If you enjoy my blog and you have a few minutes..

I’ve worked very hard on my blog over the last year and a bit, so I thought that maybe I would try and win a blogging award.

If you have been enjoying my work and fancy sharing the love, please nominate Exploring Exeter in the fresh voice & readers choice categories of Britmum’s Brilliance in Blogging Awards.

Many thanks in advance if you do.

Steph xx 😘

Info you need:

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Email: stephaniedarkes@gmail.com

@exploringexeter

Just click on the link!

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HAVE YOU HAD SWIMMING LESSONS AS AN ADULT? While

HAVE YOU HAD SWIMMING LESSONS AS AN ADULT?

While I was away at the weekend I decided that I need to do some work on my front crawl. I also remembered that because it’s the summer holidays I haven’t spent much time at all all exercising! So today I headed to @exetergcc for a 1km swim and steam ❤️

#exeter #devon #plymouth #southwest #devonlife #torquay #exeterlife #exmouth #inexeter #bristol #exeteruni #newtonabbot #torbay #exeterliving #uk #exeteruniversity #honiton #topsham #southdevon #paignton #love #visitexeter #visitdevon #cornwall #exetercity

Shout out to all the lovers who look for the good

Shout out to all the lovers who look for the good in people ❤️🙏🏼

#joannalumley #quote #inspo #inspirationalquotes #lovers #inspiration

GOT ANY TIPS ON BUDGET HOLIDAYING IN CORNWALL?

I’m feeling refreshed after sneaking over the border to Somerset at the weekend with some pals for some well deserved RnR

It was a friend’s @airbnb eco home in Wincanton with a natural swimming pool (it was lovely not to stink of chlorine!)

We ate, drank and caught up with each other’s lives.

Next week is holiday time for the kids and I’m taking 4 teen / tweens camping on my own in Cornwall, on a shoestring budget. We are planning to go to @megaslipandslidecornwall, do a bit of the SW coastal path, hit Hayle beach, and visit @wendron_pancake_barn.

Any tips on cheap things to do / how to keep them entertained gratefully received 😂

*gratuitous dive shot for attention*

Link to eco house: https://www.airbnb.com/slink/8JCsu580

#exploringexeter #somerset #southwestisbest #SWisbest #budgetholiday #ecoholiday #Cornwall #naturalpool #holidayswithkids #mumlife #mumbloggeruk #mummydiaries #mum #mumblog

Today, I took myself for a run/walk/animal hangout

Today, I took myself for a run/walk/animal hangout around Ide.

There are lots of walks around the village ranging from small jaunts, to a walk known as ‘round the world’ which takes you up past @westtownfarm.

It’s @bigbutterflymonth and the count is on, so I was excited to spot a Red Admiral, a Tortoiseshell and a Cabbage White in the nettles (didn’t manage to catch them on camera though 🤣).

I had to stop to say hi to the foals too, they were keen for a sniff and a stroke.

I got back to Boots and Toby and some cat cuddles.

Such a great way to start my day. I’m getting started on @photoparents Instagram now. If you want to know how to take brilliant pics of your kids (and more) this summer, my lovely friend Ania has made some amazing guides - there’s also real vs reel summer bingo if you need some inspo!

I should add that some of the walks take in Exeter’s 🟢 > that’s the Green Circle walk around the city.

#exeter #devon #photography #walks #ide #devonlife #exeterliving #exeterlife #inexeter #running #countrylife #butterflycount #exeteruniversity #exeteruni #exeterchiefs #exploringexeter #exetercity #exetercathedral #foals #farmcats

Just under one month to go until we’re back at @

Just under one month to go until we’re back at @gonewildfestivaldevon!

If you haven’t sorted your ticket I’m reliably informed that there are some still available (not a lot).

We’re SO excited for this!

#exeter #exploringexeter #inexeter #festival #festivalseason #summer #summertime #family #exeterchiefs #exeteruni

❤️ “This is beautiful”, she said. 🌊 It

❤️ “This is beautiful”, she said.
🌊 It really is quite something.

#thesea #sea #swim #friendship #womensupportingwomen #kin #seaswimming #wildswimming #friends #coldwatertherapy #exeter #exploringexeter #inexeter #visitexeter #exmouth #devon #britishbeach

Come with me for breakfast at The Ley Arms [AD, gi

Come with me for breakfast at The Ley Arms [AD, gifted]

The other day I joined my lovely friend @lauren_heath_pa from @diningdevon at the @leyarms for brekkie.

☀️It’s a gorgeous pub a short drive from Exeter in Kenn. Beautifully decorated with plenty of fairy lights, it also has a gorgeous sun trap of a garden.

I had the eggs Benedict which was well worth breaking my fast for. The ley Arms also have boutique accomodation making it a great place for a cheeky getaway.

