2026

Three older friends sitting together, smiling as they look through a photo album
Guides17 min read

Over 50 and Social in Exeter: Groups, Activities, and Places to Connect

Groups, activities and communities for over-50s in Exeter — U3A, walking clubs, bowls, Men in Sheds, social dining and more for 2026.

Pamela Silkstone

26 March 2026

A dimly lit winter street scene with warm glowing windows and bare trees at dusk
Guides11 min read

Seasonal Affective Disorder and Your Social Life: How to Stay Connected Through the Dark Months

SAD affects over 2 million UK adults every winter. Here's how the dark months drain your social motivation — and practical, evidence-based ways to keep showing up for the people who matter.

Pamela Silkstone

26 March 2026

Friends laughing together over coffee and non-alcoholic drinks at a bright café table
Guides13 min read

The Social Side of Sobriety: Navigating Friendships When You Stop Drinking

The sober curious movement is reshaping British social life. Here's how to navigate friendships, pub culture, and real connection when you reduce or stop drinking alcohol.

Pamela Silkstone

26 March 2026

A person sitting alone in a cosy café reading a book with a coffee on the table
Guides15 min read

Solo in Exeter: The Best Things to Do on Your Own (That Might Lead to Friendship)

Best things to do alone in Exeter — solo-friendly cafes, museums, cinema, parkrun, classes, dining and book clubs. A guide for anyone flying solo.

Pamela Silkstone

26 March 2026

Sunlight filtering through green woodland trees along a spring walking path
Guides11 min read

Spring in Devon: Shaking Off Winter and Getting Social Again

From bluebell walks in Ashclyst Forest to the Devon County Show, here's how to use spring's fresh energy to restart your social life after a long winter indoors.

Pamela Silkstone

26 March 2026

A group of young people laughing and socialising at an outdoor café table
Guides14 min read

A Student's Guide to Social Life in Exeter Beyond the University Bubble

A student's guide to social life in Exeter beyond campus — city pubs, arts venues, community sports, volunteering and more for 2026.

Pamela Silkstone

26 March 2026

A golden sandy beach stretching into the distance with blue waves and clear summer sky
Guides12 min read

Summer in Devon: The Best Things to Do in 2026

From golden beaches and wild swimming on Dartmoor to festivals, long evenings on the quay, and the best beer gardens — your month-by-month guide to summer in Devon.

Pamela Silkstone

26 March 2026

Friends gathered around a cosy pub table with drinks, engaged in warm conversation
Guides13 min read

Why British People Struggle to Make Plans (And How to Fix It)

The uniquely British phenomenon of vague plan-making, why we say 'we should definitely get together' and never follow through, and practical strategies for actually pinning people down.

Pamela Silkstone

26 March 2026

A group of friends laughing together over drinks at a restaurant table
Guides13 min read

The Best Social Clubs in Exeter: A 2026 Guide to Meeting New People

Complete guide to social clubs in Exeter for 2026 — dinner groups, walking clubs, singles socials, adventure meetups and more. Find your people in Devon.

Pamela Silkstone

23 March 2026

Two people having a quiet, intimate conversation over coffee in a warm, softly lit setting
Tips13 min read

An Introvert's Guide to Building a Social Life You Actually Enjoy

Being an introvert doesn't mean you don't want connection. A practical guide to building a social life that energises rather than drains, with science-backed tips.

Pamela Silkstone

25 February 2026

A beautifully plated dish at a fine dining restaurant with warm ambient lighting
Guides16 min read

Best Restaurants in Exeter 2026: An Honest, Opinionated Guide

Exeter's best restaurants for 2026 — Michelin-worthy tasting menus, AA Rosette winners, waterfront dining, and hidden gems. Tried, tested, honestly reviewed.

Pamela Silkstone

25 February 2026

Friends sharing dishes around a warmly lit dinner table with candles and wine glasses
Stories10 min read

How Sharing a Meal Can Change Your Social Life

From ancient campfires to modern supper clubs, sharing food has always been humanity's most powerful bonding ritual. Why communal dining is the antidote to the UK's loneliness epidemic — and what a Dinners With Friends Wednesday evening actually looks like.

Pamela Silkstone

25 February 2026

Person looking out over a new town from a hilltop at golden hour
Guides10 min read

How to Build a Social Life From Scratch

Just moved somewhere new? Here's a practical, month-by-month guide to building genuine friendships and a social life from the ground up — even when you don't know a single person.

Pamela Silkstone

25 February 2026

Person working alone at a home desk looking out of a window
Guides8 min read

Working From Home and Feeling Alone? You're Not the Only One

Remote work gave us flexibility and freedom — but it also took away the casual social interactions that kept us connected. How to fight WFH loneliness and rebuild your social life.

Pamela Silkstone

25 February 2026

A warmly lit restaurant table set for dinner with friends, wine glasses catching the light
Guides15 min read

How Global Uncertainty Is Reshaping British Social Life

Wars, political instability, and a cost of living crisis that won't quit are changing how Brits socialise. But the shift isn't all bad — and it might be exactly what we needed.

Pamela Silkstone

8 January 2025

    Articles tagged "social life" | Dinners With Friends