Exeter is one of the UK’s most exciting cities for students, with a perfect mix of historical highlights and buzzing student life to enjoy throughout your studies. Whether you are already studying at one of Exeter’s multiple universities or colleges, or getting ready to begin your student journey, we have something for you.

Although your studies take up a portion of your time, we understand that you also need time to wind down and relax to take part in the things you enjoy, on your own or in a group. So, we have compiled a list of some budget-friendly (and some, free!) activities around Exeter to save you some planning time.

Exeter is home to two top Fresh student accommodations, The Barn and Cricket Field Court. Therefore, we’ve also covered the distances when travelling from whichever accommodation you choose to call home, to each activity listed below. To view our accommodations on offer in Exeter, please click here.
 

Budget friendly things to do in Exeter:

The VRVE:
The VRVE (Virtual Reality Visitor Experience) is Exeter’s most popular immersive virtual reality experience, the perfect opportunity to try something different with your mates. The VRVE is suitable for all ages due to their ranging list of games, from horror, to skydiving simulators, to group games, they’ve got it all!

A 1 hour session costs around £60, but with up to 6 people allowed to join in on the fun, you can split the costs between your group.

The VRVE is roughly a 30 minute journey from The Barn, and 45 minutes from Cricket Field Court by public transport.

Exeter Northcott theatre:
Exeter Northcott theatre is a registered charity and theatre, with a diverse list of shows across musicals, dance, comedy and much more. Better yet? The Northcott theatre is based at the University of Exeter, so if this is your uni of study, you can catch a show in the evening!

Tickets typically range from £15 – £35, with some shows as low as £12.50! The theatre is only a 7 minute walk from Cricket Field Court, and an 8 minute drive from The barn, or 20 minutes on public transport.

Quay climbing centre:
The Quay Climbing Centre is known as the South West’s largest indoor climbing wall, with walls ranging from 7-15 metres in height. With over 200 climbs of different difficulties, there is truly a wall for every skill level for you to enjoy here.

As a student, tickets can go as low as £10. You can get to Quay Climbing Centre from The barn in 13 minutes by public transport, or a 20 minute walk. From Cricket Field Court, this will take 9 minutes by car/bike, or around 25 minutes on public transport.
 

Free places to visit in Exeter:

Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery:
The Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery (RAMM) is the largest museum in Exeter, housing over 1 million objects. Whether you’re looking for Exeter’s rich history, zoological displays or decorative art, RAMM is accessible for all.

This completely free experience is only an 11 minute walk and 4 minute cycle from The Barn, and an 18 minute walk or 5 minute cycle from Cricket Field Court.

Bill Douglas Cinema Museum:
The Bill Douglas Cinema Museum offers a free and fascinating journey through the history of the moving image, celebrating acting icons like Charlie Chaplin and Marilyn Monroe. The museum features over 93,000 objects and is placed on the University of Exeter’s Streatham Campus.

The museum is only a 7 minute walk from Cricket Field Court, and about a 20 minute walk or 8 minute bike ride from The Barn.

Northernhay Gardens:
Northernhay Gardens is the oldest public open space in England, being laid out in 1612. Packed with history, Northernhay Gardens features multiple memorials, monuments, with scenic walks and a pond, all right next to Exeter city centre.

Enjoy a walk at Northernhay Gardens, located only an 11 minute walk or 4 minute bike ride from The Barn, or a 5 minute bike ride from Cricket Field Court.