When it comes to history and heritage, Exeter is bursting at the seams. Pre-dating the arrival of the Romans in AD 50, the city’s history is rich and long. This is reflected in its fascinating collection of heritage attractions, many of which are free to visit. Find out more about Exeter's Roman remains in our blog post here.
At the heart of the city stands the magnificent Exeter Cathedral. Packed full of 900 years of history, this majestic building is one of the great cathedrals of England, and one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture to be found anywhere. For those with a head for heights, there are special Roof and Tower tours available, providing panoramic views of Exeter and beyond.
There is history below ground as well. Beneath the bustling High Street, lies Exeter’s Underground Passages. Constructed in medieval times, this network of medieval vaulted passageways was built to bring spring water in to the city. Guided tours operate daily, and there is a fascinating heritage centre to discover.
Housed in a beautiful Victorian building, Exeter’s Royal Albert Memorial Museum is free to visit, and takes visitors on a voyage of discovery from pre-history to the present day, and from Exeter all around the world. With a changing programme of stunning displays and prestigious loans and exhibitions from national partners, there is always something new to see.
A great way to get beneath the skin of Exeter’s fascinating and sometimes turbulent past is on a free Red Coat Guided Tour. Taking in many of Exeter’s architectural treasures and hidden gems, these guided walking tours depart daily from the West Front of Exeter Cathedral, and seasonally from the Custom House Visitor Centre on Exeter’s historic Quayside. Alternatively pick up a trail map and take one of three self-guided walks around Exeter. A popular choice is the City Wall Trail which tells the story of Exeter’s 2,000 year-old Roman city wall, of which around 70% still remains.
Around every corner are reminders from Exeter’s past. The city's oldest building is St Nicholas Priory, founded by William the Conqueror in 1087 then dissolved and partly destroyed during the dissolution of the monasteries under Henry VIII, and turned into a rich merchant’s town house, which is how it is presented today.
The Exeter Guildhall on the High Street has served as the centrepiece of Exeter's civic life for more than 800 years and is open to the public to visit. Head to the West Quarter and visit Tuckers Hall – a medieval guildhall still in use today; or nearby Topsham Museum, housed in a late 17th century building overlooking the Exe Estuary.
As well as visitor attractions, many of Exeter's historic buildings are now home to shops, pubs and restaurants, which you'll discover as you wander around the city. One of the city's most famous historic pubs is the Turk's Head, which stands on the High Street as a testament to over 700 years of history! Today it has been lovingly restored as a pub complete with a microbrewery and six beautifully refurbished bedrooms. Find out more about the Turk's Head's rich history in their guest blog.
Beyond the city walls, there are further heritage attractions to discover, including Powderham Castle, the ancestral home of the Earl of Devon.
To discover more about Exeter's history and heritage, take part in Heritage Open Days in September, where you can visit properties that usually charge admission or are usually closed to the public for free!
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