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

Quarry dust pressure leads to monitoring pledge
Manipulative and violent man jailed for terrifying attacks on women
Cranbrook Country Park Wins BALI Award for Nature Conservation & Biodiversity Enhancement
South West communities asked to help shape energy future
Exeter determined to stick with its expanded ‘super-council’ plan
Exeter organisations join forces to improve access to free drinking water
More than 400 people handed electronic ‘tags’ in Devon and Cornwall
Council calls on Government to reimburse Devon for reorganisation costs
Ofsted recognises continued improvement in Devon’s children’s services
Public invited to discover how virtual wards bring hospital care closer to home
Nearly 150,000 South West secondary school pupils missed their flu vaccine last winter, UKHSA figures show
Anger as council charges NHS to park mobile screening unit
Bill Douglas Cinema Museum awarded ‘Designation’ status by Arts Council England
Police reform must strengthen accountability, not weaken it, says Commissioner
New Growth Board launched for Marlcombe
Extra staff will tackle bin collection targets
