Delve Deeper
Delve deeper, discover hidden history and enjoy stunning sights with a Special Tour of Exeter Cathedral.
Whether you want to learn more about the history of the building’s architecture on a Romanesque to Gothic Tour or Reformation Tour or you long to explore the grounds and tranquil surrounds on a Stones & Bones Tour, we have something for everyone.
Roof Tours
This fascinating behind-the-scenes tour takes you into the roof void, high above the Nave, the South Tower, the Lead Room, the Ringing Chamber and then through the spaces in the North Tower. If weather permits we extend the tour out onto the roof of the North Tower to enjoy some of the best views of Exeter (and beyond).
December Roof Tour dates:
Friday 20 December, 11:15am
Saturday 21 December, 2:15pm
Price: Adult £18.50, Child (8yrs -17yrs accompanied by an adult on a one-to-one basis) £8
Duration: 1hr 30mins approx
Dress: Flat-soled shoes are essential, no flip flops please.
Changes: Non-refundable, non-changeable.
Accessibility: You must be able to walk unaided. We’re sorry this tour isn’t accessible to everyone due to over 150 steps.
Onwards & Upwards Tour
Explore Exeter Cathedral at ground level to discover its finest medieval features, before heading upwards, into its fascinating roof space. Walk high above the nave, along the vaulted ceiling, and learn about the ‘racking’ that might have resulted the complete destruction of the roof. You will also discover the lead room that was once used for smelting, and visit the bell-ringing chamber. Stepping through a Norman window into the flag room you will then continue to the top of the Cathedral’s Romanesque North Tower* to take in breathtaking views across Exeter and beyond.
* Weather permitting
December Onwards & Upwards Tour dates:
Thursday 19 December, 11:00am
Price: £22.50. For safety reasons, children are not permitted on this tour.
Duration: 2hr 30mins approx
Dress: Flat shoes essential
Accessible: Unfortunately, there is no disabled access on this tour owing to the steps. You must be able to walk unaided at floor level.
Stones & Bones: The Cathedral Precinct Tour
Delve into the history of the Cathedral Green and explore the surrounds of Exeter Cathedral, by tracing their history from Roman time to the present day.
Discover the secrets of Exeter’s cemetery (you may be surprised) and uncover the medieval murder of a local priest. Learn about the buildings of the Close and the evolution of the Cathedral over the last 900 years, on this fascinating 90–minute tour of history and archaeology.
Please wait for further tour dates.
Tickets:
Adults: £12.50
Under 18s: £5
Please note that this tour mainly takes place outside so please dress appropriately for the weather.
Uncovering the Civil War at Exeter Cathedral
The 17th century began with Queen Elizabeth I and ended with Prince William of Orange on the English throne. Between them the Stuart Kings came from Scotland to take the throne, and by the middle of the century the country was engulfed in a terrible civil war.
Join us on an exciting brand new tour to take a closer look at evidence of the impact of the Civil War on the Cathedral building and decoration.
January 2025 dates:
Tuesday 14 January, 1:30pm
Friday 31 January, 1:30pm
Tickets:
Adults: £12.50
Reformation Tour
The 16th century Reformation caused the greatest ever upheaval in the life and fabric of Exeter Cathedral. Begun under the reign of King Henry VIII, the break with Rome led to a complete rethinking of the way people related to God, the Bible and the Church itself. Take a closer look at some of the damage inflicted at that time and learn how the lives of the Cathedral, and its inhabitants, were changed forever.
January 2025 dates:
Friday 3 January, 11:30am
Thursday 16 January, 11:30am
Wednesday 29 January, 1:30pm
Tickets:
Adults: £12.50
Under 18s: £5
Romanesque to Gothic
Take a closer look at Exeter Cathedral’s exterior and learn about its successive phases of building work, starting with a Norman Cathedral and culminating in the decorated Gothic Cathedral we can see today. Learn how its appearance has evolved over 900 years and discover the unique features of this architectural masterpiece.
Please wait for further tour dates.
Please note that this tour mainly takes place outside so please dress appropriately for the weather.