Exeter’s Underground Passages

Exeter’s Underground Passages are a unique network of medieval subterranean tunnels originally built to house lead pipes that brought clean drinking water from natural springs into the city. Constructed starting in 1346, these vaulted passages allowed maintenance workers to repair leaks without digging up the streets.

Location & Directions
Address: 2 Paris Street, Exeter EX1 1GA.
Area: Situated in the Princesshay Quarter, just off the main High Street and near the John Lewis store.
Access: It is a few minutes’ walk from Exeter Central railway station or a 15-minute walk from the main bus station.

What to See & Do
Heritage Centre: Explore interactive exhibits before your tour, including a talking medieval man, a high-speed video fly-through, and a 16th-century statue of Queen Elizabeth I.
Introductory Film: A 10-minute presentation provides historical context about the tunnels and Exeter’s past.
Guided Underground Tour: A 25-to-40-minute tour where you don a mandatory hard hat and walk through the narrow, vaulted passageways.
Optional Adventure: Some tours offer a chance to travel through a smaller passage where you may need to scramble or crawl on hands and knees.

Who Should Go & When
Best For: History enthusiasts, families with older children, and those seeking a unique architectural experience.
Restrictions:
Children: Under 5s are not permitted on the underground tours but can visit the exhibition for free.
Health: Not suitable for those with claustrophobia or mobility issues, as the tunnels are dark, narrow, and low (the lowest point is 1.5 metres).
Timeframe: Open year-round, typically Thursday to Sunday, with extended daily opening during summer school holidays. Tours usually run between 11 am and 4 pm.

What Makes It Unique
One of a Kind: This is the only city in the UK to have underground passages of this type open to the public.
Medieval Engineering: They represent a highly sophisticated system of public water supply from the 14th and 15th centuries.
Atmosphere: You can literally hear the “hustle and bustle” of the modern city streets directly above you while walking through 600-year-old tunnels.

Booking Tips & Offers
Pre-booking: Highly recommended at all times and essential during school holidays and weekends to avoid disappointment, as group sizes are limited to 15 people.
Offers:
Family Tickets: Available for £25.00 (up to 2 adults and 3 children).
Concessions: Discounted rates of £7.00 are available for students and seniors (over 60s).
Group Discounts: Available for groups of 10 or more when booked at least 14 days in advance.
Footwear: Wear sensible, closed-toe footwear with low heels, as floors can be uneven and wet.