How to Visit Exeter Cathedral Devon

Exeter Cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter in the City of Exeter, is one of the most magnificent examples of Gothic architecture in England. Located in the heart of Devons historic county town, this 800-year-old spiritual and cultural landmark draws visitors from across the globewhether they come for its awe-inspiring stained glass, intricate stone carvings, the worlds oldest working mechanical clock, or its serene cloisters that have inspired poets and pilgrims for centuries. Visiting Exeter Cathedral is more than a sightseeing excursion; it is an immersive journey into medieval craftsmanship, religious heritage, and architectural brilliance. Understanding how to visit Exeter Cathedral Devon ensures you make the most of your experience, from planning your route to navigating the site with ease and respect. This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know to plan, prepare for, and fully appreciate your visit, whether youre a first-time tourist, a history enthusiast, or a local seeking deeper connection with your heritage.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Determine the Best Time to Visit

Timing your visit to Exeter Cathedral can significantly enhance your experience. The cathedral is open daily, but hours vary by season. During peak tourist months (April to October), the cathedral typically opens from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM. In the winter months (November to March), hours are reduced to 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. It is advisable to check the official website before departure, as special services, private events, or conservation work may temporarily alter access.

For the most peaceful and photogenic experience, arrive early in the morningbetween 8:30 AM and 10:00 AMbefore guided tours and school groups arrive. Midday is ideal for witnessing the cathedrals interior illuminated by natural light filtering through its famous stained-glass windows. Avoid visiting on Sundays if youre not attending a service, as access to certain areas may be restricted during worship hours.

2. Plan Your Route to Exeter Cathedral

Exeter Cathedral is centrally located in Exeters historic quarter, making it easily accessible by multiple modes of transport. If you are driving, use the postcode EX1 1HZ for GPS navigation. Several public car parks are within a five-minute walk, including the Cathedral Yard Car Park, St Sidwells Point Multi-Storey, and the Park & Ride facility at Exeter St Davids railway station. Parking fees apply, and spaces fill quickly during weekends and holidays.

Public transportation is highly recommended. Exeter St Davids railway station is a 15-minute walk from the cathedral, with frequent trains connecting to London Paddington, Plymouth, Bristol, and Cardiff. From the station, follow signs toward the city center along the A3022 or take the number 1 or 2 bus, which stops directly at the cathedrals entrance.

For those arriving by coach, the Exeter Bus Station (on Southernhay) is a 10-minute walk away. Cyclists can use the secure bike racks located near the North Porch entrance. Pedestrians should follow the well-marked heritage trail through the city center, which passes historic buildings, independent shops, and the River Exe.

3. Purchase Tickets or Confirm Free Entry

Exeter Cathedral operates on a donation-based entry system for tourists. While there is no mandatory admission fee, a suggested donation of 10 per adult is encouraged to support the cathedrals ongoing restoration and educational programs. Donations can be made at the welcome desk near the South Porch, via contactless payment, or online in advance through the official website.

Children under 16 enter free of charge, and concessions (seniors, students, and disabled visitors) are offered at a reduced rate of 7. Family tickets (two adults and up to three children) are available for 25. Visitors with a valid English Heritage, National Trust, or Cadw membership may receive complimentary entrypresent your card at the entrance.

For group visits (10 or more people), advance booking is required. Groups can arrange tailored tours, educational workshops, or private access outside regular hours by contacting the cathedrals bookings team via email or the online form on their website.

4. Enter the Cathedral and Begin Your Exploration

Upon arrival, youll be greeted by the cathedrals iconic West Front, a masterpiece of Early English Gothic architecture featuring over 1,000 carved figures, including saints, kings, and mythical beasts. Enter through the South Porch, the main public entrance, where youll find the welcome desk and information kiosks.

At the entrance, pick up a free printed guidebook or download the official Exeter Cathedral app (available on iOS and Android). The guidebook includes a floor plan, historical context, and highlighted points of interest. Audio guides are also available for rent at 3, with options in English, French, German, and Spanish.

Begin your visit by walking through the navethe longest in the southwest of Englandadmiring the soaring 31-meter vaulted ceiling and the 14th-century stone tracery. Look up to see the angel musicians carved into the choir stalls, their instruments rendered in exquisite detail.