#exeter #exploringexeter #boutiquehotel #brekkie #breakfast #inexeter #exeterliving #exeterlife #visitexeter #devon #devonlife #exeterchiefs #exetercathedral #exeteruniversity #exeteruni #shortbreak #gastropub #britishpub

Hurrah for sunset in the sea season ❤️ Great

Hurrah for sunset in the sea season ❤️

Great to bump into @exeterlivingmag in the water too 🥰

#exeter #devon #devonisheaven #sunset #seaswimming #sea #friendship #swimming #swimmer #paddling #shore #beach #saltwater #sand #swimsuit #float

Have you seen the flowers in Heavytree Park? They

Have you seen the flowers in Heavytree Park?

They are really lovely 🥰

#exeter #exploringexeter #park #parklife #wildflowers #flowers #devon #cafe #happyplace #lola #exeter #exeteruni #exeterchiefs #bully #americanbully #staffie

Overnight Spa Break at @ibisstylespaignton [AD, gi

Overnight Spa Break at @ibisstylespaignton [AD, gifted]

If you’re looking for a local escape, Ibis Styles in Paignton is a great option.

Just a short drive from Exeter to the Devon Riviera, this seaside break offers everything you need for a relaxing getaway.

🏨 The Stay Ibis Styles sets the tone for a chill break with its modern yet cosy decor, contemporary art, and comfy seating. The friendly staff made check-in a breeze!

🛏️ The rooms are all about comfort and relaxation. My room had a comfy bed, and a gorgeous sea view. The blend of modern style and coastal charm made it the perfect place to unwind after a day of pampering.

🍔 The hotel’s restaurant serves American diner-style meals like burgers, calamari, and loaded fries, plus a full dessert menu with waffles, milkshakes, and ice cream.

💆‍♀️ The highlight of my stay was the spa, run by the fantastic Mel (an Exeter girl). Mel, an expert in Oncology massage and holistic therapy, made my experience incredibly relaxing. I had a back, neck, and shoulder massage and a facial, both expertly administered. The spa’s calming decor, soothing music, and aromatic scents created a tranquil atmosphere.

🏋️‍♀️ The Gym There’s also a gym, free for hotel patrons and available for locals with a small fee.

This spa break was just what I needed after a few tough months.

Read more on the blog! Link in bio 👆👆

#DevonGetaway #IbisStylesPaignton #SpaBreak #Relaxation #SeasideEscape #PamperYourself #HolisticTherapy #LocalEscape #HotelReview #SpaDay #WellnessJourney #massage #accommodation #staycation #facial #beachfront #devon #minibreak #seafront #spabreak#hotel #relax #treatment #massage #facial #chill #relaxing #escape #treated #relaxation #CoastalCharm

MY FAVOURITE POOL IN EXETER. My membership at @ex

MY FAVOURITE POOL IN EXETER.

My membership at @exetergcc gives me access to classes including; yoga, Pilates and body pump. I can use the gym to work out or have a game of tennis or squash.

On sunny days, I’d rather be in the pool or eating Al fresco at the newly designed members bar. It’s very easy to make a day of it!

I signed up my daughter too - there are free after school clubs for her to attend.

#gymmotivation #gym #exeter #exploringexeter #devon #exeterchiefs #exeteruniversity #exeteruni #exeterlife #inexeter #pool #swimming #pooldays

WHO’S UP FOR A PARTY AT THE CASTLE?! If you’

WHO’S UP FOR A PARTY AT THE CASTLE?!

If you’ve been itching to experience the Gone Wild Festival but can only make it in the evening, you’re in luck. The festival has just released a limited number of evening tickets.

We had a great time at @gonewildfestivaldevon two years in a row, and I’m excited to attend again this year. I’ll go with the kids during the day, and without them in the evening – there are some perks to getting divorced 😉

There’s also something very magical about partying in the grounds of a castle!

Evening tickets are a great option for those who can’t make it for the whole day.

THE DEETS YOU NEED:
Dates: Friday 23rd, Saturday 24th, and Sunday 25th of August
Price: £42.50 per ticket (plus £10 parking ticket if needed)
Location: Powderham Castle, Devon

The lineup this year is looking good. I’m still buzzing from James’ unforgettable set at Glastonbury, and I can’t wait to see them again at Gone Wild. Alongside them, you can catch Sam Ryder. I’ll be reliving my university days with Ocean Colour Scene.

#exeter #exploringexeter #inexeter #festival #summerbreak #holiday #familytime #livemusic #exeterchiefs #exeteruni #exeteruniversity

What is your go to meal for a poorly child? My da

What is your go to meal for a poorly child?

My daughter has been sent home from school today poorly.

So I decided to make her a nutritious easy lunch with ingredients from The Exmouth Farm Shop and @thezerowastestores.

I put nutritional yeast (rich in B12) in both the smoothie and the noodle soup.

I’m loving shopping more locally for my food, I’m saving money and we are eating well as a family!

Exmouth is a great place to shop, you can get all you need without venturing into the supermarket, you can also squeeze in a sneaky sea swim (as long as @southwestwater haven’t dumped a load of sewage in there that day).

