Custom House Dublin Ireland
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Custom House Visitor Centre

4.4
·99 reviews·, United Kingdom

Discover Exeter's maritime heritage at this free visitor centre, a gateway to the vibrant Historic Quay.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
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Custom House Dublin Ireland

Custom House Visitor Centre

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Exeter's maritime heritage at this free visitor centre, a gateway to the vibrant Historic Quay.

4.4
(99 reviews)

"Wonderful visit and learnt lots from this interesting visitor centre. Great staff and you can attend many of their free redcoat tours."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Free Entry & Tours

Admission to the visitor centre is free, and so are the excellent Redcoat tours! :ticket:

🚶‍♀️ Explore The Quay

Don't miss the adjacent historic Quay for shops, food, and lovely canal walks. :walking:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Exeter's Maritime History

Exeter's Maritime History

Visitor Centre

Discover Exeter's rich past as a port city through engaging displays and a captivating 15-minute film.

Reddit
The Historic Quay

The Historic Quay

Adjacent to Visitor Centre

Wander along the picturesque quay, browse unique shops, and enjoy waterfront dining with charming swan sightings.

Reddit
Free Redcoat Tours

Free Redcoat Tours

Starting from Visitor Centre

Join knowledgeable guides for free tours, uncovering more of Exeter's fascinating history and hidden stories.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

While the Custom House Visitor Centre itself is free to enter, consider visiting during off-peak hours to fully appreciate the exhibits and friendly staff. Weekday mornings or late afternoons are often less crowded, allowing for a more immersive experience with the historical displays and the informative video presentation. Reddit

Exploring The Quay

The Custom House is a gateway to Exeter's historic Quay, a vibrant area with quirky shops and eateries. Plan to spend extra time here to soak in the atmosphere, watch the swans, and perhaps enjoy a meal or refreshment. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Enjoy the quay atmosphere
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

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@candaceabroad
1.2K likes • 20.1K views

🎯 Free Entry & Tours

Admission to the visitor centre is free, and so are the excellent Redcoat tours! Reddit :ticket:

🚶‍♀️ Explore The Quay

Don't miss the adjacent historic Quay for shops, food, and lovely canal walks. Reddit :walking:

A customer F40 at Ferrari Exeter wearing a cool number plate 🤝 #ferrari #f40 #iconic #retro #classiccar #rich #money #car #exeter #devon #vintage #foryou
@supercarseurope
604 likes • 10.9K views
reddit.com

Day Trip

🎬 Watch the History Film

The 15-minute film offers a great overview of Exeter's past. Reddit :movie_camera:

🦢 Swans on the Canal

Keep an eye out for the resident swans along the water. Reddit :bird:

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Free Entry & Tours

Admission to the visitor centre is free, and so are the excellent Redcoat tours! Reddit :ticket:

🚶‍♀️ Explore The Quay

Don't miss the adjacent historic Quay for shops, food, and lovely canal walks. Reddit :walking:

🎬 Watch the History Film

The 15-minute film offers a great overview of Exeter's past. Reddit :movie_camera:

🦢 Swans on the Canal

Keep an eye out for the resident swans along the water. Reddit :bird:

What Travellers Say

4.4
(99 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Custom House Visitor Centre to be a pleasant and informative stop, particularly for its free entry and the engaging historical film. While some feel the displays could be more dynamic, the friendly staff and the prime location on the historic Quay are consistently praised. It serves as an excellent gateway to exploring Exeter's rich past and vibrant waterfront.

"Its ok. Nothing special. The outside looks better than the in. The staff were friendly enough, but the displays were very boring to me. It was good information, don't get me wrong. And the history was very interesting but I just think they should be displayed better as right now it is just large posters with information on. No artifacts or anything to add context or make more dynamic."

M

"Wonderful visit and learnt lots from this interesting visitor centre. Great staff and you can attend many of their free redcoat tours. The Quay is a must-see and has an array of quirky shops and wonderful places to stop for food or refreshments. You will most definitely love the swans along the way!"

Susie Michael

"In process of being decorated but still a fantastic old building."

Sam Neale

What People Like

Free entry and tours
Informative history film
Great Quay location

What People Dislike

Displays could be more dynamic

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Custom House Visitor Centre is located on Exeter's historic Quay. It's easily accessible by foot from the city centre, or you can use local bus services. If arriving by train, Exeter St Davids station is a short taxi or bus ride away. TikTok

There are several car parks near the Quay, including the Haven Banks car park. Be aware that parking can be busy, especially during peak times. TikTok

Yes, Exeter is a cycle-friendly city, and there are cycle paths leading to the Quay. You can often find cycle racks nearby. TikTok

The visitor centre is generally accessible, and the Quay area is also largely flat and easy to navigate for wheelchairs and pushchairs. It's always a good idea to check specific accessibility details if you have particular needs. Reddit

A scenic train journey with Great Western Railway from London Paddington is a popular and convenient option, taking just over two hours. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to the Custom House Visitor Centre is free. You can explore the displays and information at your own pace without charge. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official website or local listings before your visit. Generally, it's open during standard daytime hours. Reddit

The Redcoat tours, which often start from or are promoted by the visitor centre, are typically free to join. Donations are sometimes appreciated. Reddit

While free public tours are available, private tour arrangements might be possible by contacting the relevant tourism office or historical society in Exeter. Reddit

