Heritage Open Days gives free access to Exeter’s best known buildings
Published: 2 September 2021
Heritage Open Days are back for free tours of some of Exeter’s best known buildings as well as some of the city’s hidden gems.
The annual programme celebrates England’s architecture and culture by making properties that usually aren’t open to the public, or charge admission fees, free to access.
More than 30 tours and events are listed for the city on the Heritage Open Days website. Heritage Open Days run from September 10 to September 19 right across the city.
Among the highlights this year are:
- Tudor Cooking at St Nicholas Priory - 19 September
- The New St David’s Walking Trail - 13-19 September
- We Are What We Eat Writing Workshop at Exeter Community Centre - 12 September
- A Guided Tour through Exeter’s Multi-Cultural History – 18 September
- Backstage in Gandy Street at Exeter Phoenix – 10, 16 and 17 September
- Tout of the War Graves of Exeter Higher Cemetery – 15 September
- Exeter Blitz Red Coat Tour – 11 and 18 September
- A tour of Exeter Cathedral – 10, 13, 15, 16, 17
- Tour of Exeter Dissenters Graveyard Trust – 18 and 19 September
- Exeter Herstories - Walking with Women through Time Red Coat Tour – 13 and 15 September
- Tour of Exeter’s Historic Guildhall – 10, 11, 33, 14, 15, 16, 17 18 and 19 September
- Northernhay Gardens Guided Walking Tour – 11 September
Heritage Open Days celebrates England’s architecture and culture by making properties that usually aren’t open to the public, or charge admission fees, free to access.
It is a once a year chance to discover hidden treasures and enjoy a wide range of tours, events and activities which bring local history and culture to life.
It is managed nationally by the National Trust with financial support from the People’s Postcode Lottery and Historic England and is England’s biggest and most popular voluntary cultural event. Last year the event attracted over three million visitors nationally.
Exeter’s programme has been co-ordinated by Exeter City Council, and includes a wide range of tours, talks and openings, offering a unique opportunity to visit some of Exeter’s most interesting and unusual historical sites and buildings.
Most tours take place in person but some are virtual. Although free, booking is required for most events. Links to book and full details of all tours are available by visiting the website