5. Explore Key Features and Exhibits

Exeter Cathedral is home to dozens of unique historical artifacts and architectural marvels. Here are the must-see highlights:

• The Astronomical Clock: Installed in 1484, this is the oldest working mechanical clock in the UK. Located in the south transept, it features a golden sun that moves across a celestial dial, and two jousting knights that strike the hour. A small panel explains its mechanics, and a video demonstration runs hourly.
• The Choir and Quire: Home to the worlds largest collection of medieval misericords (carved wooden seats), each with whimsical and sometimes risqu scenesfrom mermaids to foxes playing instruments. These 40 misericords date from the 14th century and are considered among the finest in Europe.
• The Cloisters: A tranquil, vaulted walkway surrounding the cathedrals inner courtyard. Built between 1280 and 1350, the cloisters feature 128 carved stone capitals depicting biblical stories, plants, and animals. The central garden is a peaceful retreat with lavender, roses, and ancient yew trees.
• The Stained Glass Windows: The east window, dating from 1330, is the largest and most intact set of medieval stained glass in England. The Tree of Jesse window depicts the genealogy of Christ with astonishing color preservation. Dont miss the 15th-century Good Samaritan window in the north aisle.
• The Cathedral Library and Archives: Open to visitors by appointment, this rare collection includes a 12th-century manuscript of the Exeter Bookone of the most important surviving collections of Old English poetry.
• The Crypt: Beneath the cathedral lies a 12th-century crypt with original Romanesque columns and a tomb of Bishop Bronescombe (d. 1280). The space is cool, dimly lit, and evokes a profound sense of history.

6. Attend a Service or Musical Performance

Exeter Cathedral is an active place of worship and hosts daily services, including Morning Prayer (8:30 AM), Holy Communion (10:00 AM), and Evensong (5:30 PM). Visitors are welcome to attend, even if not of the Christian faith. Services offer a unique opportunity to hear the cathedral choirrenowned for its purity of tone and centuries-old traditionsing in the acoustically perfect space.

The cathedral also hosts a vibrant calendar of concerts, from Baroque organ recitals to contemporary choral works. Check the events calendar online for upcoming performances. Tickets for concerts are available online or at the box office and often sell out weeks in advance.

7. Visit the Cathedral Shop and Caf

After your tour, take time to explore the cathedral shop, located just beyond the South Porch. It offers a curated selection of locally made crafts, books on medieval architecture, devotional items, and high-quality reproductions of the cathedrals stained glass and carvings. Proceeds support the cathedrals conservation efforts.

The Cathedral Caf, situated in the former Chapter House, serves locally sourced teas, coffees, sandwiches, and cakes. The menu features Devon cream teas, homemade scones, and vegetarian and gluten-free options. Outdoor seating is available in the cloister garden during warmer months.

8. Learn About Accessibility and Facilities

Exeter Cathedral is committed to accessibility. Ramps and lifts provide access to all public areas, including the crypt, choir, and cloisters. Wheelchairs are available free of charge at the welcome desk. Accessible toilets are located near the caf and the North Porch.

Guide dogs are welcome throughout the building. Large-print guides, hearing loops, and tactile maps are available for visually impaired visitors. The cathedral also offers Quiet Hours on the first Wednesday of each month from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with reduced noise levels and dimmed lighting for neurodiverse visitors.

9. Extend Your Visit with Nearby Attractions

Exeter Cathedral is part of a larger historic district. After your visit, consider exploring nearby sites:

• Exeter Castle (Rougemont Castle): A 12th-century Norman fortress with panoramic views of the city and a small museum on medieval warfare.
• The Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery (RAMM): A world-class museum featuring natural history, archaeology, and global cultures, just a 5-minute walk away.
• The Exeter Quay and River Exe: A scenic riverside walk lined with historic warehouses, now converted into boutiques and restaurants.
• Exeters Underground Passages: A guided tour of 14th-century medieval tunnels beneath the city streetsbook in advance.
• St Nicholas Priory: A restored 11th-century monastery with a herb garden and medieval kitchen demonstrations.

10. Respect the Sacred Space

As a working cathedral, Exeter remains a place of worship. Visitors are asked to maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor. Photography is permitted for personal use, but tripods, drones, and flash are prohibited. Avoid touching carvings, stained glass, or religious artifacts. Remove hats and loud headphones when entering the nave or choir. Children should be supervised to ensure they do not run or shout.

During services, please remain seated at the rear if you are not participating, and refrain from walking through the nave. If you wish to light a candle, do so in the designated prayer area near the Lady Chapel.

Best Practices

1. Book Ahead for Special Access

While general admission is walk-in, certain experiences require advance reservation. These include guided tours with expert historians, behind-the-scenes access to the tower (climb 225 steps for panoramic views), and private viewings of the library archives. Booking at least 48 hours in advance ensures availability and allows staff to prepare for your visit.

2. Dress Appropriately

There is no strict dress code, but modest attire is appreciated out of respect for the sacred nature of the space. Avoid wearing revealing clothing, beachwear, or items with offensive slogans. Comfortable walking shoes are essentialcobblestones and uneven stone floors are common throughout the complex.

