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England's largest festival of history and culture is celebrated in Exeter this September as Heritage Open Days runs from 6th - 15th September. This is your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences, all of which are free to explore.
With so much to explore right on your doorstep, we’ve put together a selection of different places that a worth a visit and exploring.
Powderham
A magical family home to the Earl of Devon, explore Powderham and experience 600 years of fascinating history. If the weather plays kind then you can also enjoy a beautiful stroll around the scenic grounds, maybe capturing a glimpse of the fallow deer in the ancient Deer Park. Visitors are advised to allow at least 3 hours for your visit so you can take time to explore the many acres of gardens and grounds.
Dogs can also enjoy their day at Powderham, both in the castle and around the gardens.
Pre-booking preferred
Opening times: Saturday 7th to Sunday 15th September, 10am - 4pm
Exeter's Underground Passages
Explore the only underground passages of their type in the UK with a guided tour beneath the streets of Exeter. Follow expert guides and learn how fresh water was brought into the city from the 14th century onwards. A truly memorable experience, that the whole family will find both educational and fun.
Booking essential
Opening times: Thursday 12th to Sunday 15th September, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm and 2:30pm
Clyston Mill on the Killerton Estate
Victorian engineering is a sight to behold so take a step back in time to see how they harnessed the power of water for the historic Clyston Mill, part of the National Trust's Killerton Estate. On your visit, you can have a go at grinding grain using a hand powered quern, test the ingenuity of the pulley system, dress up and imagine the life of a miller's apprentice.
No booking required.
Opening times: 6th to 9th and 13th to 15th September, 1pm - 4pm
Red Coat Guided Tours
Exeter's popular Red Coat Guided Tours welcome you to join them on a range of tours taking place as part of Heritage Open Days.
Exeter Blitz
This year commemorates the 82nd anniversary of the air raids over Exeter. Join a 90-minute Red Coat Guided Tour to discover how Exeter was affected and how this event shaped the city we see today.
Booking essential
Opening times: Friday 6th (2:30pm), Tuesday 10th (11:15am), Friday 13th (2:30pm), Saturday 14th (2:30pm) and Sunday 15th September (11:15am)
Tales of the Land and Songs of the Sea
This talk gives a lively introduction to Exeter’s maritime history. Archive photographs, music and song accompany stories about people and events that shaped Exeter’s ‘heritage harbour.’
Booking essential
Opening times: Sunday 8th September, 2pm
Writers Around Exeter
Exeter and the surrounding area have been a source of inspiration through the centuries. This tour has been designed in collaboration with the Exeter UNESCO City of Literature to showcase some of our famous landmarks, well known to writers who have visited or lived here.
Booking essential
Opening times: Monday 9th September, 11:15am
Exeter Herstories - Walking with Women through Time
This walk about women through time uses landmarks round the city centre to tell some often hidden stories about women connected with Exeter, highlighting their contributions and illuminates the context of their lives and the many diverse challenges they faced
Booking essential
Opening times: Wednesday 11th September, 11:15am
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The Devon and Exeter Institution - Hard Hat Tours / Librarian's Tours
The Devon and Exeter Institution is an historic independent library and educational charity, currently undergoing a major conservation programme of building works. Join their team for a look behind the scenes at this Medieval building, originally owned by the Cathedral.
No booking required.
Opening times: Hard Hat Tours on 7th, 11th and 14th September at 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. Librarian's Tours on 10th September (11am) and 12th September (2pm)
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St Nicholas Priory
Founded by William the Conqueror in 1087, St Nicholas Priory lays claim to being Exeter's oldest building. Home to Benedictine monks for over 400 years, in 1536, like other monasteries, it was closed and the remains became the home of wealthy Tudor merchants with links to the woollen cloth trade and the busy life of commerce in the city.
No booking required
Opening times: daily through Heritage Open Days (6th to 15th September), 1pm - 4pm
Exploring Exeter Cathedral's Library and Archives
Join Exeter Cathedral for a workshop in the Cathedral Library and Archives, and look closely at the routes, networks and connections that have shaped the Cathedral through time. This special workshop will give the opportunity to dive into different documents and ask questions about the Cathedral's connections.
Booking essential
Opening times: Wednesday 11th and Friday 13th September, 11am - 12:30pm
Bill Douglas Cinema Museum
Join one of the two evening tours as the curatorial staff expertly guide you around the Bill Douglas Cinema Museum's galleries. Explore three centuries of moving image history through their amazing collections of optical toys and cinema memorabilia. As the leading cinema museum in the UK, you'll explore everything from magic lanterns to Marilyn Monroe and Star wars.
No booking required
Opening times: Tuesday 10th and Wednesday 11th September, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
The history of the Royal Albert Memorial Museum
Discover the story of the world-class museum’s history and its collections with this self-guided trail. The Royal Albert Memorial Museum is home to stunning displays and galleries, showcasing Exeter and Devon’s rich history.
No booking required
Opening times: Tuesday, 10:30am to 5pm and Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm
Tuckers Hall
Home of the Incorporation of The Weavers, Fullers and Shearmens Guilds, this year there will be additional demonstrations of dying, weaving and spinning. The Medieval Banqueting Hall is a “must see” and was originally an open chapel.
No booking required.
Opening times: 7th, 10th, 12th and 14th September, 10am to 1pm
Columbjohn Chapel and the Gatehouse Arch on the Killerton Estate
Columbjohn Chapel and Gatehouse Arch - the intriguing remains of an ornate C16th arch, isolated Chapel and the site of a lost Tudor mansion. Exeter University carried out an excavation of the area in May 2024 and now's your chance to come and find out what they found.
No booking required.
Opening times: Friday 6th to Sunday 15th September, 1pm - 3pm
Hidden Exeter - A walking app to discover Exeter's secret histories
History in your pocket, Hidden Exeter is a walking app guiding you on discovery trails around Exeter. Explore different time periods, with historical characters guiding you through the city, and learn about hidden histories.
No booking required. Available any time.
Enjoy exploring and please check dates and availability before visiting any Heritage Open Day attractions. If you fancy learning more about Exeter then our free Red Coat Guided Tours are the perfect way to explore the city.
Related
Immerse yourself in over 600 years of history at Powderham, the family home of The Earl of Devon. Enjoy the flexibility of our UNLIMITED seven-day free return on all full-priced tickets, ensuring you make the most of your visit.
Explore Killerton, one of Devon's great estates, with a landscape garden, parkland, Georgian house and renowned fashion collection.
Find out more about the city’s turbulent history on a free guided walking tour with the Red Coat Guides, running daily throughout the year.
Exeter's Red Coat Guides will be running a series of special themed tours during Heritage Open Days, from Friday 8th - Sunday 17th September.
Exeter’s world-class museum has stunning displays and galleries, fabulous exhibitions and modern amenities. The displays reveal Devon and Exeter’s rich history and global connections. Exotic animals, birds and insects delight children and the World Cultures galleries display stunning items from all over the world.
Ancient hall of the still existing Incorporation of Weavers, Fullers and Shearmen, one of the craft guilds of Exeter. With 15thC roof timber and Jacobean panelling this building is a real gem and one of the most important in the city's financial history.
Exeter’s oldest building, the original priory was turned into Tudor home and is now a performance and community venue. Come and experience 900 years of Exeter’s history and join us in discovering the secrets of our wonderful building.
The Passages were built to house the pipes that brought clean drinking water into medieval Exeter. A guided tour of Exeter's Underground Passages is a memorable event - narrow, dark, interesting and exciting.
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