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Tel: 01392 265203
Autumn/winter tour programme - 1 October 2024 to 31 March 2025
Please note that for the duration of the Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market (15th Nov – 15th Dec), all Red Coat Guided tours (other than the Historic Quayside tour on a Sunday) will start from outside the Devon & Exeter Institution, found at 7 Cathedral Close.
Discover one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in England with Exeter’s Red Coat Guides.
These FREE guided walking tours operate daily throughout the year, offering a wide range from which to choose.
Meet your Red Coat Guide at the starting point and discover historic Exeter for yourself.
Tours will only go ahead with a minimum of two people on the tour and may be subject to cancellation without notice, there is a limit to the number of people that can join each tour.
Our walking tours depart from the Hooker Statue on Cathedral Green (*apart from the Historic Quayside and Canal Trip tours) and last approximately 90 minutes. All tours start promptly at the time advertised.
Only assistance dogs are permitted on tours, and children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
There is no need to book in advance
Group bookings
If you wish to make a group booking please contact guidedtours@exeter.gov.uk.
Our tours
Please note that online booking is no longer required.
Forgotten Exeter
Monday 11am & Thursday 11am
Be intrigued by hidden corners and curios of the city, long since gone from memory. The tour is mainly focused on the North West corner of the city within the city walls. Monday's tour finishes outside St. Nicholas Priory and Thursday’s tour finishes outside Tuckers Hall on Fore Street.
Please note this tour is not accessible to wheelchairs & mobility scooters
Medieval Exeter
Monday 2pm & Saturday 2pm
This tour celebrates the time when Exeter grew rich from the woollen cloth trade. See many of the surviving medieval buildings, including ‘the house that moved’, then walk across the Medieval Exe Bridge to view the restored Cricklepit Mill. The tour finishes on Exeter’s Historic Quayside.
Cathedral to Quay
Tuesday 11am & Friday 2pm
Starting in the picturesque Cathedral Close, proceed into elegant Southernhay before viewing the impressive city wall. The tour then continues to the river Exe and finishes on Exeter’s Historic Quayside.
Tudor Exeter
Tuesday 2pm
Some of the surviving buildings from the turbulent Tudor period.
Ghosts & Legends
Tuesday 7.pm
Find out why Exeter is reputed to be one of the most haunted cities in the country. Visit many of Exeter’s historic buildings and listen to chilling tales about their ghostly history. Suitable for all ages.
City Wall
Wednesday 11am
Discover the fabulous history of the Roman's City wall, of which 70% still remains. Some uneven surfaces and steep slopes.
Introducing Exeter
Wednesday 2pm & Sunday 2pm (1 hour)
This circular taster tour does exactly what it says in the title; glimpses of over 2,000 years of history, and introducing visitors to Exeter of its rich and varied past.
Exeter Old & New
Thursday 2pm
Learn about Exeter’s history from pre-Roman times to the present day. Visit the 11th century Castle Gatehouse – probably Britain’s oldest Norman building – and Northernhay Gardens, the first public gardens in the country.
Georgian Exeter
Friday 11am
Hear how Exeter’s transformation came about, from industrial hub into an elegant Georgian city. Discover how trade was replaced with commerce. Explore the architectural splendours of Southernhay and find out about some of the colourful characters that resided in Exeter at the time. This tour finishes in Princesshay.
Royalty in Exeter
Saturday 11am
A new tour that highlights visits to the city by Royalty, from Alfred the Great in the 9th century through to the present day. And they weren't all gracious visits!
Exeter’s Historic Quayside
Sunday 11am
Starting at the Custom House, discover the port of Exeter, once one of Britain's busiest, and hear about its fascinating history. Stroll out and back along the river and canal and finish at the Custom House.
SPECIAL TOURS
Online booking essential in advance
All special tours start at the Hooker Statue on Cathedral Green unless otherwise stated.
Thursday 14 November at 11.15am
Tuesday 24 December & Wednesday 1 January at 11am
Thursday 6 March 2025 at 11.15am
Saturday 8 March 2025 at 11.15am
| Ticket Type | Ticket Tariff |
|---|---|
| Adult | Free |
| Adult Group | £6.00 per ticket |
| Child | Free |
| Child Group | £3.00 per ticket |
Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.
Guided tours start from Cathedral Green or the Historic Quayside.
Exeter is easily reached by bus or train. Nearest train station is Exeter Central, or catch a bus to Exeter Bus Station or Exeter High Street. All Park & Ride services will drop you within a short walk of the Cathedral Yard.
| Exeter Red Coat Guided Tours (1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024) |
|---|
* Tours not available on Christmas Day or Boxing Day
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Experience the magic of Christmas in Exeter. Our historic city is the perfect place to celebrate the festive season. The festivities start on the 15th November with the opening of the Cathedral Christmas Market, and new for 2024 is the free Countdown to Christmas Trail!
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