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Easter bin collections

We are changing the way we deal with bank holiday bin collections. All bin collections following a bank holiday will now take place one day late. See our Easter Bin Collection page for further details.

Underground Passages

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1. Visitor information

During the Easter holidays we’re opening an hour early Thursday to Sunday: on 6 to 9 April and 13 to 16 April we’ll open at 10am with first tours starting at 10:30am. Book now!

Walking through the underground passages

Introduction

During the school holidays we are extremely busy and often cannot answer the phone immediately. The best way to contact us is by email at underground.passages@exeter.gov.uk we will need to know on which day and time you would like to join a tour and how many people you would like to book on to a tour , please also give us a contact telephone number - Please note we do not allow under 5’s on our tour

These medieval passages have always fascinated local people. There are stories of wars and sieges, plague and pestilence. They were designed to bring clean drinking water from natural springs outside the walled city. The water came through lead pipes into the heart of the city. The pipes sometimes leaked 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. It is down some of these vaulted passageways that visitors are guided.

Exeter is the only city in the UK to have underground passages of this type. Guided tours have taken place here since the 1930s. Today the passages are lit throughout, but still fascinate for all who enter.

Before taking a guided tour underground, visitors pass through an exciting interpretation centre. This is packed full of interactive displays, including:

  • a talking figure of a medieval man
  • a high-speed video fly-through of the Passages
  • a full size model of a section of the Passages
  • artefacts from the Princesshay archaeological dig

A visit to Exeter’s Underground Passages includes:

  • a 10 minute film presentation
  • a 25 minute tour underground
  • an opportunity to explore the exhibition.

 

About the tours

First tour generally starts half an hour after opening. They continue at regular intervals throughout the day.

  • Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your tour is due to start.

  • Under 5s are not permitted on tours of Exeter’s Underground Passages. Free access to the exhibition is permitted with an accompanying adult.

  • Wheelchair and pushchair access is restricted to the exhibition only.

  • Visitors should be aware that the Passages are constricted and low in places. They are not suitable for those who suffer from claustrophobia.

  • Sensible footwear is recommended.

  • We are unable to take tours containing only one person.

  • During school holidays and at weekends we are very busy. It is advisable to book in advance to avoid disappointment.

  • Gifts and souvenirs are available.