Step inside Exeter’s Heritage

Some of Exeter’s most fascinating buildings are set to open their doors to the public free of charge for Heritage Open Days.

Starting on Friday 11 September, Heritage Open Days runs until Sunday 20 September, showcasing many venues that are not usually open to the public or otherwise charge a fee. Now in its 26th year, Heritage Open Days offers up a unique opportunity to explore these sometimes hidden often curious and always interesting places.

This year, because of the Coronavirus pandemic, things are slightly different, with reduced tour numbers and some venues enjoying virtual tours online instead of the real thing. More than 25 cultural and heritage venues will be taking part virtually or in person across the city. Highlights include Exeter Cathedral, Stones and Bones – a tour of the Cathedral Precinct, an opportunity to build your own terrarium at the Devon and Exeter Institution or visit the Exeter Community Centre Trust for a whole host of fantastic activities. There are tours of Powderham Castle, Tuckers Hall and Exeter’s historic Guildhall in the heart of the city.

There is also a chance to look at how a camera obscura works and see a set of huge prints produced at the Custom House down on Exeter Quayside.

For some buildings there’s a chance to venture behind the scenes without leaving your front door. Central Library for instance have arranged a virtual tour of their stack and the cage, where special collections are housed. And the Guildhall is displaying a number of 360-degree images and photos on Facebook and online for those who can’t make it into the city centre.

There are also some online quizzes including ‘Here there Be Dragon’s’ and ‘Exeter, Then and Now’.

Some tours need to be booked in advance. Head to Visit Exeter to get the full rundown, and how to book.