
Exeter Underground Passages
Explore Exeter's hidden medieval past in these fascinating underground water passages. A unique historical adventure!

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed pace

Exeter Underground Passages
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed pace

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Exeter's hidden medieval past in these fascinating underground water passages. A unique historical adventure!
"Excellent experience, the guide adds great humor and makes the tour unforgettable!"

🎟️ Book Tickets in Advance
Tours are popular and can sell out. Secure your spot online to avoid disappointment!
🚶♀️ Consider the Crawl
It's a tight squeeze but hilarious! Only if you're comfortable with confined spaces.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Medieval Waterways
Under Exeter City Centre
Explore ancient subterranean passages that once supplied water to the medieval city. A unique historical engineering marvel.

The Crawl Option
Specific section of the tour
For the adventurous! Experience a tight squeeze through a section of the passages, offering a memorable and humorous challenge.

Passionate and Humorous Guides
Throughout the tour
Knowledgeable guides bring the history to life with engaging stories and a good dose of humor, making the tour unforgettable.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Underground Adventures
Embrace the History and the Tight Spaces
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets in Advance
Tours are popular and can sell out. Secure your spot online to avoid disappointment!
🚶♀️ Consider the Crawl
It's a tight squeeze but hilarious! Only if you're comfortable with confined spaces.
🗣️ Listen to Your Guide
Guides are super knowledgeable and entertaining, making the history come alive.
👖 Wear Comfortable Clothes
You might get a bit dusty. Comfortable, practical clothing is best for exploring.
Recommendations for a visitor
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets in Advance
Tours are popular and can sell out. Secure your spot online to avoid disappointment!
🚶♀️ Consider the Crawl
It's a tight squeeze but hilarious! Only if you're comfortable with confined spaces.
🗣️ Listen to Your Guide
Guides are super knowledgeable and entertaining, making the history come alive.
👖 Wear Comfortable Clothes
You might get a bit dusty. Comfortable, practical clothing is best for exploring.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Exeter Underground Passages for their unique historical insight and the entertaining, knowledgeable guides. The 'crawl' option is a memorable highlight for many, adding a fun, albeit snug, element to the tour. While the confined spaces can be challenging for some, the overall experience is highly recommended for its engaging presentation of medieval engineering.
"Excellent experience ,me and my wife loved it , Katie the guide adds a great bit of humour to the tour , a section of the tour , you get offered to do a section as walk or crawl , do the crawl option proper funny 🤣 👏🏻👏🏻"
Barry Timms
"Awesome and unique maintenance ducts that once held water pipes for Exeter. I really struggled due to how small and crapped it is in places; you really feel claustrophobic in here!"
Ultimate Squid Gaming
"Worth the trip. Very interesting place to visit. Funny tour guides who are passionate about their work."
Mai Macadangdang
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Exeter Underground Passages are located in the heart of Exeter city centre, making them easily accessible by public transport. Many visitors arrive via train to Exeter St Davids station, which is a pleasant walk or short bus ride away. If you're coming from further afield, consider bus routes that terminate in the city centre. Parking is available in nearby city car parks, but walking is often the most convenient way to reach the entrance once you're in the city.
Yes, there are several public car parks within walking distance of the Exeter Underground Passages. The Guildhall Shopping Centre car park and the Mary Arches Street car park are good options. Be aware that city centre parking can be expensive, so factor this into your budget.
The Exeter Underground Passages involve uneven surfaces, narrow passages, and some sections require crawling. While guides are accommodating, it may not be suitable for individuals with significant mobility challenges. It's best to contact them directly to discuss specific needs.
Exeter is well-connected by train, making it a convenient destination for day trips or longer stays. If you're traveling from London, the train journey is relatively quick. For those looking for scenic routes, consider exploring bus options that might offer different views of the Devon countryside.
Absolutely! The Underground Passages are right in the city centre, close to Exeter Cathedral, the historic Quayside, and the charming Gandy Street, which has a unique, magical feel.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary for adults, concessions, and children. It's always best to check the official Exeter Underground Passages website for the most up-to-date pricing and to book your tickets in advance, as tours can sell out.
Yes, booking your tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons and weekends. Tours have limited capacity, and pre-booking ensures you get a spot on your desired date and time.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's essential to check the official website for the most current operating times and tour schedules before your visit.
The staff at Exeter Underground Passages are known for being helpful. If you need to change your booking, contact them as soon as possible. They were able to accommodate a change for one visitor who couldn't make their original date.
