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 architecture on a Romanesque to Gothic Tour or Reformation Tour, are interested in discovering the different royal connections with the Cathedral on a Kings and Queens Tour, long to explore the grounds or tranquil surrounds on a Stones & Bones Tour or Bishop’s Palace Garden Tour, or want the opportunity to take in the views from the tower roof on a Roof Tour or Onwards & Upwards Tour, we have something for everyone.
Exeter Cathedral Roof Tour
This fascinating behind-the-scenes tour takes you into the roof void high above the Nave, into the South Tower, the Lead Room and the Ringing Chamber and then through the spaces in the North Tower. If weather permits we extend the tour onto the North Tower to enjoy some of the best views of Exeter (and beyond).
Roof Tours have ended for 2023. Please check back in the new year for more dates.
Tickets:
Adults: £16
Children (Ages 8-18): £8
Kings and Queens
In the year of the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III join a fascinating tour following one-thousand years of royal connections to Exeter Cathedral. Learn about a princess baptised in Exeter, water conduits running with wine to celebrate a coronation and a king who came to pass judgement on murderous citizens.
The Kings and Queens Tour will take place on:
Kings and Queens Tours have ended for 2023. Please check back in the new year for more dates.
Tour Length: Approximately 1 hour
Tickets:
Adults: £10
Children: £5
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.
Reformation Tours will be taking place on:
Reformation Tours have ended for 2023. Please check back in the new year for more dates.
Tickets:
Adults: £10
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.
Romanesque to Gothic Tours will be taking place on:
Romanesque to Gothic Tours have ended for 2023. Please check back in the new year for more dates.
Tickets:
Adults: £10
Under 18s: £5
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.
The Stones & Bones Tour will take place on:
Stones and Bones Tours have ended for 2023. Please check back in the new year for more dates.
Tour Length: 90 mins
Tickets:
Adults: £10
Under 18s: £5
Please note that this tour mainly takes place outside so please dress appropriately for the the weather.
Onwards & Upwards Tour
An exciting in depth tour of both the magnificent ground floor and roof of Exeter Cathedral. Visit the Exeter Cathedral roof and climb high above the Nave, walking along the vaulted ceiling and see the ‘racking’ that could have resulted in the complete destruction of the roof. Step through a Norman window to visit the flag room before ascending the North Tower (weather permitting) to see some of the best views over Exeter and beyond. After taking in the sights you will head back down to floor level to explore the medieval building in all its splendour.
The Onwards and Upwards Tour will take place on:
Thursday 30 November at 11:15am
Tour Length: Approximately 2.5 hours
Tickets:
Adults: £20
Bishop’s Palace Garden Tours
Enjoy unique views of Exeter Cathedral on the Bishop’s Palace Garden Tour. Discover the history of the tranquil surroundings of Devon’s oldest inhabited home which has been lived in by bishops since the 13th century.
Bishop’s Palace Garden Tours have ended for 2023. Please check back in the new year for more dates.
Duration: Approximately 90 minutes
Tickets:
Adults: £12
Children: £6
Please note that this tour takes place outside so please dress for the weather.
Please note that this tour is not suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs or scooters, due to steps and uneven ground.
Please note that there are no seats or toilet facilities along the way.
Bellringers Tour
After taking in the sights make your way back through the lead smelting room to the Bell Ringing Chamber to meet the Society of Ringers, who will show you how this fabulous Church practice has continued throughout the centuries – a behind the scenes experience that will be hard to forget.
This tour will take place on:
Bellringers Tours have ended for 2023. Please check back in the new year for more dates.
Tour Length: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes
Tickets:
Adults: £20
Please note that this tour is for over 18s only and is unsuitable for wheelchairs as there are 150 steps to climb.
Tickets are non-refundable and cannot be changed.
Bells & Beams Tour
Our Bells & Beams Tour takes you into the roof void of Exeter Cathedral, through the South Tower, Lead Room and into the Ringing Chamber. This new tour offers visitors an unprecedented opportunity to see Exeter Cathedral’s historic bells.* The tour will also include a visit to the roof of the North Tower, to enjoy some of the finest views of Exeter and beyond.** Space in the Belfry limits numbers to five people, so tickets are limited.
*Bells are contained in protective cages. **Weather permitting.
This tour will take place on:
Bells & Beams Tours have ended for 2023. Please check back in the new year for more dates.
Tour Length: Approximately 1.45 hours
Tickets:
Adults: £20