Not everyone wants to drink and go feral on Halloween. Some people don’t like drinking, don’t like clubs, can’t afford either, or simply can’t cope with the stress of finding a half-decent costume.
However, none of this means you’re barred from enjoying spooky season. There’s plenty of ways to celebrate Halloween in Exeter that don’t end with hangxiety.
1. Bake Halloween cupcakes
This is such a wholesome idea – you get to enjoy a sweet treat with minimal effort. Baking isn’t as intimidating as it seems, and best of all, you can do it on a budget!
I made these extra seasonal by choosing a pumpkin spice flavour (make your own by mixing cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a tiny bit of cumin). There’s about a million recipes online you can look at, and the decorations make them perfectly suited for the spooky season.
2. Have a movie night
Invite some friends over, get cosy with blankets, lay out some killer snacks (enjoy all the compliments for your baking skills), and prepare to be spooked!
You could go classic with Halloween, funny with Shaun of the Dead, heart-warming with Practical Magic, or all-around perfect with Scream. The choices are endless, so I’d start making your shortlist now.
3. Go pumpkin picking
Just because you’re not going out-out, it doesn’t mean you have to stay inside! There’s plenty of pumpkin patches surrounding Exeter, but you can get to Dart’s Farm by catching the 57 bus and pick your own pumpkin whilst their Pumpkin Fest is on.
There’s seasonal food and drink, plus you can have a browse around the shop. Of course, you can finish off the perfect day by carving your pumpkins at home.
4. Make some Halloween crafts
Once you’ve carved your pumpkins, you might have caught the crafting bug. Why not lean into the urge and get hands on (and budget-friendly) by making your own Halloween decorations?
Whether you’re a silly fresher or writing your diss, this is the perfect way to keep making your space your own. So, gather your friends around a table and break out the scissors and glue sticks like it’s a primary school art lesson.
It doesn’t have to be perfect and messiness doesn’t matter, just look up something on Pinterest that you think looks cute and see if you can recreate it.
5. Indulge in a hot drink
How can autumn be complete without a yummy, hot drink to use as a handwarmer? Obviously, Miss Pumpkin Spice is very much that girl, but let’s give a shout out to some other deserving contenders.
If you still want (need) coffee, grab a selection of syrups and unleash your inner barista in the kitchen. Try vanilla syrup and dusting of cinnamon in your morning coffee.
Or, if caffeine isn’t for you, how about trying a hot chocolate with a dash of maple syrup or salted caramel? Get super indulgent and add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to your whipped cream!
6. Go for an autumnal walk
Put that hot drink in a to-go cup, take a mental health walk, and make the most of Exeter’s amazing green (or orange) campus. Before the nights get longer and spookier, get out and enjoy the changing seasons.
If you feel like a real change of scenery (and you’re lucky enough to have a friend with a car) you could venture out to Dartmoor for the stunning landscapes there. Whilst you’re out and about, you could pick up a few pretty leaves for your crafting at home.
There’s no one right way to celebrate Halloween, so hopefully this list gives you a few ideas for something different to try. Stay cosy and enjoy the spooky season your way!
