Plan Your Visit
An Exceptional Day Out
A visit to the South West of England is not complete without stepping inside Exeter Cathedral and discovering one thousand magnificent years of wonder.
Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of one of Europe’s most magnificent cathedrals and find endless opportunities to explore its amazing architecture, clandestine corners and hidden histories.
To help you plan your visit, keep reading for information about our opening times, admission prices and how to find us, plus our top recommendations for things to do to make the most of your time at Exeter Cathedral. Should you have any questions ahead of your visit, our team would be happy to assist you.
Looking to bring a group?
We would be delighted to welcome your group to Exeter Cathedral. To arrange your bespoke visit, please contact our Group Bookings Team via [email protected]
Opening times and admission prices
Good to know
- Half-Price Sundays: Enjoy half-price entry to Exeter Cathedral every Sunday until 30 September.
| Monday to Saturday | Sunday | |
| Exeter Cathedral | 9am-5pm | 11:30am-4pm |
| Shop | 9am-5pm | 11:30am-4pm |
| Café | 9:30am-5pm | 11:30am-4pm |
| Treasures Exhibition | 10am-4pm Last tour 3:30pm Closed on Wednesdays & Sundays | Closed |
Did you know that every time you visit Exeter Cathedral, you are helping us to maintain and support one of Europe’s finest cathedrals for future generations? Exeter Cathedral receives no regular funding from the Church of England or from the UK Government to support its work, so we kindly ask our visitors to pay a modest admission fee, which goes a long way in supporting our magnificent Cathedral that is enjoyed by so many every day.
Cathedral Admission
Adults: £12.50
Seniors: £10.50
Students: £10.50
Children (under 18s within a family group) - Free
Half Price Sundays
Discover a thousand years of history for half the price. Enjoy 50% off entry into Exeter Cathedral every Sunday this summer. Offer ends 30 September 2026.
Cathedral admission also includes a Guided Floor Tour*, Audio Guides and access to the Treasures Exhibition.
*subject to availability
Visiting for worship or prayer?
There is never a charge to worship or pray in Exeter Cathedral, and everyone is welcome.
Carers
Admission for carers who are accompanying sightseers is also free of charge (if you are attending an event then please check with the event organiser).
Admission for carers who are accompanying sightseers is also free of charge (if you are attending an event then please check with the event organiser).
12-Month Pass
UK taxpayers who choose to Gift Aid their admission receive a 12-month pass at no extra charge, meaning you can come back as often as you like.
By choosing to Gift Aid you allow us to claim back additional money on your entry fee at no extra cost to you!
By choosing to Gift Aid you allow us to claim back additional money on your entry fee at no extra cost to you!
Welcome Card
If you live within postcodes EX1 – EX4, or study at Exeter College or University of Exeter, you can now enjoy free entry into Exeter Cathedral with our Welcome Card. Simply complete the online form then collect your new Welcome Card from Exeter Cathedral’s Welcome Desk. If you are applying as a local resident, please bring a proof of address. If you are applying as a student, please bring your Student ID card. (Terms and conditions apply) Find out more and apply >
Those living outside the city boundaries who can Gift Aid their admission can pay to visit just once and get an annual pass, or anyone can join the Friends of Exeter Cathedral and gain a host of other benefits, including talks and discounts at the Cathedral café and shop.
Only assistance dogs are permitted inside the Cathedral.
Todays services and events
Morning Prayer Eucharist Morning Prayer - Zoom Morning Prayer: Meeting ID: 99638985011, Passcode: 1F0puR Cathedral opens for sightseeing Guided Tour - Treasures Tour Exhibition Family Activities - Children's Activities to take place at West End of Nave on South side near Font. Guided Tour - Treasures Tour Exhibition Guided Tour - Floor Tour Guided Tour - Roof Tour Guided Tour - Treasures Tour Exhibition Cathedral closes for sightseeing Choral Evensong Performance - Organ Recital: Timothy Noon8:158:359:009:0010:0010:0012:0014:0014:1515:0017:0017:3019:00
How to find us
Standing in the heart of Exeter on the historic Cathedral Green, you will find us easy to reach on foot or bike, by bus, coach, train or car. We also have step-free access throughout the Cathedral at ground level.
Postcode:
EX1 1HS
—
By train
Exeter has two mainline rail stations, Exeter Central and Exeter St. David’s. Exeter Central Station is the closest, just a few minutes’ walk away. There are bus services between the city centre and Exeter St David’s Station.
To book your travel to Exeter Cathedral, you may wish to use Trainline – Europe’s leading train and coach app.
—
By car
Park & Ride
Exeter is easily accessible via the M5, A30 and A38. There are Park and Ride services at Honiton Road (M5 Jn29, A30E), Sowton (M5 Jn30, A376, A3052) and Matford (A38W, A30W, A379). Please note that there are no services from Sowton or Matford on Sundays. More information and timetables are available on the Visit Exeter website.
Parking
There are pay and display parking spaces behind Exeter Cathedral, which can be accessed via Palace Gate (EX1 1JA). For parking spaces around the city of Exeter, please visit Exeter City Council’s website >
—
By coach
There are coach drop off/pick up points in South Street (EX1 1DZ), opposite the cut/walkthrough to Exeter Cathedral. These can be used at any time. Parking for coaches is available at Haven Banks Car Park (EX2 8DP). More information can be found on the Visit Exeter website >
Accessibility
We want to make sure that Exeter Cathedral is welcoming and accessible to all.
Dogs
Only assistance dogs will be allowed inside the Cathedral.