3. Bring a Notebook or Sketchpad

Exeter Cathedral is a haven for artists, writers, and students. Many visitors bring sketchbooks to draw the carvings, windows, or cloister arches. The cathedral encourages creative engagement and even hosts occasional sketching workshops. A small, quiet notebook and pencil are ideal tools for capturing the atmosphere.

4. Use the App for Enhanced Learning

The official Exeter Cathedral app is a powerful tool that enhances your visit. It features 3D reconstructions of the cathedral as it appeared in 1300, audio commentary from cathedral historians, and interactive maps. The app also includes a Find the Beast game for children, which encourages exploration of the carvings.

5. Support Conservation Through Your Visit

Every donation, purchase, and volunteer hour contributes to the preservation of this irreplaceable heritage site. Consider becoming a Friend of Exeter Cathedral for an annual membership of 50, which includes free entry, exclusive newsletters, invitations to lectures, and early access to events.

6. Visit During Off-Peak Seasons

Spring (AprilMay) and autumn (SeptemberOctober) offer the ideal balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer months, particularly July and August, see the highest volume of visitors. Winter visits, though quieter, offer a more intimate experience and often include special candlelit services during Advent.

7. Engage with the Staff and Volunteers

The cathedrals volunteer stewards are knowledgeable and passionate. They are not paid staff but local historians, retired educators, and clergy who love sharing the cathedrals story. Ask them questionsthey often know lesser-known tales, such as the legend of the Black Monk who haunts the cloisters, or the secret passage once used by bishops to escape invaders.

8. Capture Memories Responsibly

While photography is allowed, avoid blocking walkways or interrupting services for the perfect shot. Use natural light when possibleflash can damage centuries-old pigments. If youre filming, request permission from the cathedrals communications team. High-resolution images for commercial use require a formal license.

9. Combine Your Visit with a Local Food Experience

Exeter is renowned for its culinary heritage. After your visit, try a Devonshire cream tea at The Old Bakery, sample locally brewed ales at The Exeter Beer Company, or enjoy fresh seafood at The Fish Market. Many eateries offer Cathedral Visitor discountsask when you arrive.

10. Leave a Legacy

Consider contributing to the cathedrals Brick by Brick campaign, where donors can sponsor the restoration of a specific stone, carving, or stained-glass panel. Your name will be recorded in the cathedrals donor book, and youll receive a certificate of contributiona meaningful way to connect with this living monument.

Tools and Resources

Official Website

The primary resource for planning your visit is www.exetercathedral.org.uk. The site offers real-time updates on opening hours, event calendars, virtual tours, downloadable maps, and an online donation portal. It also includes a comprehensive FAQ section and downloadable PDF guides for families, schools, and researchers.

Mobile App

The Exeter Cathedral App (iOS and Android) is a must-have companion. It includes:

• Interactive 3D floor plan with clickable points of interest
• Audio commentary in 5 languages
• Historical timelines and video reconstructions
• Self-guided tour routes (30-min, 60-min, 90-min)
• Event reminders and ticket booking

Guided Tour Options

Three types of guided tours are available:

• Standard Tour: 60 minutes, covers main highlights. Runs daily at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. 12 per person.
• Hidden Treasures Tour: 90 minutes, includes crypt, tower, and library. Limited to 10 people. Book at least 7 days ahead. 25 per person.
• Family Discovery Tour: 45 minutes, designed for children 612. Includes a scavenger hunt. 8 per child, adults free.

Transport and Parking Tools

Use the following tools to plan your journey:

• Google Maps: For real-time walking, driving, and public transit directions.
• Traveline Southwest: For bus and train schedules across Devon and Cornwall.
• JustPark: To reserve parking in advance at nearby private garages.

Historical and Educational Resources

For deeper study:

• Exeter Cathedral Archives: Open to researchers by appointment. Contains 1,200+ medieval documents.
• British History Online: Free access to transcribed records of the cathedrals early records.
• Historic England: Official listing and conservation reports for the cathedral (Grade I listed building).
• YouTube Channel: The cathedrals official channel features 15-minute documentaries on the clock, the misericords, and the stained glass.

Accessibility and Inclusion Resources

For visitors with disabilities:

• Care4All: Provides free loan of portable hearing loops and wheelchairs.
• AccessAble: Detailed accessibility reports for Exeter Cathedral, including step counts, door widths, and lighting levels.
• Visual Story: A social narrative guide for autistic visitors, available as a PDF download.

Real Examples

Example 1: A Family from Manchester

The Thompson familyparents Sarah and Mark, and their two children, aged 8 and 11visited Exeter Cathedral during a summer holiday. They booked the Family Discovery Tour and downloaded the app. Their daughter, Lily, loved the Find the Beast game and discovered a dragon hiding in the cloister carvings. The children were fascinated by the clock and asked to return to see the knights strike again. Sarah, a history teacher, used the apps timeline to explain the Reformation to her kids. They donated 30 and bought a replica misericord bookmark. It wasnt just a museum, Sarah wrote in the guestbook. It felt alive.

