Fresh Blog

As of today, Monday 1st June, Fresh Property Group has officially moved to a new office address:

Fourth Floor, Sicilian House
21 Southampton Row
London, WC1B 5HA

This update is part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining accurate and up-to-date company records and documentation, ensuring complete visibility and transparency is in place for contacting Fresh Property Group..

We would like to reassure all our residents, partners, and stakeholders that this change of address will not affect our services or day-to-day operations. Everything will continue as normal, and there will be no disruption to the support and experience you receive from us.

Please note that all official correspondence and documentation will now reflect our new address. We kindly ask you to update your records accordingly.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with your usual Fresh Property Group contact.

Thank you for your continued support.

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Stoke’s Croft is one of Bristol’s most recognisable student neighbourhoods. Known for its independent spirit, colourful street art, late-night venues and creative culture, it’s a place where students can experience a side of Bristol that feels authentic, expressive and constantly evolving.

Located just north of Bristol city centre, Stoke’s Croft is popular with students from the University of Bristol, BIMM, UWE Bristol and other city institutions thanks to its central location and strong student atmosphere. Living here means cafés, music venues, vintage shops, restaurants and nightlife are all within walking distance, alongside excellent transport links and easy access to university campuses.

For students wanting a vibrant city experience with personality, Stoke’s Croft offers a unique balance of creativity, convenience and community. Fresh’s all-new Croft Court places students right in the heart of the area, making it easy to enjoy everything Stoke’s Croft and Bristol have to offer.
 

Why Students Love Stoke’s Croft

A True Bristol Student Experience in the Heart of the City

Stoke’s Croft has become one of Bristol’s best-known cultural districts. It’s known for independent businesses, live music, alternative nightlife and a creative atmosphere that attracts students from across the city. And, of course, Turbo Island (for those that know Bristol well)!

Unlike other popular student areas – such as Clifton, Redland and the City Centre – Stoke’s Croft has retained an independent creative and cultural identity. Students are drawn to the area because it feels lived-in, artistic and social. Bristol locals often describe the area as energetic, central and ideal for students who enjoy nightlife, live music and creative culture.

The neighbourhood is also incredibly well connected. Bristol city centre, Cabot Circus and Gloucester Road are all nearby, while several university campuses can be reached on foot, by bike or by bus. Typical travel times from Croft Court include:
 

• BIMM Bristol: 1 minute walk
• University of Bristol: approximately 20 minutes walk 
• Universty of West England: approximately 20 minutes by bus
• Cabot Circus: 10 minutes walk
• Bristol Temple Meads: approximately 15 minutes by bus

The central location also makes it easy for students to explore Bristol’s wider neighbourhoods including Clifton, Gloucester Road and the Harbourside area.

The Stoke’s Croft Atmosphere: Independent, Creative and Social

One of the biggest reasons students choose Stoke’s Croft is its atmosphere. The area is packed with independent cafés, bakeries, record stores, music venues and late-night food spots that give it a distinct personality compared to other parts of the city.

Street art is everywhere throughout the neighbourhood, including some of Bristol’s most photographed murals and works associated with Banksy.

Students living in the area often describe it as:
 

• Creative and expressive

• Social and energetic

• Conveniently central

• Full of independent businesses and venue

• One of Bristol’s cultural hubs​​​​​​​

Stoke’s Croft has long been associated with Bristol’s creative identity. Music, art and independent culture are deeply connected to the area, and students living here are surrounded by creative inspiration every day.

The neighbourhood is particularly known for:
 

• Street art and murals

• Independent galleries and studios

• Record shops and creative businesses

• Grassroots music venues

• Community-led events and festivals

The area’s creative reputation continues to attract students who want to feel part of Bristol’s artistic culture rather than simply living near campus.

Social and Nightlife in One of Bristol’s Most Lively Student Areas

Stoke’s Croft is at the centre of Bristol’s independent nightlife scene. Students living here are within walking distance of bars, live music venues, clubs and casual late-night hangouts.

