Custom House Visitor Centre

Exeter Quay, Exeter, Devon, EX2 4AN

Tel: 01392 271611

Exeter Custom House (c) Philip Vile Photography

About

The Custom House Visitor Centre is located on Exeter's historic quayside and occupies one of the most historic buildings on the waterfront.

It houses lively displays, illustrations and artefacts which bring the history and development of Exeter’s Quayside to life. As well as models and items from the cloth industry such as “tenter hooks and tillet blocks”, an exciting audiovisual presentation “Exeter, 2000 years of history” highlights Exeter’s history from Roman times until today.

Throughout the year the Custom House hosts a variety of arts and cultural events and activities including temporary exhibitions. Since 2019, the centre has been a literature hub for Quay Words, with an exciting programme that explores stories and writing. To find out more visit Quay Words at Exeter Custom House | Literature Works.

Information is primarily focused on the Quayside, the river Exe and the Historic Ship Canal. Information is also available for the wider city area to help make your visit to Exeter as enjoyable as possible. The Centre stocks information on where to visit, activities and events in the local area, as well as interesting souvenirs of Exeter, including replica maps, local pottery and a selection of heritage books. 

The Custom House is also the starting point for  the ‘Exeter Historic Quay’ tour by Exeter’s Red Coat Guides.

Tickets for various events throughout the city can be purchased from the Exeter Corn Exchange Box Office on Fore Street.

Opening Hours

April - October
Daily: 10am to 5pm

November - March
Thursday - Sunday: 11 to 4pm

Admission: Free

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Free AdmissionFree

Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.

TripAdvisor

Directions

Road Directions

Nearest major road is M5. Along Topsham road towards city centre, at Southgate turn left along inner bypass, take first left and park at Quay and cathedral car park. Five minutes walk from here to Quayside.

Public Transport Directions

An hourly bus service runs from the city centre to the Historic Quayside.

Facilities

Other

  • Gift Shop

Accessibility

  • Facilities for Hearing Impaired Visitors - Subtitles on audio visual induction loop.
  • Guide Dogs Permitted
  • Ramp/Level Access

Audio Commentary in Foreign Languages

  • French audio guide
  • German audio guide

Establishment Features

  • Audio Commentary in Foreign Languages - Audio visual presentation with sub titles in French and German

Event Facilities

  • Free Entry

Key Features

  • Approx length of visit - 00:30
  • In town/city centre
  • Indoor Attraction
  • Max group size - 45
  • Min group size - 5
  • No Smoking Attraction
  • Open by appointment outside normal opening times

Parking & Transport

  • Parking (charge) - Please park in Cathedral & Quay car park

Payment Methods

  • Accepts Exeter Pound
  • Blue Badge Guides admitted free
  • TIC Staff Admitted Free

Specialist Features

  • Marketed towards families
  • Marketed towards student/youth

Tours and Demonstrations

  • Educational Visits Accepted
  • Guided Tours Available for Groups

Venue Facilities

  • Groups Accepted - Essential to prebook.

Opening Times

Custom House Visitor Centre (1 Apr 2024 - 31 Oct 2024)
DayTimes
Monday - Sunday10:00 - 17:00*
Custom House Visitor Centre (1 Nov 2024 - 31 Dec 2024)
DayTimes
Monday - WednesdayClosed*
Thursday - Sunday11:00 - 16:00*
Custom House Visitor Centre (2 Jan 2025 - 31 Mar 2025)
DayTimes
Monday - WednesdayClosed*
Thursday - Sunday11:00 - 16:00*

* April - October: access to upstairs and film room 10am to 4:30pm

Dates and times marked with a '*' are provisional and may be subject to change

Awards

  • Regional and MiscellaneousWTTC Safe Travels WTTC Safe Travels 2021

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