Finding My Sanctuary: Why Exeter Golf and Country Club Has Become My Second Home
I love getting lost in a good book, but lately, I’ve found a slightly different obsession—my membership at Exeter Golf and Country Club.
You know that feeling when you discover something so amazing that you want to shout about it from the rooftops (but don’t want to tell too many people in case it becomes too busy)? That’s exactly how I feel about this place. What started as a mission for better fitness before hitting a significant birthday has completely transformed my daily routine and relationship with exercise.
From Gym Fear to Second Home
If you follow me on my socials, you’ll know that life has been pretty tough over the last couple of years. So, I decided to get strong, and I discovered that exercising is a lifesaver. I used to hate gyms. They terrified me. Walking into a space where everyone seems to know exactly what they’re doing while I’m standing there unsure if I’m even holding the equipment correctly was my worst nightmare. The judgment—whether real or imagined—and the competitive energy made me want to turn around and walk right back out.
But Exeter Golf and Country Club is the antithesis of everything I dreaded about traditional gyms. It’s friendly, the staff are approachable and ready to help, and it’s not intimidating at all. The gym has a wonderful mixture of all ages, and people are kind and always up for a chat.
The Warmest Welcome
What struck me immediately was how genuinely welcoming everyone was. From the moment I walked through the doors for my first visit, the staff made me feel like I belonged there. There was no pretension, no judgment—just warm smiles.
This level of personal attention makes all the difference. When you’re working to build confidence in a new environment, having staff who are patient, encouraging, and genuinely pleased to see you creates the supportive foundation that makes everything else possible.
The Personal Trainers Are Game Changers
I had my first session with Nick, who is lovely. What I appreciate most is how he understood my gym anxiety right from the start. There was no pressure or intimidation—just patient guidance and genuine encouragement.
More recently, I worked with Vince, an ex-boxer and endurance athlete whose approach is wonderfully different. He has this incredible ability to make you feel capable and strong, even when you’re struggling with equipment you’ve never used before. He celebrates every small victory, adjusts workouts to match your comfort level, and somehow instills self-belief even when you doubt yourself.
The entire training team embraces this supportive approach. They’re not only knowledgeable but also intuitive about each member’s needs, whether it’s a confidence boost, technical correction, or simply someone to chat with whilst you catch your breath.
The Transformed Facilities
The new gym is everything I hoped for. The space has doubled in size, equipped with state-of-the-art accessible features that feel welcoming and inclusive. The dark interior, complete with leather-finished equipment and warm lighting, creates a luxurious yet calm atmosphere that’s far from intimidating.
For someone who used to feel completely out of place in gyms, this environment is perfect for me. The layout is intuitive, equipment is clearly labelled, and there’s plenty of space so you never feel crowded or watched. After working up a sweat, I can enjoy a dip in the outdoor heated pool, followed by a session in the sauna, then lunch or coffee in the Members Bar. It makes that hour at the gym feel like a proper home away from home.
A Complete Wellness Destination
This isn’t just a gym—it’s where everyone finds their own path to health and happiness. The indoor and outdoor pools are ideal for year-round swimming, featuring professional yet approachable lifeguards. There are over 80 fitness classes weekly, from Pilates and Yoga to HIIT and Les Mills sessions, all led by instructors who make everyone feel welcome regardless of fitness level.
The steam room and sauna provide divine post-workout bliss, with attendants ensuring everything is perfectly maintained. Tennis and squash courts provide opportunities for competitive moments, with coaching available for all skill levels. The championship golf course speaks for itself, supported by a pro shop team that welcomes beginners and experts alike.
For busy parents, there’s even an after-school club, plus beautiful restaurant spaces with friendly service where staff remember your usual order, and a luxurious wellness spa for complete pampering.
Living My Best Digital Nomad Life
Picture this: I’m finishing a productive morning of work, closing my laptop with a satisfying snap. Within ten minutes, I’m poolside for lunch, transitioning from business mode to complete bliss. The outdoor pool has truly become my personal slice of paradise—like having a holiday resort right on my doorstep.
Beautifully situated within stunningly manicured grounds, the pool feels worlds away from city hustle and bustle. When the temperature rises—and in Exeter, we celebrate every ray of sunshine—this is exactly what we need. The water temperature is always just right.
My Perfect Escape
Having this sanctuary ten minutes from home has been genuinely transformative. Those moments working poolside, laptop balanced while catching up on emails between swims—that’s the kind of work-life balance I never knew was possible.
The club has taught me that self-care isn’t selfish – it’s essential. Every swim, every workout, every peaceful poolside moment is an investment in my future self, ensuring I can keep embracing all the adventures life throws at me.
More importantly, it’s shown me that the right environment with the right people can completely transform your relationship with fitness and wellness. Who knew someone who used to avoid gyms at all costs would end up spending 3-4 days a week at one?
If you’re looking for a sanctuary in Exeter that helps you get fit, look no further!
If you’re in Exeter and looking for somewhere to invest in your health and happiness—especially if you’ve always felt intimidated by traditional gyms—Exeter Golf and Country Club offers something truly unique. It’s more than a membership; it’s your key to a lifestyle that prioritises wellness, community, and that simple pleasure of feeling like you’re on holiday every single day.
The team will welcome you with open arms, support you every step of the way, and help you discover just how amazing it feels to have a place where you truly belong.
Look at their social media or website for joining offers. There is no joining fee for individuals who wish to rejoin within five years of leaving.
Come and join me by the pool—I promise you won’t regret it!
Tags: Devon, Exeter, swimming pools