While there aren't strict age restrictions, the nature of the passages (confined spaces, crawling) means it might not be suitable for very young children or those who are easily distressed by tight spaces. It's a good idea to consider your child's temperament.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The tour takes you through the medieval subterranean passageways that were used to transport water. Guides are passionate, knowledgeable, and add a great deal of humor to the experience, making history engaging and fun.
Some visitors find the passages to be small and can feel claustrophobic, especially if they struggle with confined spaces. There's an option to crawl through a section, which adds to the unique experience but can intensify feelings of being enclosed.
The tour typically lasts around 45 minutes to an hour, providing a concise yet informative journey into Exeter's medieval past.
Wear comfortable, practical clothing that you don't mind getting a little dusty. Sturdy shoes are recommended as the ground can be uneven.
Photography is generally allowed inside the passages, but be mindful of your surroundings and the other tour participants. The low light conditions can make for atmospheric shots.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Underground Passages are located in Exeter's city centre, which is brimming with cafes, pubs, and restaurants. You can find everything from quick bites to more formal dining experiences just a short walk away.
It's generally not recommended to bring food and drinks into the passages to preserve the historical environment. There are plenty of places to eat before or after your tour.
Exeter offers a diverse culinary scene. You'll find traditional pubs serving classic British fare, international cuisine, trendy cafes, and independent eateries.
📸 📸 Photography
The low light and unique architecture of the Exeter Underground Passages can create very atmospheric and interesting photographs. It's a great spot for unique shots that capture the historical depth of the city.
Focus on the textures of the stone, the narrowness of the tunnels, and the play of light and shadow. The sections where water would have flowed are particularly photogenic.
A smartphone with a good low-light camera setting is usually sufficient. If you have a DSLR, consider a wider lens to capture the confined spaces. A small tripod might be helpful for steadier shots in low light, but be mindful of space.
Generally, photography is permitted for personal use. However, always be respectful of other visitors and the historical site. Avoid using flash photography if it might disturb others or damage any sensitive areas.
Since the passages are underground, the time of day doesn't affect the internal lighting. However, visiting during less crowded tour times might give you more freedom to compose your shots without people in the background.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's worth noting that the confined spaces might be overwhelming for very young or sensitive children. Parents should assess their child's comfort level with tight spaces before booking. Wearing comfortable clothes that can get a bit dirty is a must, and sturdy shoes are recommended for navigating the uneven terrain. Booking tickets in advance is highly advised to ensure a spot for the whole family.
🏛️ History Buffs
Beyond the passages themselves, Exeter boasts a rich history with attractions like the Cathedral and historic quayside, making it an ideal destination for a history-focused trip. The guides' passion and knowledge are a significant asset, providing in-depth insights that go beyond the surface.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
While a smartphone with good low-light capabilities can yield great results, a camera with manual settings or a wider lens can be beneficial for capturing the confined spaces. Be mindful of other visitors and the historical integrity of the site when taking photos. The unique environment offers a departure from typical tourist snaps, allowing for more artistic and moody compositions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel of Medieval Water Supply
Visitors can witness firsthand the impressive stonework and the clever gradients that facilitated this ancient water system. The tours often highlight the challenges faced by the builders and the sophisticated understanding of hydraulics they possessed. It's a tangible connection to a time when such infrastructure was revolutionary, providing a vital resource that shaped daily life in medieval Exeter. The preservation of these passages allows us to appreciate this often-overlooked aspect of urban history.
The historical significance of these passages extends beyond just water supply; they represent a significant feat of engineering and urban planning for their era. Understanding their function provides a deeper appreciation for the lives of Exeter's inhabitants centuries ago and the city's development.
Navigating the Passages: Tips for a Comfortable Visit
Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes as the ground can be uneven and damp. It's also advisable to wear clothing that you don't mind getting a little dusty. The guides are excellent at making the experience fun and informative, often incorporating humor to lighten the mood, especially in the tighter sections. They are also very knowledgeable about the history and construction of the passages.
Booking in advance is crucial, as tours are popular and have limited capacity. This ensures you get a spot and can plan your visit accordingly. The guides are adept at managing the flow of people, but being prepared for the physical aspects of the tour will enhance your enjoyment.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit