Why Devon Residents Are Choosing to Stay in Over Going Out
If you walk through Exeter on a Saturday night, you’ll see a stark change straight away. Pubs are quieter and taxi queues that once stretched along the high street are half what they were. Beside this quietness are nearby homes that are alive with light and chatter. People aren’t hibernating. Instead, they’ve found different ways to spend their weekends. Across Devon, more locals are choosing to stay indoors, finding entertainment that suits them better than a crowded bar or overpriced restaurant.
Late Nights Out Don’t Have the Same Pull
A night out can cost an arm and a leg. At the end of the night, most people realise they’ve spent enough to have covered a week’s worth of groceries. Don’t forget the energy it takes: getting ready, finding somewhere with space, staying up into the early hours of the morning, and finding your way back home. For most Devon locals, that effort isn’t rewarding anymore. Staying home simply feels calmer, safer, and kinder on both the budget and the body. With the help of takeaways, streaming platforms, and group chats, you can still enjoy good company without spending a fortune (or leaving your sofa).
Bringing the Excitement to You
Relaxing get-togethers are great, but not every night needs to be a quiet one. Plenty of locals enjoy the buzz of placing a few bets on a sporting event or spinning a few slots from home. That’s why many Devon players use a trusted gambling site to experience the same thrill of chance without needing to travel. These sites often feature welcome bonuses like free spins, deposit matches, and sports-based free bets, so there’s variety even before you play. It’s easy to see the appeal: all the entertainment of a casino night or sporting event, but with your feet up and your drink of choice nearby. For many, it’s become a go-to way to unwind after work or while watching the match.
Film Nights, Popcorn, and the Sofa Screen
Film nights have become something of a tradition again. Streaming platforms have made them effortless, but people are also making them special. Some go as far as setting up small projectors or soundbars, turning a living room into a private cinema. Friends sync their watches, press play at the same time, and chat through group calls or messaging apps. Others prefer a quiet solo film, takeaway in hand. It’s simple, affordable, and feels cosy in a way cinema outings rarely do. Devon households are proving that staying in can still feel like a treat.
Testing Out New Recipes
One upside of spending more evenings indoors is rediscovering cooking. Devon has no shortage of quality produce: fresh fish from Brixham, farm vegetables from Totnes, and cheeses from the moors. People are experimenting more, trying recipes they’d never dared before. Others stick to takeaways, supporting small local spots that survived the pandemic and now thrive on delivery orders. Either way, food is a big part of the night in. Couples cook together, housemates share plates, and dinner feels less like a chore and more like the main event of the evening.
Alone But Still Being Social
Just because people are at home doesn’t mean they’re alone. Virtual socialising has stuck around long after the lockdowns ended. Some still host online quizzes or “pub nights” over video calls, while others meet through gaming platforms or Discord servers. It’s informal and spontaneous: one message in a group chat can turn into a full evening of laughter. For many, these digital get-togethers feel easier than going out, especially when everyone’s busy or scattered around the county. The sense of connection is still there, just through a screen instead of across a crowded bar.
Fitness, Yoga, and Late-Night Exercise
Evenings at home have also become exercise time for some. Online fitness instructors have made it possible to follow proper routines without the need for a gym membership. Yoga mats rolled out in living rooms, dumbbells tucked under sofas. It’s a familiar sight. Devon’s weather often keeps people indoors, but that doesn’t stop them from keeping fit. Short sessions before dinner or bedtime help people switch off from work and stay active. For many, it’s a habit that’s stuck; once you’ve worked out in pyjamas, the idea of a packed gym feels less tempting.
Creative Evenings and Local Hobbies
Staying in has sparked a creative streak across the county. Art supplies, knitting kits, and DIY tools are selling well again. Some people join online craft groups to share their progress, while others just enjoy making things quietly. There’s satisfaction in producing something tangible: a painting, a scarf, a small repair done by hand. The same goes for gardening, which has become a steady evening ritual for many. After years of rushing, people seem content to slow down and focus on something simple and rewarding.
Reading, Music, and Quiet Time
Books, music, and podcasts have all made a comeback. Devon’s bookshops are thriving online, and local reading clubs have found new life through virtual meet-ups. Music streaming means you can explore new artists or revisit old favourites without leaving the house. A cup of tea, a playlist, and a good read can turn an ordinary night into something peaceful. These smaller pleasures remind people that enjoyment doesn’t always need company or noise. Sometimes, it’s just about giving yourself space to breathe.
The New Face of Nightlife in Devon
Devon’s nightlife hasn’t disappeared; it’s simply spread into different spaces. People are still connecting, relaxing, and finding excitement. It’s just not always outside. From cooking local food to logging onto a gambling site or hosting film nights with friends, the county’s evenings are more personal now. The rhythm has changed, but the spirit of enjoying good company and good times remains. Staying in isn’t a second choice anymore. For many, it’s exactly where they’d rather be.
