Find out about baby-friendly places in Exeter where you can relax and calm your baby during tough moments.
Ask any parent what’s the one thing they dread the most, and they’re sure to mention their baby’s ‘witching hour.’ Now, the term itself may not be known by many. It simply refers to those late-afternoon or early-evening hours when babies often seem inconsolable.
Amid the humdrum of city life, it can feel all the more difficult to calm down a fussy baby. Research shows that such stress, even in babies, is more than personal. Every additional 360 metres of distance from green or blue spaces increases the odds of anxiety and depression.
This means urban parents need more than couches and coffee. Even in a city like Exeter, you can find serene open spaces for you and your baby. This article will share three such places that will help conquer your baby’s witching hour.
Exeter Quay for Riverside Relief
One of the most peaceful escapes you will find in the city is Exeter Quay. The Quay’s wide, even pathways along the river make it perfect for pram walks. The soothing sound of water, as well as the occasional sight of paddleboarders, can help babies to settle down.
Parents can even find benches lined along the riverside for feeding or simply resting. Cafes like Mango’s and Riverside Cafe offer cozy indoor corners for parents caught in unexpected weather conditions.
Let’s look at the many reasons why parents prefer Exeter Quay for their baby’s witching hour:
- Wide and flat pram-friendly paths
- Plenty of space to sit and relax
- Calming visual stimulation without sensory overload
- Cafes in proximity, along with changing-friendly stops
For some parents, time at the Quay can also be a moment to process emotions of early parenthood, especially if their journey was challenging. This is especially true of those who experienced complications during pregnancy, birth, or with having a premature baby.
One case in particular that has gained worldwide attention is that of Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) among infants fed with baby formulas like Enfamil or Similac. TorHoerman Law shares that NEC is a severe gastrointestinal condition, primarily affecting premature babies.
Legal action in the form of NEC lawsuits in the US has raised awareness among parents across the globe. Parental awareness regarding matters this serious can deepen how parents think about their child’s well-being. Restorative and reflective spaces like the Exeter Quay feel even more valuable for finding peace and clarity when everything seems overwhelming.
Northernhay Gardens for Urban Serenity
A place whose old-world charm surprises first-time visitors? Well, that’s exactly what your baby may need during their witching hour. Tucked behind the bustle of Exeter’s High Street, Northernhay Gardens is one of England’s oldest public gardens.
Despite the fact that it has an impressive history, the calm ambience resonates most when little ones feel unsettled. The garden’s layout works brilliantly for baby-friendly outings. The occasional rustle of leaves and bird songs acts as a micro-sanctuary for a fussy baby.
To give you a clearer idea, here are all the reasons that make Northernhay Gardens ideal for parents and babies:
- Smooth, winding paths are easily accessible for prams and strollers.
- Lawns and benches can be used for feeding and rocking a fussy baby gently.
- The soft daylight filtering through the leaves reduces harsh stimuli.
- Despite being close to the city centre, the gardens seldom feel crowded.
- Shops and cafes are available just a short walk away in case a need arises.
Recent UK-wide data reiterates what parents intuitively know about time in nature. In a survey conducted on 2,000+ parents, 30% said that their child had experienced panic attacks in the past 12 months.
At the same time, 43% of parents believed that spending time in nature would improve their child’s mental health. So, you can imagine how it would feel to step into Northernhay Gardens as dusk falls. As you push the pram on tree-lined paths, your crying baby will begin to settle down.
If it’s a particularly tough evening, consider carrying a few essentials with you. These would include a fully stocked changing bag, a lightweight blanket, and water with a few snacks.
Exeter Cathedral Green for a Peaceful Twilight
Since we’re talking about places to visit in Exeter from a parent’s viewpoint, how can we miss one of the most iconic open spaces? Yes, Cathedral Green also has so much to offer in terms of greenery, but in a different way.
Unlike the intimate seclusion of Northernhay Gardens, Cathedral Green provides a sense of space and freedom. Parents will have room to sway and simply let their baby stretch out in a pram without feeling confined.
The sight of the Cathedral’s Gothic spire bathed in late afternoon/evening light lends a timeless aesthetic appeal. This also makes it perfect for easing the tensions of the witching hour.
Early exposure to open, green spaces is non-negotiable. A 2024 study found that children between 2 and 5 years old living near green areas exhibited fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression. This makes the areas surrounding Cathedral Green more than just pretty backdrops.
You will find spacious lawns, soft grass areas, and benches along the perimeter for comfort. Here are some unique benefits for parents during their baby’s witching hour:
- The sheer openness of the place is ideal for pacing without feeling crowded.
- Watching the sunset over the Cathedral and the surrounding cityscape offers a much-needed visual pause for those overwhelmed with parenting.
- The gentle activity of walking or pushing the stroller combines mild exercise with motions that soothe a baby.
While you’re there, it’s natural to want to spend as much time as possible. The good news is that just a 15-minute visit can have restorative effects on your baby. If the evenings are too cool, just carry a light jacket and blanket in addition to other baby essentials.
Surviving a baby’s witching hour is, quite literally, no child’s play. It’s perfectly normal to feel like nothing is in your control some days. Those are exactly the days when you need to arrive at the spots we discussed to reclaim your sanity.
Besides soothing your fussy baby, these local spots will remind you that parenthood need not be defined by stress and exhaustion. Even in a bustling urban setting, there’s room for intentional pauses amid the beauty of nature.