#exmouth #devon #exeter #exploringexeter #inexeter #visitexeter #zerowaste #environmentallyfriendly #environmentallyconscious #eatwell #nourish #chickennoodlesoup #smoothie

Hola! Thought it might be time for a life update.

All hail the dosa! @namasteexeter is a South Indi

All hail the dosa!

@namasteexeter is a South Indian restaurant and the best (maybe the only?) place in town to get a dosa.

If you haven’t tried one, a dosa is a thin, savoury crepe made from a fermented batter of ground white gram and rice. Dosas are served hot, often with chutney and sambar (a lentil-based vegetable stew).

Go try one for yourself!

#dosas #dosalover #exeter #inexeter #exploringexeter #exeterchiefs #exeteruni #exeteruniversity #southindianfood #foodie #devonfoodie #southwestfoodie

Life is going swimmingly! How are you doing? W

Life is going swimmingly!

How are you doing?

We are very grateful for our @exetergcc membership, especially when the weather is like this!

#exeter #inexeter #exploringexeter #exeterchiefs #exeteruniversity #exeteruni #swim #swimming #keepswimming #life #lifeisgood #happydays #pool #poolday #pooltime

Joy, colour, and inclusivity 🏳️‍🌈 A fas

Joy, colour, and inclusivity 🏳️‍🌈

A fashion show celebrating the new season with @johnlewis_exeter at @winslademanor with a cameo appearance from @salcombegin!

Our newest recruit, fashion & beauty guru Elizabeth of @delushmakeoverstudio has written a new post.

“After the delicious 3-course meal, we were treated to the highlight of the evening – an incredible Spring/ Summer 2024 Fashion Show which celebrated inclusivity, colour, and joy in fashion.

The catwalk show featured brands such as Mint Velvet, Hush, French Connection, Phase Eight and many more, including the John Lewis Rental Service.

The best part was that the uplifting and high-energy fashion show featured models who were, in fact, all John Lewis Exeter Partners! Rather than the stereotypically ‘sexy’ or miserably foot-pounding walks you’d expect at London Fashion week, models served up fun, quirky walks and spins, with gloriously happy, smiling faces.

The fashion show was a celebration of colour, joy, and inclusivity
Everyone commented at the end of the show how well they all did, and how genuinely happy to work for John Lewis they all seemed. It was wonderful to see the shared laughs and comradery between employees!”

Read the full story on the blog.. exploringexeter.co.uk

#exeter #inexeter #exeterliving #exeterlife #exploringexeter #exeterchiefs #exetercathedral #ecfc #exeteruniversity #exeteruni #fashion #ad # invited

I really enjoyed working with @astleymarc, @visite

I really enjoyed working with @astleymarc, @visitexeter and @in_exeter to edit and curate the ultimate guide to the city this summer. There is lots to do including:

🧺The best picnic spots
🍸Rooftop drinks with a view
💃🏼Festivals
🎭Outdoor Theatre
🎶Musical extravaganzas
🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒Family Activities
🛣️Day Trips
🆓Free Things To Do
🌿Green Spaces and Walks

*Link in bio*

Plus; A foodie guide to Exeter by brilliant @harrycornwall.

AND.. @exetercathedral, @exetercityoflit, @rammuseum, @exeterphoenix, @exeternorthcott, @gonewildfestivaldevon, @powderhamcastle, @exerespect, @princesshayexeter and lots more!

Props to brilliant @exeter AKA @benjaminbowen AKA Union Design for the awesome cover.

#exeter #inexeter #visitexeter #exploringexeter #summer #summerinthecity #summerguide #festival #exeterchiefs #exeteruniversity #exeteruni

CHASING THE SUNSET I watched the news for the fir

CHASING THE SUNSET

I watched the news for the first time in a while and I’m counting my blessings tonight. I’m grateful for my family & friends. For the beautiful county I live in, for my house and the security it offers, and for the easy access we have to food and water.

I’m also grateful to see the sun set on the sea as often as I chose ❤️

What are you grateful for?

📸 by my favourite Welsh chick @thezerowastestores 😍❤️

#gratitude #thankful #sunset #exeter #devon #happydays

Last weekend we explored Steps Bridge, a short dri

Last weekend we explored Steps Bridge, a short drive from Exeter, near Dunsford Nature Reserve (National Trust). 🌿

This spot is a favorite for its serene walks and stunning wildlife. Highly recommend the Dunsford Wood Wild Daffodil Circular Walk in early spring! 🌼

We also rescued a baby crow from the bridge 🦅 and stumbled upon the biggest ant nest I’ve ever seen! 🐜

#NatureAdventures #WildlifeRescue #DunsfordNatureReserve #StepsBridge #SpringWalks #Exeter #Devon #ExploringExeter #InExeter #ViditExeter #ViditDevon #Dartmoor

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