Underground passages in Exeter

Exeter is a pleasant city and worth a visit for a shopping trip or to enjoy a meal at one of the wide variety of restaurants in the city centre or on its riverside development. However, there is another side to Exeter or should that be another level?

Under the city’s streets there is a network of medieval passageways dating from the 14th century. These medieval passageways under Exeter High Street are a unique ancient monument.

The passageways were built to house the pipes that brought fresh water from natural springs in fields lying outside the city walls, 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 can take guided tours.

Visitors to this underground attraction pass through an exhibition and video presentation before their guided tour. However, if you suffer from claustrophobia this probably isn’t the experience for you! Under fives are not permitted on the tours.

The underground passages are open all year and currently admission is £4.90 for adults and £3.40 for children (concessions and family rates are available). See the website for full details.