The area is known for:
 

• Lakota

• Full Moon and Attic Bar

• The Love Inn

• The Croft

• Steam and much more

​​​​​​​
Many venues cater heavily to Bristol’s student population, creating a social scene that feels relaxed, creative and community-driven rather than corporate.

Like many central creative districts, Stoke’s Croft can feel busy and lively, particularly at weekends. For many students, that vibrancy is exactly what makes the area appealing. Living in Stoke’s Croft means being surrounded by Bristol’s music, nightlife, creativity and independent culture every day.

Because the area is central, students can also easily access Harbourside, Park Street, Gloucester Road and Bristol city centre nightlife.

Balance City Life with Community and Outdoor Space

Although Stoke’s Croft is urban and energetic, students are still close to several green spaces where they can relax, exercise or study outdoors.

Nearby outdoor spaces include:
 

• Castle Park

• Brandon Hill

• St Andrew’s Park

• Queen Square

• Bristol Harbourside​​​​​​​

• Riverside walking and cycling routes

Croft Court also supports wellbeing through on-site social spaces, study areas, resident events and Fresh’s Be Wellbeing programme, helping students build friendships and maintain balance throughout the academic year.

Student Living at Croft Court: Modern Student Accommodation in the Centre of It All

Croft Court is a brand-new student accommodation development opening in Bristol in September 2026, located directly within Stoke’s Croft. Designed specifically for modern student life, the property combines contemporary living spaces with social and wellbeing-focused amenities.

Students at Croft Court can choose from:

• ​​​​​​​En-suite rooms with shared kitchens

• Private studio apartments

• Premium and loft-style room options

• Shared social spaces designed for student living

​​​​​​​Croft Court is particularly convenient for students studying at BIMM Bristol, which is only a minute away on foot – while the University of Bristol is also within walking distance, and The University of West England is just a short busride away.

Amenities at Croft Court
 

• On-site gym

• ​​​​​​​Cinema room

• Games area

• Study spaces

• Outdoor courtyard

• Resident events programme

• All-inclusive bills and Wi-Fi

​​​​​​​Why Choose Stoke’s Croft for Student Living?

Students choose Stoke’s Croft because it offers:
 

• Central Bristol living

• Strong student atmosphere

• Independent cafés, bars and venues

• Easy university access

• Creative culture and street art

• Walkable city living

• Vibrant nightlife and music scene

​​​​​​​For students wanting an authentic Bristol experience with everything close by, Stoke’s Croft remains one of the city’s most exciting places to live.

Learn more about Croft Court Bristol  and discover student accommodation designed for life in the heart of Stoke’s Croft.

Our Residents Say.

"I’ve really enjoyed living at Dun Holm House. The location is great – very close to the city centre and riverside. The room is clean and modern, and the ensuite is super convenient. Staff are friendly and helpful whenever I needed support. Overall, it’s a comfortable and safe place for students – highly recommended!"

 Resident at Dun Holm House, Durham – Google

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Starting university is one of the most significant transitions a young person makes. Alongside the excitement comes something far less talked about: homesickness. Studies show that up to 70% of first-year students experience it during their first ten weeks. 

The good news is that homesickness almost always fades as students build routines and connections. In the meantime, one of the most effective things you can do is transform your student flat into a space that genuinely feels like yours.

Acknowledge How You're Feeling

Homesickness is not a weakness. Allowing yourself to feel those emotions, rather than pushing through them, is an important part of adjusting. Missing home simply means you have strong connections to the people and places you've come from.

If feelings become persistent or start affecting your studies, Fresh's Student Assistance Programme, delivered in partnership with Health Assured, offers free 24/7 confidential support covering mental health and emotional wellbeing.

Personalise Your Space

A room that reflects your personality is far easier to relax in than a blank, institutional one. The challenge in student accommodation is doing this without causing damage, but there are plenty of deposit-safe ways to make your space feel like home.

Photographs and memories. Printing photos and displaying them on a pinboard, strung along fairy lights, or placed in frames on your desk are among the most effective ways to bring familiarity into a new room.

