Sunday’s a funny old day in my opinion. On the one hand, you have the dread of a new week rearing its ugly head, whilst on the other it’s a day that you can designate to do whatever you please. Being a glass-half-full kind of girl, I aim to adopt the latter attitude, and take advantage of this 24 hour period of free time. Whilst Sunday is the day of rest, and everyone loves nothing more than slobbing on the sofa watching trashy TV, you can have a totally perfect day off if you grab you coat, don your wellies and hit the great outdoors!
Exeter is in a beautiful location nestled between rugged coastline and a variety of national parks, so you can take your pick. A walk with friends provides the perfect excuse to get some fresh air, and wipe the cobwebs away that may have formed after a spontaneous night at the Lemmy. Why not head to Exmouth or Sidmouth – both either a short train or bus ride away – and take a leisurely stroll on the beach. Weather permitting you may even catch a few rays, yes we know it’s a bit of a long shot! If the sea air has left you parched then head to the Clock Tower Café in Sidmouth. Home to traditional Devon cream tea, homemade cakes and incredible views to top it all off.
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If it’s dramatic scenery you’re after then Dartmoor is only a short drive away, and boasts lush woodlands and meandering rivers – which on a warm day sees many flocking to swim in the crystal clear waters. Plus, rolling and rugged moorlands which provide the perfect backdrop for any photography enthusiasts. The 368 square miles means you can explore until either your heart’s content, your feet begin to ache, or the lack of phone signal starts to give you withdrawal symptoms. A word of warning for those designated drivers, be prepared for a comical drive through Dartmoor with its winding country lanes, lack of sign posts, and outrageously steep dirt tracks to navigate- but hey it’s all part of the fun.
If you’ve got the national park bug then Devon has plenty more to offer if you head north to Exmoor. This stunning landscape has loads of scope from horse-riding through the many forests to canoeing, both inland and at sea. If you’re a bit of an adrenaline junky then the stretch of North Devon coastline which resides in Exmoor provides the opportunity to rock climb along the costal cliffs, more suitable for experience climbers apparently! If you’re more of a water baby then luckily for you this stretch of coastline is famous for its surf too.
Nothing, in my opinion, tops off a day outdoors better than scouring out a cute country pub – log fire, thatched roof, and ample amounts of hot chocolate all obligatory, of course – for a slap up Sunday lunch. Exeter and the surrounding area are brimming with them so luckily you can take your pick. However, if the budget wont stretch that far, or you fancy yourself a pro in the kitchen check out our guide to the perfect homemade Sunday lunch.
Picture Credits: www.tumblr.com, www.exmoor-walking-holidays.co.uk, www.tripadvisor.co.uk