Heritage Open Days 2025

This autumn, from 12th - 21st September, Exeter once again opens its doors for the annual Heritage Open Days, a nationwide celebration of history, culture, and community.

From hidden gems and historic buildings to guided walks and special exhibitions, it’s a rare chance to step behind the scenes and explore the city’s fascinating past, granting free access to places not usually accesible or which charge an admission fee.

Whether you’re uncovering Exeter’s Roman roots, peeking inside landmark sites usually closed to the public, or joining a talk or tour, Heritage Open Days offer a unique way to connect with the stories that have shaped the city and surrounding area.

The Devon and Exeter Institution

Various dates

A thriving independent historic library and educational charity in the heart of the city, The Devon and Exeter Institution is hosting an array of activities in celebration of Heritage Open Days. Join a librarian tour and promenade performance (booking required) or drop in to meet the curator and visit the book display. 

National Trust Killerton House & Gardens

Friday 12th and Saturday 13th September

Home of the Acland family from the late seventeenth century, until it was gifted to the National Trust in 1944, Killerton's fine 18th-century house is home to unique fashion collections including 'Unflappable! Fashioning the 1920s', which features some dazzlingly chic creations. As autumn arrives, take the opportunity to also soak up seasonal woodlands smells with a stroll around Killerton's extensive parkland and glorious landscaped garden.

To coincide with Heritage Open Days, you can also join free, guided walks to Clyston Mill and Columbjohn Chapel.

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Quayside Consequences

Sunday 14th September

Quayside Consequences is an imaginative game of creative exploration and collision that will bring the many different pasts, presents and potential futures of Exeter Quayside together in a large-scale, collaborative artwork. No experience in collage or drawing is needed to participate and the finished work will be displayed at the Custom House throughout the Heritage Open Days.

The architecture of RAMM

Wednesday 17th September

An architectural icon of Exeter since it's opening in 1868, join RAMM’s Collections Manager, Julien Parsons, to discover the history of The Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery. Enjoy this exclusive opportunity to hear some of the untold stories behind the beautiful building which is home to RAMM's collection. 

Quay Words heritage walking tour with JoJo Spinks

Wednesday 17th September

Exploring the working class built heritage of Exeter's historic Quayside, past and present, enjoy an evening walk along the beautiful Quayside, led by JoJo Spinks.

Tales of the Land and Songs of the Sea

Saturday 20th September

In 1700, Exeter's port and its canal was considered the fourth most important in the country. Now it might justly be described as ‘Exeter’s lost route to the sea.’ Presented by Jon Bell, an Exeter Red Coat Guide and chair of Exeter Heritage Harbour Group, this free talk (booking essential) gives a lively introduction to the events that shaped Exeter’s 'heritage harbour.'

Restoration of the Refectory

Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st September

In the 1990s, Exeter Historic Buildings Trust rescued the refectory of St Nicholas Priory from near dereliction. Once Tudor splendour, later Victorian tenements and classrooms, it was carefully restored with conservation research, timber dating, and painting analysis. This fascinating talk and tour will describe in detail this project and reveal the incredible transformation and history.

Exeter City Wall

Saturday 20th September

A site of many historical events, some of the oldest parts of Exeter's City Wall date back almost 2,000 years and around 70% of it still exists. This event for Heritage Open Days will showcase part of the popular Exeter City Wall Trail and take you on a guided walk along sections of the wall.

Red Coat Guided Tours

Daily throughout the year

Don't forget you can also experience one of the oldest and beautiful cities in England with our Red Coat Guided Tours. Running daily throughout the year, there's a great choice of free walking tours to choose from and they're the perfect way to discover historic Exeter, whether you're a visitor or local.

Special Red Coat Guided Tours for Heritage Open Days include 'Exeter Blitz' (12th, 14th, 17th, 19th September) and Writers Around Exeter (16th September).

Visit Heritage Open Days 2025 for more details of events taking place this September.