Lighting. The overhead lighting in most student rooms is rarely flattering. A warm bedside lamp or a string of fairy lights can completely change the atmosphere. 

Soft furnishings. A rug, a throw, and a few cushions make a significant difference to how a room feels. Bold bedding is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to inject personality.

Plants. Low-maintenance options such as cacti or snake plants bring life into a room and can actively reduce stress. If you're worried about upkeep, a faux plant works just as well visually.

Scent. Reed diffusers or plug-in fragrance options (open flames are not permitted in student accommodation) can make a room feel familiar and calming. Bringing a scent from home during the early weeks can provide genuine comfort.

Build New Routines

Homesickness often intensifies in unstructured time. Establishing consistent sleep patterns, regular mealtimes, and a set study schedule provides stability that makes an unfamiliar environment feel more manageable. Even small routines, like the route you walk to lectures or the day you do your laundry, can help a new environment start to feel settled.

Stay Connected

Regular contact with friends and family at home is important. However, long daily calls can sometimes intensify homesickness rather than ease it. Scheduling shorter, regular check-ins gives you something to look forward to whilst encouraging you to engage with your new surroundings too.

Invest in the Community Around You

Social connection is consistently the fastest route through homesickness. Keeping your door open, joining a society, attending events, or simply making tea for your flatmates are small steps that build meaningful relationships over time.

Fresh properties are designed with the community in mind. Regular residents' events, shared social spaces, and on-site teams who genuinely know their residents help students feel part of something from day one, making the process of settling in feel far less daunting.

A Note for Parents

If your child is struggling, the most helpful thing you can do is listen and normalise. Encouraging them to engage with their new environment, rather than coming home at the first opportunity, gives them the space to build the connections and routines that will help them settle. Most students find that, given a little time, university accommodation starts to feel like a second home.

In Summary

Homesickness is a natural part of starting university, and it passes. By personalising your space, building routines, staying connected in a balanced way, and investing in the community around you, your student flat can become far more than somewhere to sleep. With the right environment and support, it becomes a genuine home.

To find out more about Fresh's approach to student wellbeing or explore our student accommodation locations.

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Brighton has established itself as a secure environment for students, with over 21,000 university students and a safety index of 61.2. The city has invested approximately £300,000 in dedicated student safety initiatives. This guide outlines the practical steps students can take to stay safe whilst making the most of Brighton.

Choosing Secure Accommodation

Accommodation choice significantly impacts student safety and wellbeing. Purpose-built student accommodation provides comprehensive security features that private rentals often cannot match, and for students new to Brighton, that peace of mind matters from day one.

Fresh offers two purpose-built properties in Brighton, each designed with student safety and community at its core.

Pavilion Point is located in the heart of the city, within easy reach of both the University of Brighton and the University of Sussex. It offers an on-site residents' team, secure building access, CCTV, and contents insurance included as standard alongside a vibrant community of students settling into Brighton life together.

Promenade Student Living, situated at Providence Place in Brighton city centre, is a brand-new property that opened in 2024. Just a nine-minute walk from the University of Brighton's City Campus, it features 24-hour secure access, on-site management and maintenance teams, 24/7 CCTV, and contents insurance included within all-inclusive rent. For students who value both security and community, its outdoor courtyards, study spaces, and TV lounge provide safe social spaces without needing to venture far from home.

Notably, all Fresh properties, including both Brighton developments, are registered members of the Safe Space Alliance, a national network of venues committed to providing a safe environment for students and young people. Both properties' central locations also mean students are close to well-lit, busy streets, reliable public transport, and Brighton's wider network of night-time safety services.

Night-Time Safety Support Services

Brighton has developed robust support systems specifically for students during evening activities.

Safe Space Brighton Located at St Paul's Church on West Street, Safe Space Brighton operates every Friday and Saturday from 11pm to 3:45am. This free service provides first aid, a safe environment, phone charging, and support for getting home safely. Contact: 07979104406.