The Quay itself is a public area and is free to access. You can wander, enjoy the atmosphere, and visit the shops and cafes without any entry charge. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The centre offers information about Exeter's history, particularly its maritime past, with displays and a short film. It also serves as a hub for local information and leaflets for attractions. Reddit

While the displays are informative, some visitors find them to be primarily poster-based with limited interactive elements or artifacts. The 15-minute film provides a dynamic presentation of history. Reddit

The Redcoat Tours are free guided walks led by knowledgeable guides, offering insights into Exeter's history and landmarks. They are a popular way to explore the city. Reddit

The centre focuses on Exeter's history, particularly its role as a port and its maritime heritage. You can learn about its development and significance. Reddit

Yes, the visitor centre is a great place to pick up maps, leaflets, and information about other interesting places, events, and activities in and around Exeter. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Absolutely! The historic Quay area surrounding the Custom House is brimming with cafes, pubs, and restaurants offering a variety of refreshments and meals. Reddit

You'll find a range of options, from traditional pub fare and casual cafes to more contemporary dining experiences. Many offer lovely views of the canal. Reddit

Yes, there are usually several cafes and pubs that offer more affordable meal deals or lighter bites, making it possible to enjoy the Quay without breaking the bank. Reddit

While the centre itself may not have extensive food facilities, the numerous cafes and eateries on the Quay are just steps away, perfect for a coffee break or snack. Reddit

Definitely! Look for local specialties like cream teas, pasties, or fresh seafood if available. Many establishments pride themselves on using local produce. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The historic architecture of the Custom House itself, the picturesque canal and river, the boats moored on the Quay, and the charming bridges offer excellent photo subjects. Instagram

Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, provides beautiful soft light for photography. Midday can be harsh, but offers good light for capturing details. Instagram

Walk along both sides of the canal for different perspectives. The bridges offer elevated views, and the area near the old warehouses has a great industrial-chic feel. Instagram

Photography is generally permitted for personal use inside the visitor centre, but it's always polite to check for any specific restrictions, especially if using flash. Reddit

A smartphone with good low-light capabilities is excellent for capturing the atmosphere, especially in the evening. A camera with a versatile lens will allow you to capture both wide shots of the Quay and details of the architecture. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Custom House Visitor Centre offers a free and accessible introduction to Exeter's history, making it a good starting point for families. The 15-minute film is engaging enough to hold children's attention for a short period. Reddit The real draw for families, however, is the adjacent Historic Quay. It's a safe and open space for kids to explore, with plenty of room to run around, watch the boats, and spot the swans. Reddit

Many of the cafes and pubs on the Quay are family-friendly and offer children's menus. Consider packing a picnic to enjoy by the water, or let the kids choose a treat from one of the ice cream shops. The free Redcoat tours can also be an adventure for older children who enjoy stories and history. Reddit

🚶 Budget Travelers

The Custom House Visitor Centre is a fantastic free attraction, making it ideal for budget-conscious travelers. Entry is free, and the information provided is valuable for planning your Exeter exploration. Reddit The free Redcoat Tours are another major plus, offering guided insights into the city's history without any cost. Reddit

Combine your visit with a walk along the Historic Quay, which is also free to access. You can enjoy the atmosphere, browse the shops (window shopping is free!), and find affordable food options at the various cafes and pubs. Bringing your own snacks or a packed lunch can further reduce costs. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of Exeter's Maritime Past

The Custom House Visitor Centre serves as a portal into Exeter's rich maritime history. For centuries, Exeter was a vital port, with the River Exe and the Exeter Canal facilitating trade and commerce. The Custom House itself, a grand Georgian building, stands as a testament to this era, symbolizing the city's economic importance and its connection to the wider world. The displays and the informative 15-minute film delve into this fascinating past, showcasing how the city evolved and its significance in historical trade routes. Reddit

Visitors can learn about the engineering marvels, such as the Exeter Canal, which was one of the earliest in Britain, allowing ships to bypass tidal restrictions and reach the city centre. The centre highlights the types of goods traded, the ships that docked, and the lives of the people who worked on the docks and in the associated industries. While some reviewers note the displays are primarily poster-based, the historical information is considered very interesting and well-presented through the video. Reddit

Understanding this history enriches the experience of exploring the Quay, transforming it from a pleasant waterfront into a place steeped in centuries of activity and economic significance. It provides context for the preserved buildings and the very existence of this vibrant area today. Reddit

Exploring Exeter's Historic Quay

Adjacent to the Custom House Visitor Centre lies Exeter's Historic Quay, a lively and picturesque area that offers a delightful contrast to the historical exhibits. This regenerated waterfront is a hub of activity, featuring a charming array of independent shops, art galleries, cafes, pubs, and restaurants. It’s a perfect spot to relax, enjoy a meal, or simply soak in the atmosphere. Reddit

The Quay is also a fantastic place for a leisurely stroll. You can walk along the canal towpath, watch the narrowboats and pleasure craft glide by, and observe the resident swans that are a common sight. The area retains much of its industrial heritage, with old warehouses now repurposed, adding a unique character to the landscape. This blend of history and modern vibrancy makes it a popular destination for both locals and tourists. TikTok

For those interested in active pursuits, the Quay is a starting point for various watersports or cycling routes. Even if you're just visiting the Custom House, dedicating time to explore the Quay is highly recommended, as it offers a complete experience of Exeter's riverside charm and its modern-day appeal. Reddit

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