Sports, dance and activity clubs around Exeter that welcome newcomers, with their regular sessions. Outdoor clubs further afield are included when they need the landscape.
Sports, dance and activity clubs around Exeter that welcome newcomers, with their regular sessions. Outdoor clubs further afield are included when they need the landscape.
Sunday rides (book by Saturday 12pm) and an easy-paced Thursday Bike Bus
Exeter (Quay, West Hill, other start points) · Cycling · Cycling UK membership after three rides
Cycling UK's Exeter group runs Sunday day rides (A, about 35-60 miles; B, about 25-40) and a gentle Thursday Bike Bus with a coffee stop. Booking is required.
New here? New riders are always very welcome; asked to join Cycling UK after three rides.
Exmouth seafront (Sideshore, EX8 2GD), about 10 miles from Exeter · 10 miles from the centre · Swimming
Guided Sunday-morning sea swims from Sideshore, Exmouth's community eco-hub, for first-time cold-water dippers and seasoned swimmers alike. Runs in ticketed seasons.
New here? Yes: suits everyone from ‘a seasoned swimmer’ to someone ‘trying cold-water dipping for the first time’. Ticketed.
Exeter (Tudor Street) · Climbing · Pay as you go entry (price on site)…
A bouldering-only climbing gym by Exe Bridges with an instructor-led social session, a women's social night and Boulder Basics introductions included with entry.
New here? Boulder Basics, a staff-led introduction to bouldering, is included with entry; rental shoes and chalk provided; Social Climbing is beginner-friendly.
Exeter (St David's) · Martial arts · Monthly membership; free taster class
A multi-discipline school teaching Brazilian jiu-jitsu, traditional jiu jitsu, kickboxing, kenjutsu and tai chi, with children's and women's classes. No experience needed, and every discipline has a free taster.
New here? No experience is needed for any class; free taster class available for every discipline; flexible monthly membership with no long-term contract.
St Thomas, Exeter · Dance classes · £15 or £12 booked in advance; two £10…
A weekly 5Rhythms movement class on Sunday evenings in St Thomas: free, unchoreographed dancing to music, guided by a teacher. No steps to learn, so it suits complete beginners as well as experienced dancers.
New here? ‘A welcoming class for both beginners and experienced dancers’; no dance steps needed. Arrive by 6pm; no entry after 6:20pm.
Exeter (city centre) · Dance classes · £8 a class (cash or card)
Adult ballet class at Exeter Phoenix taught by Anne Jobson, for people who have always wanted to try ballet as well as those with some experience. Men and women equally welcome.
New here? For those who have always wanted to try ballet and those with some experience; men and women equally welcome.
Exeter (Belle Isle Park) · Outdoor & adventure, Social & games
Nature volunteering with Friends of Belle Isle Park on Tuesday evenings and Sunday mornings, planting wildflowers and making habitats for wildlife, plus Green Drinks socials for anyone interested in a greener Exeter.
New here? Anyone welcome; no manual work is required, and it's a good way to meet people.
Bring a book and read quietly with others for an hour, then stay for a chat and a drink. Free, no booking, at Topsham Brewery's taproom on Exeter Quay.
New here? Free to attend, no booking required: bring your own book. Book tokens available for those who need one.
Exeter (city centre) · Arts & crafts · £25 a session plus £1.50 booking fee
Monthly photography meet-up at Exeter Phoenix with tutor Vanessa Miles: shoot together on a theme and share your pictures and projects. For people who can already use their camera's manual settings.
New here? For people with some experience (able to use manual camera settings), or who have done the Phoenix beginners’ course. 8 places per session; book ahead.
Wed
7pm
Sat9am
Sun9am
Exeter · Cycling · Membership: seniors £20 a year…
Exeter's long-running road cycling club, founded in 1924, with no-drop social rides through the week as well as faster club runs and race training. Suits road riders who want company on Devon lanes.
New here? The club says new riders would be very welcome and invites them to get in touch; the Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday rides are social and no-drop, paced to the slowest rider.
Thu
3 sessions from 5pm
Exeter (St Thomas) · Martial arts · £5 a session; beginners' joining fee…
A Shotokan karate club affiliated to the Karate Union of Great Britain, training in its own dojo in St Thomas. Beginners' classes take adults and juniors together, with a separate class for children aged 5 to 10.
New here? Regular beginners' courses for teenagers and adults; beginners book a place in the Monday or Thursday beginner/intermediate class by email.
Thu
6:30pm, 7pm
Exeter (city centre) · Dance classes · £8.50 a class (acro £15)
City-centre dance studio running weekly adult classes in ballet, tap, contemporary and commercial street dance, many of them drop-in with no monthly membership. Suits beginners and returners as well as experienced dancers.
New here? Many adult sessions are drop-in, booked online; the timetable includes Absolute Beginners Ballet and Adults Beginners Tap. No monthly memberships.
Social & games
Meetup group playing board games in Exeter pubs on Sunday afternoons, with a monthly Blood on the Clocktower session. Bring a game or join one already being played.
New here? 'Anything's welcome'; Clocktower sessions include a beginner-friendly game led by a Storyteller. White Hart Sundays are 18+.