Night Safety Marshals Trained marshals patrol West Street and the city centre, working directly with Sussex Police to identify vulnerable individuals and provide immediate assistance.

Safe Space Sussex App This app helps students locate nearby safe spaces when they feel unsafe or become separated from friends.

Practical Safety Measures

Before Going Out: Planning ahead reduces risk. Check transport times, charge your phone fully, inform flatmates of plans, and familiarise yourself with your route home. The University of Brighton provides free personal alarms at Student Information Desks.

Awareness of Spiking: Spiking remains a concern that Brighton venues and Sussex Police actively address. Never leave drinks unattended, avoid accepting drinks from strangers, and remain vigilant about vapes. Many clubs offer free StopTopps anti-spiking drink covers.

If you suspect spiking, alert venue staff immediately, seek medical attention, and report to Sussex Police.

Getting Home Safely: Use well-lit main routes, travel with friends, and trust your instincts. Only use registered taxis or established ride-share applications. Contact Sussex Police on 101 (non-emergency) or 999 (urgent situations).

Campus and Accommodation Security

Students living at Pavilion Point or Promenade Student Living benefit from on-site residents' teams, contents insurance included within their rent, and access to Fresh's free 24/7 Student Assistance Programme,  a confidential helpline provided in partnership with Health Assured covering mental health, personal safety, and general wellbeing support. Mark possessions with UV pens (free from university security offices) and ensure you are familiar with your building's emergency procedures on arrival.

Supporting Student Independence and Safety

At Fresh, we understand that feeling safe enables students to fully embrace university life. Pavilion Point brings together everything a student needs to feel secure in Brighton, a central location, an on-site residents' team, all-inclusive bills, contents insurance, and membership of the Safe Space Alliance, all within a vibrant student community designed to help new arrivals settle in with confidence.

Brighton offers students an exceptional environment for learning and personal growth. By choosing secure accommodation, understanding available support services, and taking sensible precautions, students can enjoy everything this vibrant city offers from day one.

For more information, visit the University of Brighton safety page or the Brighton student safety guidance. In emergencies, always contact 999.

Ready to find safe, supported student accommodation in Brighton? Explore Pavilion Point or view all Fresh Brighton apartments.

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Success during exam season isn’t about sacrificing sleep or studying non-stop. It’s about building habits that help you stay focused, balanced and confident throughout the revision period. With the right approach and the right environment around you, exams can feel far more manageable than expected.

Here are some Fresh-approved tips to help you stay organised, protect your wellbeing and head into exam season feeling in control.

Create a realistic study plan

When it comes to revision, ambition is helpful – but realism is essential. Many students fall into the trap of creating intense study schedules that simply aren’t sustainable, leading to frustration and burnout within days.

Instead, break your revision down into smaller, structured chunks. Studying for 12 hours straight isn’t productive, but focused sessions with clear goals are far more effective, making space for your to retain important information rather than cramming it all in at the eleventh hour. Try:

• 45-minute study blocks
• 10–15 minute breaks
• A clear end time each evening

One widely recommended method is the Pomodoro Technique, which focuses on short bursts of deep concentration followed by intentional rest. Studying for 25-45 minutes at a time, followed by a short break, helps maintain focus while preventing mental fatigue.

Planning your workload across several weeks also removes the pressure of last-minute cramming. Setting achievable daily goals, rather than vague plans to “revise everything”, gives you a sense of progress and momentum. Importantly, scheduling a clear endpoint to your study day allows your brain to switch off and recover, helping you return the next day feeling refreshed rather than exhausted.

Revision works best when it becomes consistent, not overwhelming.
 

Use your space wisely

Your surroundings play a bigger role in productivity than you might realise. Studying in the same position for hours can quickly lead to distraction or loss of motivation, which is why changing your environment can be surprisingly effective.

Purpose-built student accommodation offers flexibility that many students benefit from during exams. Moving between your bedroom desk, shared study areas or communal spaces creates mental variety and helps prevent burnout. Even small environmental changes – like opening a window, adjusting lighting or clearing your workspace – can improve concentration and reset your mindset.

