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January is the perfect time to reset, refocus and embrace healthier habits - and Exeter offers plenty of ways to enjoy Dry January without missing out on all the fun.
Whether you’re taking part for wellbeing, balance or curiosity, our city is full of alcohol-free experiences, great food and uplifting activities to support your new year resolutions.
Alcohol-free drinks and dining
Exeter is blessed with an abundance of cafes, bars, and restaurants offering an impressive selection of tempting but healthy options. From alcohol-free beers and wine to creative mocktails and alternatives to your favourite spirits, you can still be social and enjoy a night out this month.
Gratifying appetites since 1993, the family-run team at Harry's Restaurant source ingredients from nearby farms, producers and suppliers, including locally reared meats, and seasonal fruits and vegetables while Arrietty offers a selection of coffee, home bakes, flowers, and homewares, all designed to bring joy to your everyday life. Voted 'Devon's Best Restaurant', Crave serves up a vibrant, modern menu that's made to share so you don't have to worry about calorie counting.
If you're partial to a cocktail then Cosy Club Exeter keep the drinks flowing with a selection of delicious teetotal tipples and fruity little numbers. For a real health kick then you can also order one of their probiotic smoothies. One of Exeter's favourite watering holes, The Turk's Head serve up a wide selection of no and low alcohol options while Rendezvous Wine Bar offer a choice of non-alcoholic aperitifs.
Keeping it local when it comes to farm to fork miles, Fresha focus on delivering freshly prepared, high quality foods that are full of flavour in a sustainable way. Devon born and bred, Fresha focus on delivering freshly prepared, high quality foods that are full of flavour in a sustainable way, and you can also drop by their café for a coffee and sandwich.
When it comes to healthy eating, Greendale Farm Shop is a must-visit for fresh, locally sourced food. Their shop features its own butchery with meat from Greendale’s nearby farm and a wet-fish counter stocked daily with the freshest catch from their fishing fleet, alongside Westcountry favourites from artisan cheeses to seasonal fruit, vegetables, and baked bread.
Wellbeing and wellness
Start the year prioritising your wellbeing with a spa escape here in Exeter. From luxurious treatments to top of the range facilities, restore your mind, body and soul with a little pampering.
If you’re craving some well-deserved “me-time” with a view, St Sidwell’s Point Leisure Centre is the perfect escape. Unwind in the spa pool, heated stone beds, and foot spas, then indulge in organic GAIA treatments crafted to leave you feeling completely rejuvenated. Nestled in the heart of the city, The Retreat Spa at Hotel Indigo combines comfort and tranquillity for a peaceful getaway from the outside world. Soak away your stresses in two luxurious hydro pools and for added pampering then a range of spa treatments will leave you feeling like a new person. For the ultimate spa experience and peaceful city retreat, escape to Hotel du Vin. Enjoy REN Clean Skincare treatments, soothing massages, and restorative rituals, complemented by the heated indoor/outdoor pool and relaxation area.
Take a moment to relax with our spa guide.
The great outdoors
Being active outdoors boosts mood, energy, and wellbeing, helping you start the year feeling revitalised, balanced, and inspired.
Weaving it's way through leafy suburbs, and hidden heritage, the Green Circle is Exeter's urban nature trail. Whether you want to tackle the full, 12-mile route or just fancy a gentle stroll between cafés and viewpoints, it's a great way to experience a greener, healthier, and more connected Exeter.
For a truly refreshing experience then head out on the River Exe with Saddles and Paddles. Whether it's for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or gentle river excursions, experience Exeter from a different, watery perspective that's full of wildlife. If you prefer keeping your feet dry then you can also hire a range of bikes to enjoy a leisurely riverside peddle.
Immerse yourself in nature’s calm and explore winding trails, on foot or by bike, at Haldon Forest Park. The far reaching views across to Dartmoor are reason enough to visit and offer the perfect dose of escapism to recharge and reconnect with nature. With over 3,500 acres to explore, you'll find your own place of
A cocktail of culture
Dry January doesn’t mean staying at home. In fact this is the ideal month to head out and explore Exeter’s cultural calendar - packed with exhibitions, performances and events throughout the month. The Storytellers, a mesmerising light and sound installation, comes to Exeter Cathedral while RAMM showcases the work of Grayson Perry, one of Britain's best-known contemporary artists, and Exeter Custom House hosts A Celebration of Words with Exeter Writers.