Step-free access
Step-free access is available throughout most of the Cathedral at ground level. Please check our Special Tours page for accessibility restrictions on specific guided tours.
Accessible Toilets
Accessible toilets are available both in the Cathedral and Cloister Gallery, and can be reach via step-free access. These toilet facilities are also gender neutral, and have baby changing facilities as well as a family WC.
Lifts
The Friends’ Cloister Gallery and Treasures Exhibition can be accessed via a staircase or a lift.
Parking
Please note that the Palace Gate car park has very limited spaces and only one dedicated disabled parking space. Exeter city centre offers several alternative car park options, as well as Park & Ride services and regular public transport links. See our How to Find Us page for more information.
Visually impaired visitors
Audio and Braille guides are available from our Welcome desk at no extra charge. Audio guides are available in English, French, German and Italian languages.
BSL Interpretation
British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreters are present at our 10am Eucharist services on the first Sunday of each month.
Further information
Please email [email protected] for further information about accessibility and assistance at Exeter Cathedral. A member of our team will be happy to help.
Contact us
By email
General enquiries: [email protected]
—
By phone
Cathedral Office Reception: 01392 255573
Visitor Services, Guided Tours and Group Bookings: 01392 285983
Cathedral Shop: 01392 271354
Venue Hire and Events: 01392 285978
Clerk of Works: 01392 285971
Library and Archives: 01392 421423
Finance: 01392 285975
Liturgy and Music Office: 01392 436747
Health, Safety and Security: 01392 345883
Media Enquiries: 07877770825
1. Take a tour
We are delighted to offer a range of highly-rated tours to help you explore Exeter Cathedral:
- Audio Tours: For those who enjoy exploring at their own pace, our Audio Tour devices are included in the admission price and can be requested from the Welcome Desk.
- Daily Guided Tours: Most days of the week we offer free, guided tours led by our expert Guides who will happily answer any questions you might have about our Cathedral’s history and heritage. These take place in the main Cathedral, as well as our Treasures Exhibition. Simply ask someone at our Welcome Desk for today’s Guided Tour times.
- Special Tours: For those who are seeking something a little more adventurous, we offer a number of curated tours to the lesser-seen areas of the Cathedral, such as the roof space for the best views of Exeter, and the Bishop’s beautiful Palace Garden. Click here to browse our upcoming Special Tours >
Visitor bucket list: View the top things to see at Exeter Cathedral
- The Ceiling – As you enter through the West Front, purchase your ticket for the chance to walk underneath the world’s longest Medieval vaulted ceiling.
- The Exeter Book (UNESCO Memory of the World) – Enter our Treasures Exhibition above the Shop to view the oldest book of English literature in the world.
- The Organ – The main cathedral organ has more than 4,000 pipes. More than 3,000 of them are housed in the grand case on the pulpitum screen.
- The Minstrels’ Gallery – High up on the north side of the nave is a projecting balcony built in the middle of the 14th century. It is decorated with carved angels playing musical instruments and is known as the Minstrels’ Gallery.
- The North Norman Tower – Enjoy a climb up our steps to the roof, then onto our North Tower to experience the best panoramic views of Exeter.
- The Grand Bishop’s Throne – Step into the Quire to marvel at the greatest surviving Medieval Bishop’s Throne in Europe. Standing over 53 feet (16 metres) tall, this towering 14th-century masterpiece of intricately carved Devon oak was remarkably crafted using only wooden pegs, with no metal nails holding its canopy together.
- The Astronomical Clock – Look up in the North Transept to find a fascinating 15th-century mechanical marvel that places a golden Earth right at the centre of the solar system. While you’re there, look at the wooden door directly below the clock to spot what is reputed to be the world’s oldest cat flap – and the legendary inspiration for the nursery rhyme Hickory Dickory Dock!
2. Visit our new Treasures Exhibition
A visit to our new Treasures Exhibition will let you see with your own eyes the oldest book of English literature in the world, amongst other rare and ancient artefacts showcasing over 1,000 years of Cathedral history.
The exhibition is located just above our Cathedral Shop, and is included in your admission fee.
Opening Times
Monday-Saturday: 10am-4pm
Closed on Wednesdays & Sundays
45-minute tours with an expert Guide are available at 10am, 12pm and 3pm.
3. Pause for a moment of reflection
Join us for peaceful prayer, beautiful choral services, delightful organ music and daily worship in this sacred space of quiet reflection. You are welcome to light a candle, also.
4. Have fun with our family activities
Engage your little adventurers with our fun Cathedral Cat Trail, Explorer Backpacks, interactive crafts and seasonal activities designed to bring history to life.
5. Relax and recharge in our Chapter House Café
Relax and recharge at the Chapter House Café – Exeter Cathedral’s unique café set inside its magnificent Medieval Chapter House, complete with painted ceiling and angel carvings (you may even find the grave of Serlo, the first Dean of Exeter who died in 1231!). Our Café offers a delicious, locally-sourced menu to suit all tastes, including barista coffees, teas and soft drinks, along with freshly crafted cakes, Devon cream teas and light dishes.
All profits from the Chapter House Café are used to support the work and conservation of Exeter Cathedral.
6. Find a hand-crafted souvenir in our Shop
Next to our Café you will find our delightful Shop. Browse unique gifts, books and beautiful Cathedral souvenirs, many of which are lovingly created by local makers.
7. Attend a world-class event
Experience our vibrant annual programme of spectacular concerts, seasonal markets, theatrical performances and inspiring community art exhibitions.
