Exeter Underground Passages
Discover medieval passageways that stretch under the city's streets at this visitor attraction in the heart of Exeter city centre
A visit to Exeter's Underground Passages is a most unusual event. Dating from 14th century, these medieval passages under Exeter High Street are a unique ancient monument: no similar system of passages can be explored by the public elsewhere in Britain. They were built to house the pipes that brought fresh water to the city. Visitors to the Underground Interpretation Centre pass through an exhibition and video presentation before their guided tour.
Exeter's Underground Passages have long exercised a fascination over local people, with stories of wars and sieges, plague and pestilence! Their purpose was simple: to bring clean drinking water from natural springs in fields lying outside the walled city, through lead pipes into the heart of the city. The pipes sometimes sprang leaks and repairs to buried pipes could only be carried out by digging them up as we do today. To avoid this disruption the passages were vaulted and it is down some of these vaulted passageways that visitors are guided.
Prices
Adult - £5
Child - £3.50
Concession - £4
Opening details
| Season Dates | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| Notes | Open School Holidays Monday - Saturday 9.30am - 5.30pm (first tour half hour after opening, last tour 4.30pm) Sunday 10.30am - 4pm (first tour half hour after opening, last tour 3pm) October - May Monday Closed Tuesday - Friday 11.30am - 5.30pm (first tour half hour after opening, last tour 4.30pm) Saturday 9.30am - 5.30pm (first tour half hour after opening, last tour 4.30pm) Sunday 11.30am - 4pm (first tour half hour after opening, last tour 3pm) Please arrive at least 10 minutes before your tour starts. Your visit includes a 10 minute film presentation, a 25 minute tour of the Passages and an opportunity to explore the new exhibition. |
Tel: 01392 665887
www.exeter.gov.uk/passages
Exeter Underground Passages
Passages, 2 Paris Street, Exeter, Devon, EX1 1GA
Map reference: SX 926929
By Road:
Nearest major road is M5. Follow signs to city centre.
By Public Transport:
The entrance is located on Paris Street, just a few minutes walk fro Exeter Bus Station. The nearest train station is Exeter Central, approx 10 minutes walk.
More about Exeter Underground Passages
Discover medieval passageways that stretch under the city's streets at this visitor attraction in the heart of Exeter city centre
A visit to Exeter's Underground Passages is a most unusual event. Dating from 14th century, these medieval passages under Exeter High Street are a unique ancient monument: no similar system of passages can be explored by the public elsewhere in Britain. They were built to house the pipes that brought fresh water to the city. Visitors to the Underground Interpretation Centre pass through an exhibition and video presentation before their guided tour.
Exeter's Underground Passages have long exercised a fascination over local people, with stories of wars and sieges, plague and pestilence! Their purpose was simple: to bring clean drinking water from natural springs in fields lying outside the walled city, through lead pipes into the heart of the city. The pipes sometimes sprang leaks and repairs to buried pipes could only be carried out by digging them up as we do today. To avoid this disruption the passages were vaulted and it is down some of these vaulted passageways that visitors are guided.
Adult Ticket - £5.00
Child Ticket - £3.50
Concession Ticket - £4.00
Family Ticket - £15.00