Example 2: A Solo Traveler from Japan

Yuki Tanaka, a 32-year-old architect from Kyoto, traveled to Exeter specifically to study Gothic vaulting. She arrived at 8:45 AM on a Tuesday and spent four hours sketching the ceiling ribs. She spoke briefly with a volunteer who had studied medieval engineering and learned how the cathedrals builders used geometry to distribute weight without flying buttresses. Yuki later published an article in a Japanese architecture journal, citing Exeter Cathedral as a silent teacher of structural poetry. She donated 50 and left a handwritten note in the prayer book: Thank you for preserving beauty that outlives empires.

Example 3: A School Group from Cornwall

A Year 7 class from Truro School visited as part of their Medieval England curriculum. Their teacher, Mr. Davies, arranged a 90-minute educational workshop with the cathedrals learning officer. Students participated in a Carving Your Own Misericord activity using clay molds, then wrote poems inspired by the stained glass. The group later created a digital exhibition for their school website. The cathedral didnt just teach us history, said student Leo. It made us feel like we were part of it.

Example 4: A Wedding Anniversary Visit

On their 50th wedding anniversary, Robert and Margaret Hill returned to Exeter Cathedral, where they had married in 1974. They lit a candle in the Lady Chapel and revisited the spot where their wedding photograph was taken. The cathedral staff, aware of their visit through prior notification, arranged for the choir to sing Amazing Grace during Evensong. Margaret wept quietly as the music filled the nave. We came for the stones, she said. We left with the song.

FAQs

Can I visit Exeter Cathedral for free?

Yes, entry to Exeter Cathedral is free, but donations are strongly encouraged to support its preservation. A suggested donation of 10 per adult helps maintain the building, fund educational programs, and restore fragile artifacts.

Is the cathedral wheelchair accessible?

Yes. Lifts and ramps provide access to all public areas, including the crypt, choir, and cloisters. Wheelchairs are available free of charge at the welcome desk. Accessible toilets are located near the caf and North Porch.

Can I take photographs inside?

Yes, personal photography is permitted without flash or tripods. Photography is not allowed during services. Commercial photography requires prior written permission.

Are there guided tours available?

Yes. Daily standard tours run at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Advanced booking is required for the Hidden Treasures Tour and Family Discovery Tour. Tours last between 45 and 90 minutes.

How long should I plan to spend at the cathedral?

Most visitors spend between 1.5 and 3 hours. A quick visit may take 45 minutes, while those exploring the crypt, library, and cloisters in depth may spend up to 4 hours.

Is there parking nearby?

Yes. Several public car parks are within a 5-minute walk, including Cathedral Yard Car Park and St Sidwells Point. Parking fees apply. Public transport is recommended during peak times.

Can I attend a service as a non-religious visitor?

Yes. All are welcome to attend services. Visitors are asked to remain quiet and respectful. You may sit at the rear if you are not participating.

Is the cathedral open on holidays?

Exeter Cathedral is open daily, including bank holidays, except for Christmas Day and Good Friday. Hours may be shortened on holidayscheck the website for updates.

Are there facilities for children?

Yes. The Family Discovery Tour includes a scavenger hunt. The app has a Beast Finder game. There is a dedicated childrens prayer corner with coloring sheets and storybooks.

Can I bring food and drink into the cathedral?

Food and drink are not permitted in the nave, choir, or cloisters. Water in sealed bottles is allowed. The Cathedral Caf offers light meals and refreshments.

Is there a dress code?

There is no formal dress code, but modest attire is appreciated. Avoid beachwear, hats indoors, or clothing with offensive imagery.

Can I volunteer at the cathedral?

Yes. Volunteers serve as stewards, tour guides, archivists, and event assistants. Applications are accepted through the website. No prior experience is requiredtraining is provided.

Conclusion

Visiting Exeter Cathedral Devon is not merely a tourist activityit is an encounter with time itself. The stones whisper stories of kings and craftsmen, the glass glows with the colors of devotion, and the silence between hymns holds centuries of prayer. Whether you come for the architecture, the art, the history, or the peace, Exeter Cathedral offers a rare and profound experience that lingers long after you leave.

By following the steps outlined in this guideplanning your route, respecting the sacred space, engaging with the resources, and supporting its futureyou become more than a visitor. You become a steward of heritage. You help ensure that the clock still strikes, the misericords still tell their tales, and the light still dances through the windows for generations to come.

So plan your journey. Arrive with curiosity. Leave with reverence. And remember: Exeter Cathedral is not a relic of the past. It is a living witnessand it is waiting for you.