Exeter Cathedral Church

Address: Exeter Cathedral, Cathedral Close, Exeter EX1 1HS, United Kingdom

Website: https://www.exeter-cathedral.org.uk

Hours: Daily (visitor hours vary seasonally, check website)

Admission: Admission charged for sightseeing (see website); free to attend services

Exeter Cathedral is the Church of Saint Peter in Exeter and the seat of the Bishop of Exeter, with origins on the site from 1050. The present Gothic building was largely constructed in the late 13th and 14th centuries and is noted for having the longest uninterrupted medieval vaulted ceiling in the world.

The interior is dominated by the continuous vaulted roof, the long nave and choir, and detailed stone carving; visitors commonly view the choir stalls, the Norman crypt, and the cathedral library. The cathedral library contains the medieval Exeter Book, an important Anglo-Saxon manuscript, and the building hosts regular services and concerts.

The site began as a cathedral in 1050 under Bishop Leofric; the present Gothic fabric was built during campaigns from roughly 1270 into the 14th century, replacing earlier Norman and Saxon structures. The building has been repaired and conserved repeatedly since the medieval period, notably after damage in the 20th century.

The cathedral sits in central Exeter, Devon, within the Cathedral Close just off the High Street. It is within walking distance of Exeter St David’s and Exeter Central rail stations and is surrounded by the compact urban streets of the city centre.

• Exeter Book: Holds the Exeter Book, a late 10th-century collection of Anglo-Saxon poetry kept in the cathedral library and considered one of the great Old English manuscripts.
• Tower views: Guided tower tours run at scheduled times and provide elevated views across Exeter and the surrounding cityscape.

What to See#

• Crypt: Located beneath the choir, this Norman-era undercroft preserves earlier stonework that predates the present Gothic building and is one of the oldest parts of the site.
• Nave and Choir: The long vaulted nave and choir form the main interior space; the choir contains historic stalls and is the focus of services and choral performances.
• West Front and Close: The cathedral close and west front form the principal exterior approach, with the west façade facing the city centre and serving as the main visitor entrance.

Exeter Cathedral is in the heart of Exeter. By rail, Great Western Railway services arrive at Exeter St Davids (the city’s main station); from Exeter St Davids it’s roughly a 15-20 minute walk into the cathedral (about 1-1.2 km) or a 5-10 minute taxi ride. Exeter Central station is nearer (around a 10-minute walk). By road follow the M5 southbound and the A30/A377 routes into the city; there is parking nearby but city centre restrictions apply.

• Aim for early morning or late afternoon to see the cathedral with fewer tour groups and to catch the best light on the exterior carvings and the cathedral close.
• Ask at the welcome desk about booking a tower or roof tour in advance - guided climbs are limited but reward you with panoramic views over Exeter and closer inspection of the medieval structure.
• Don't miss the cathedral's medieval wagon‑roof in the choir (one of the longest uninterrupted wooden roofs of its kind) and the misericords; a short guided tour highlights these features that casual visitors often overlook.