Enjoying the lighter evenings in Exeter

This Sunday 28th March, we'll wake up and need to change our clocks as time will have sprung forward an hour! Although we'll lose an hour of sleep that night, it means that we'll be able to enjoy lighter evenings, spend longer with friends & family and most importantly explore Exeter for that little bit longer! Read on for inspiration how to make the most of our incredible city this spring...

Clear your mind with a run, cycle or walk along the Quayside

Our glorious Quayside is the place to be all year round! An added bonus of lighter evenings mean we can cycle through, stroll along the water with a friend or tie our laces and take in the sights as you run around of an evening! Not to mention there are a handful of cafés and restaurants offering takeaways, to enjoy a picnic on the Quayside banks...

Dine alfresco at your favourite restaurants once again

Finally! From 12th April, restaurants across the city will re-open their booking systems for outside dining, perfect timing for when the clocks go forward! Read our Dining Out(doors) blog, for list of Exeter restaurants offering evening alfresco dining for you and up to five friends or family members!

Take your furry friends on an evening adventure

Once the clocks go forward, we won't be relying on our lunch breaks to take our dogs out on their walks - we can wait until the evening as they will be much lighter! Stroll along Exeter Quay, explore one of our city's public green spaces or take your time to explore Dartmoor National Park - there isn't a time limit to leave before it gets dark. Check out our '10 Wonderful Walks in Exeter' for inspiration! 

Just outside of Exeter you'll find the historic port of Topsham, a quaint, peaceful town filled with eclectic independent shops, lovely views and fantastic walking routes your pup and entire family will enjoy following. Take a look at Love Topsham's guest blog for a guide to your visit! 

Spend time in your lovely garden

Lighter evenings means more time to spend in our gardens with a glass of our favourite wine or gin (Exeter Gin we hope!), family dinners and delicious BBQ's! Take a look at our guest blog from Toby Buckland, for tips and tricks how to prepare your garden for spring - what a great way to make use of the lighter evenings! Toby Buckland's Garden Festival returns on the 11th June, click here to find out more and grab your tickets!

Paddle along the River Exe and Exeter Canal

Hire a paddleboard, canoe or kayak from AS Watersports or Saddles and Paddles and embark on a peaceful journey along the River Exe until you get to Exeter Canal! Explore the tranquil waters of an evening as you try something new this spring in Exeter - what a way to unwind after a busy day in the city!  

Grab a picnic and catch a sunset

Pack a picnic and find the perfect spot for a glorious sunset! Sit back and enjoy an incredible sunset over Exeter from Haldon Forest Park, lay down your picnic blankets along the banks at Exeter Quay or watch the day end on Exeter Cathedral Green as you gaze at our magnificent Cathedral! Alternatively, our part of the south west is home to glorious beaches just a short 30 minute train journey away - another place to find that gorgeous sunset! Don't want to prepare a picnic? Don't worry - there are many restaurants open in Exeter to order a takeaway - check out our blog for inspiration.

Budleigh Salterton Beach

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Indulge in spring & summer produce

Looking for the perfect, freshest ingredients for lighter meals, for the lighter evenings? In Exeter we're incredibly lucky to be surrounded by the Devon countryside, which means that we have many farm shops to explore! Order a delicious cheese selection from Quicke's, purchase your locally-sourced meat from Darts Farm and select fresh fruit and veg from Ben's Farm Shop! Take a look at our favourite spring recipes from these businesses:

• Quicke's Cheddar Hot Cross Buns
• Rhubarb Pie | Darts Farm
• Seville Orange Curd - Ben's Farm Shop

Rhubarb Pie - Darts Farm Recipe

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Wildlife spotting in our outstanding valley parks

Once the evenings are lighter, we'll be able to enjoy our valley parks later on in the day - meaning that we might spot different types of birds and wildlife than we normally would in the day! We have many green, outdoor spaces scattered across our city to choose from, including Ludwell Valley Park, Riverside Valley Park, and Barley Valley Park (psst - the views here are spectacular!) If you want to travel a little further afield now that restrictions are lifting in April, take an evening trip to Dawlish Warren Nature Reserve, Exmouth Local Nature Reserve, or the Bowling Green Marsh!

Whilst you're out and about, don't forget to download the Royal Albert Memorial Museum's Super Sleuth Challenge and record the many shapes and patterns you see! You'll be surprised with what you discover just outside your doorstep - click here to find out more and get a copy of the challenge!