Creating a dedicated study setup also signals to your brain that it’s time to focus. When your space feels organised and comfortable, settling into revision becomes easier, helping you maintain productive habits throughout exam season.

Don’t isolate yourself

Although exam preparation often feels like a solo challenge, studying entirely alone isn’t always the most effective approach. Collaborative revision can improve understanding while also easing feelings of isolation that tend to build during busy academic periods.

Studying with friends or flatmates introduces accountability and structure. Explaining concepts to someone else reinforces your own understanding, while group quizzes or discussion sessions can highlight knowledge gaps you might otherwise miss. Even silent study sessions where everyone works independently in the same room can provide motivation simply through shared focus.

Equally important are the social moments between revision sessions. A shared coffee break or quick catch-up can reduce stress levels and remind you that everyone around you is navigating the same experience. Remember, you’re not alone.

Look after the basics

Sleep. Water. Food. Movement.

They sound simple, but during exam season, the fundamentals of wellbeing often slip first. Late nights, skipped meals, and too much caffeine may feel unavoidable, but they can quickly impact focus, memory and mood.

Sleep plays a crucial role in consolidating information, meaning revision completed after proper rest is far more effective than studying through the night. Staying hydrated and maintaining regular meals helps stabilise energy levels, preventing the mid-afternoon crashes many students experience.

Simple routines – such as cooking easy meals in your flat, maintaining a consistent bedtime or taking short movement breaks – provide stability during an otherwise intense period. These habits don’t just support your health; they directly improve academic performance too.

Always remember that, although exam season is intense, it’s only temporary. With the right balance, you can keep it on lock without burning out. And, as a Fresh resident, you can access our Student Assistance Programme whenever you need that extra bit of support.

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For students, this couldn’t be more ideal. Whether you’re decorating your new flat, refreshing your wardrobe between terms or simply trying to make your budget stretch further, secondhand shops in Brighton offer an affordable and sustainable way to settle into life. It’s not just about saving money, it’s about discovering pieces that feel personal, unique and reflective of your new student lifestyle, too.

Why secondhand makes sense

Student budgets rarely leave much room for expensive furniture or frequent shopping trips, especially during the first few months of university. Between rent, food shops, travel and social plans, costs can quickly add up. Secondhand shops in Brighton provide a practical solution that allows you to create a comfortable living space without overspending. 

Buying pre-loved items means you can often access better quality products at significantly lower prices than buying new. Many donated or resale items have barely been used, making charity shops and vintage stores an ideal option for students furnishing their rooms or updating essentials.

Secondhand shopping also aligns naturally with Brighton’s strong sustainability culture. Choosing reused items helps reduce waste while supporting local charities and independent businesses across the city.

Key benefits include:

Saving money on everyday essentials
Reducing environmental impact
Finding one-of-a-kind clothing and décor
Supporting local community organisations

In Brighton, shopping secondhand isn’t seen as cutting corners – it’s simply part of how people live.

Top Spots to Explore

One of Brighton’s biggest advantages as a student city is how walkable it is. Many of the best secondhand shops in Brighton are close together – and likely close to your Fresh accommodation – meaning you can easily turn bargain hunting into a relaxed afternoon activity between lectures or at the weekend.

North Laine

North Laine is widely considered the heart of Brighton’s independent shopping culture. Known for its colourful streets and creative energy, the area is packed with vintage clothing stores, retro furniture shops and eclectic markets that reward curious browsing.

Students often gravitate towards shops like To Be Worn Again, Dirty Harry Clothing, and the iconic Snoopers Paradise, an indoor market filled with everything from vinyl records and artwork to lamps, mirrors and quirky home accessories. It’s the kind of place where you might arrive looking for one thing and leave with something completely unexpected.

The lively atmosphere also makes North Laine ideal for exploring with friends, turning shopping into a social experience rather than just another errand.

London Road

For students focused on affordability, London Road is one of Brighton’s best-kept secrets. This stretch is home to a high concentration of charity shops where practical essentials are often available at student-friendly prices.

