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This autumn, from 11th - 20th 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 accessible 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.
Exeter's Underground Passages
Step beneath Exeter's streets and explore the city's remarkable medieval Underground Passages during Heritage Open Days. Built to house the pipes that brought fresh water into the city, these unique passages are the only medieval water system of their kind open to the public in Britain. Usually ticketed, this fascinating guided tour is available free of charge during the festival. Advance booking is recommended.
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
Tuckers Hall - Incorporation of The Guilds of Weaver, Fullers, and Shearman
Explore one of Exeter's hidden historic gems and discover Tuckers Hall, a beautifully preserved medieval meeting hall dating back to 1471. Home to the Incorporated Guilds of Weavers, Fullers (also known as Tuckers) and Shearmen, the hall offers a fascinating insight into the city's once-thriving wool and cloth trade. Discover the Woollen Cloth Trades Museum, featuring a mix of static and interactive exhibits, and enjoy a guided tour to uncover the rich history of this remarkable building.
National Trust - Killerton
Discover the beauty of Killerton during Heritage Open Days, where a welcoming Georgian house is surrounded by stunning gardens, parkland and ancient woodland. Explore the National Trust's renowned fashion collection, stroll among champion trees and colourful gardens, or venture further to an Iron Age hill fort and sweeping views across the Devon countryside.
Old St Leonard's Hall
Find out how historic buildings can play a vital role in a more sustainable future at Old St Leonard's Hall. Drop in to explore this fascinating historic building and discover how traditional properties can be adapted to improve energy efficiency while preserving their unique character. Visitors can enjoy guided tours of the hall and speak to experts about the sustainable refurbishment of older buildings, gaining practical insights into balancing conservation with modern environmental needs.
Visit Heritage Open Days for more details of events taking place this September.
Related
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.
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.
Explore Killerton, one of Devon's great estates, with a landscape garden, parkland, Georgian house and renowned fashion collection.
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