Almost time for Heritage Open Days in Exeter

Heritage Open Days starts on Friday 11 September with lots to see and do in and around Exeter.

It’s England’s largest festival of history and culture and a great opportunity to explore the history and the stories that have shaped Exeter. 

The annual festival is already proving popular, with free tours of the Underground Passages already fully booked. 

A number of special Red Coat guided tours are also full up. However, the ‘Writers Around Exeter’ and the ‘Markets Merchants and Mariners’ tours still have places available to those who are interested. 

Heritage Open Days runs from 11 to 20 September. Across the country, thousands of buildings and hidden places that are often closed to the public or usually charge for admission, open up their doors for free.   

It's a rare opportunity to explore remarkable locations, uncover hidden treasures and experience local heritage in a whole new way.  

Heritage Open Days is managed nationally by the National Trust, with support from Historic England and the People's Postcode Lottery. The festival attracts more than three million visitors each year.  

In Exeter, the programme is coordinated by Exeter City Council and features an exciting line-up of free tours, talks and special openings.  

This year's theme, Everyday Histories, shines a spotlight on the people, places and working lives that have helped shape our communities. From fascinating guided tours and behind-the-scenes access to inspiring talks and family-friendly activities, there's something for everyone to enjoy – and every event is completely free.  

Here are some highlights and unexpected delights:  

  • Old St Leonard’s Hall – discover how historic buildings can become part of a low-carbon future, including tours and advice on sustainable refurbishment of older buildings 
  • Exeter Pre-Prep School – self-guided tours of grade II listed 19th Century gothic chapel and grounds, converted into The New School in 1992 and now Exeter Pre-Prep School.   
  • Tuckers Hall – discover a medieval meeting hall dating back to 1471, home to the Incorporation of The Guilds of Weaver, Fuller and Shearmen.  
  • Britannia Making Waves – open ship and demonstrations on Exeter’s quayside, relating to seafaring and wooden boat building skills  
  • Guided walks around the west of the City Wall and Exebridges with Devon Archaeological Society  
  • Everyday Histories – Policing the Past via Exeter the Exeter Archives at the Museum of Policing in Devon & Cornwall at Southwest Heritage Trust, Devon Heritage Centre  

There’s also a chance to step inside Exeter’s historic Guildhall – one of England’s oldest civic buildings – and enjoy a guided tour.  

For all events go to the Heritage Open Days website at - Heritage Open Days 

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