Here, you’ll regularly find:

Kitchen equipment and cookware
Warm winter clothing
Home décor and storage solutions
Books and study materials

Shops such as British Heart Foundation, Oxfam, Scope, and Cancer Research UK frequently stock furniture and household items – perfect if you’re setting up your student room without wanting to invest heavily in brand-new pieces.

 The Lanes & Kensington Gardens

The historic Lanes and nearby Kensington Gardens offer a slightly more curated secondhand experience. While some vintage boutiques specialise in fashion, patient browsing can uncover affordable statement pieces that add personality to your wardrobe.

These areas are especially popular for vintage denim, jackets and accessories – ideal if you want your style to reflect Brighton’s creative and alternative spirit.

Furnishing Your Flat for Less

Moving into student accommodation often means starting with a blank canvas. While essentials are provided, adding personal touches can make your space feel far more comfortable and familiar, helping you settle in to your new home.

Secondhand shopping is one of the easiest ways to achieve this without overspending. Small additions can completely change how your room feels, helping it become somewhere you genuinely enjoy spending time.

Students commonly look for:

Desk lamps for evening study sessions
Mirrors to brighten smaller rooms
Storage baskets and organisers
Affordable cookware and utensils
Artwork, prints or photo frames

Because these items are inexpensive, you can experiment with your space without worrying about long-term commitment – particularly helpful when moving accommodation at the end of the academic year.

Shop smart 

Experienced student shoppers know that exploring secondhand shops in Brighton is as much about timing as it is about location. Stock changes frequently, meaning regular visits often lead to the best finds. A few tried-and-tested tips include:

Visiting shops at the start or end of term when donations increase
Shopping with friends to split costs or share finds
Checking community markets and student swap events
Thinking creatively about how items can be reused or repurposed

Brighton’s circular shopping culture means items often pass from one group of students to the next, making sustainability part of the student lifecycle itself.

The city’s creative energy makes exploring secondhand shops in Brighton more than just a way to save money. It’s an opportunity to explore the city, support local causes and create a living space that reflects who you are. And when your flat feels personal, comfortable and uniquely yours, settling into student life becomes that much easier, without stretching your budget along the way.

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That’s why keeping a student flat warm and comfortable remains just as important during this seasonal transition. Staying cosy isn’t only about comfort; it also supports your wellbeing, sleep quality and ability to focus on studying. At Fresh, our buildings are designed with comfort in mind, but a few simple everyday habits can help you stay warm while remaining energy-conscious.

Layer smartly
Before immediately reaching for the thermostat, consider how layering can help you stay comfortable throughout fluctuating spring temperatures. Adding warmth through clothing and soft furnishings allows you to retain heat efficiently without relying entirely on heating systems.

Think cosy hoodies, thick socks or comfortable loungewear for study sessions, alongside blankets or throws for evenings spent revising or relaxing. Draft excluders placed along doors can also help prevent warm air from escaping, particularly on colder or windy days.

These small adjustments make it easier to maintain a consistent level of comfort, even when outdoor temperatures change from one day to the next.

Make the most of natural heat
Natural daylight can provide more warmth than you might expect – even outside of peak winter months. Opening curtains or blinds during the day allows sunlight to naturally heat your room, helping your flat stay warmer without additional energy use.

As evening approaches and temperatures begin to drop, closing curtains helps trap that warmth indoors and reduces heat loss through windows. Creating this simple daily routine helps your space adapt naturally to changing weather conditions, which is especially useful during the unpredictable shift from winter into spring.

Keep air circulating

While it may feel counterproductive to open windows when it’s cold outside, circulating fresh air is essential for maintaining a warm and healthy living environment.

Everyday activities such as cooking, showering and drying clothes can create moisture indoors, leading to condensation and damp if airflow is limited. Briefly opening windows for five to ten minutes each day allows fresh air to circulate, improving air quality and preventing rooms from feeling stuffy or humid.