Book some "you" time
There's something rather special about the simple joy of getting lost in a good book, especially on a dark winter night. Perfect for slowing down, reducing stress, and connecting with fellow bibliophiles, Exeter's Silent Book Club provides a calm space to read, reflect, and recharge.
Expanding to three sessions a month in 2026 due to their popularity, cozy up with a book on the first Wednesday and third Monday of the month at Topsham Brewery and the last Thurday of the month at at 12 Bar Music & Social, from 6pm to 8pm.
However you choose to spend it, Dry January in Exeter is about feeling good, staying connected and starting the year with intention. Raise a glass to a healthier, happier January, Exeter style.
Related
Voted 'Devon's Best Restaurant', Crave serves up a vibrant, modern menu that's made to share - carefully crafted by Head Chef, Connor, and our team of talented chefs. Inspired by Devon and Cornwall's seasonal larder, join us for the ultimate all-day dining experience. Open seven days a week, Crave is your go-to for bangin' breakfasts, laid-back lunches, candlelit dinners, and unforgettable feasts with friends and family.
Harry’s Restaurant, Exeter is a friendly and vibrant restaurant serving quality, honest food at affordable prices. ”For 20 years HARRY’S has become part of the city's foodie furniture a Saturday lunchtime favourite of ours” – DEVON LIFE
Arrietty is a place where the little things really matter. We believe it’s the little things that brighten our daily lives. We’ve created a selection of fine coffee, beautiful flowers, delicious food and bakes and curated lifestyle products to do just that!
Quirky, eccentric and playful, the Cosy Club offers informal, casual dining, drinking and lounging in a homely and family friendly environment.
A hidden gem in the heart of Exeter's Southernhay area, a stone's throw from both Cathedral Yard and Princesshay.
Fresha Café puts its heart and soul into providing locally sourced, great tasting food that caters for a variety of tastes.
Voted 'Devon's Best Restaurant', Crave serves up a vibrant, modern menu that's made to share - carefully crafted by Head Chef, Connor, and our team of talented chefs. Inspired by Devon and Cornwall's seasonal larder, join us for the ultimate all-day dining experience. Open seven days a week, Crave is your go-to for bangin' breakfasts, laid-back lunches, candlelit dinners, and unforgettable feasts with friends and family.
Deep in the heart of the East Devon countryside, surrounded by 15 acres of farmland, you’ll find the award-winning Greendale Farm Shop and its family-friendly café. Full of fresh, locally-sourced produce, this welcoming shop has become a must-visit destination.
Welcome to St Sidwell’s Point, Exeter’s state-of-the-art leisure centre, in the heart of the city centre. St Sidwell’s Point is the first leisure facility in the UK to be built to the ultra-energy efficient Passivhaus standard, meaning energy consumption is reduced by 70% when compared with industry best practice standards. Visitors can also enjoy improved air quality, optimal air temperatures, and natural lighting due to the unique design and materials used to build our city’s leisure complex.
Take a step inside this iconic building, formerly the West of England Eye Hospital, where historic walled gardens and striking architecture create the backdrop for a truly special experience.
Relax, unwind and leave the outside world behind. Welcome to The Retreat Spa at Hotel Indigo. Nestled away in the heart of the city, restore your mind, body and soul as you enjoy luxurious hydro pools, a sauna, steam room and treatments.
The Exeter Green Circle is a twelve-mile walk around the city with something for everyone, and a walk which includes some rural stretches.
Bike and canoe hire from Exeter's historic quayside. Explore the old canal trail. Seven miles of flat, traffic free cycling in beautiful countryside. The canoes are great fun and easy to use for exploring this beautiful waterway.
Whether you want a gentle stroll or an exhilarating mountain biking experience, there’s something for everyone at Haldon Forest Park. Open 364 days of the year, there is something for every interest to connect you with the great outdoors.
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