Good ventilation helps regulate temperature more effectively, meaning your flat feels fresher, more comfortable and easier to heat overall.

Cook up warmth
Cooler evenings are the perfect excuse to enjoy comforting, home-cooked meals. Cooking in your shared kitchen not only helps manage food costs but also adds warmth and atmosphere to your living space.

Meals like soups, pasta dishes, curries or traybakes gently warm the room while creating a cosy, homely environment. Cooking together with flatmates can also provide a welcome break from studying, turning everyday dinners into social moments that make student living more enjoyable.

Just remember to use extractor fans or briefly ventilate the kitchen to keep air circulating while you cook.

Look out for each other
The tail end of winter can sometimes feel draining, particularly when coursework deadlines or exam preparation begin to build. Shorter days, changing weather and busy schedules can all impact mood and motivation.

Checking in with flatmates, sharing meals or planning relaxed evenings together can make a big difference. Small gestures, whether that’s a cup of tea, a shared film night or simply spending time together, help create a supportive and welcoming atmosphere within your flat.
Spring will soon settle in, but the sense of comfort and community you build at home lasts far longer.

By combining smart heating habits with good ventilation and everyday comfort routines, you can keep a student flat warm, healthy and welcoming – whatever the UK weather decides to do next.

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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.

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From walks through Bute Park to exploring Cardiff’s wellness facilities, the city has plenty of ways to keep your body and mind in good shape this season.
 

Get outdoors

Cardiff is full of green spaces that make staying active easy and enjoyable, even when it’s cold. Bute Park is just a 17-minute walk from our Verse development, so wrap up warm for a riverside stroll or a quick morning jog. Other options include Gorsedd Gardens and Alexandra Gardens, which are perfect for short, peaceful walks followed by a warming hot chocolate. If you’re feeling adventurous at the weekend, the Taff Trail offers miles of cycling and running paths stretching all the way to Brecon.
 

Fresh air and daylight do wonders for your mood and energy, so make it part of your routine. Even 20 minutes outside on your lunch break can help shake off that winter sluggishness.
 

Explore Cardiff’s wellness facilities

If exercising outdoors isn’t your thing, then Cardiff has a range of indoor fitness and wellbeing options. Cardiff International Pool and Gym is home to an impressive Olympic-sized pool, plus a gym and sauna, while Hot Pod Yoga on Ocean Way offers space to unwind, stretch and recharge.  
 

At Verse, you can benefit from an on-site gym, making it easier than ever to stay active throughout winter, and at Fitz & Knox, enjoy luxurious on-site wellbeing facilities, including a yoga studio and sauna.
 

Eat a balanced diet

Cold weather calls for comfort food, but that doesn’t mean you need to give up on nutrition entirely. Batch cooking can also make healthy eating easier; make big pots of chilli, soups or pasta sauces that you can portion out and freeze for later.
 

Cardiff’s food scene has plenty of spots serving healthy, hearty dishes. Nourish serves up delicious breakfasts, salads and smoothies made to order, while Crumbs Kitchen is a favourite for a veggie-friendly, nourishing lunch.
 

Look after your mental health

Shorter days can affect your mood, so it’s important to stay social and connected to keep your spirits high. At the Chapter Arts Centre, there are plenty of creative events and social groups to help keep your spirits up, from film evenings to craft nights.
 

At Fresh, your home is part of a community. Every resident gets a complimentary membership to our Belong Residents Club, which offers social events, wellbeing workshops, mindfulness sessions and support networks built into your living space. Whether you’re grabbing coffee with a neighbour, attending a group class or simply relaxing in a communal lounge, Belong is designed to reduce isolation, build connections and help you feel cared for wherever you are.
 

Stay well, stay connected

Cardiff’s mix of green spaces, wellbeing facilities and communities available at makes it the perfect place to prioritise wellness this winter. With a little planning and a few healthy habits, you’ll be ready to make the most of the season.
 

If you’re looking for a home that helps you live well year-round, explore Fresh’s Cardiff apartments, which are designed to make wellness, balance and community part of everyday life.

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