Free Guided Tours in Exeter

Exeter's Red Coat Guides offer guided walking tours throughout the year — most are free and they're a brilliant way to get under the skin of one of England's oldest cities without spending a penny.

On this page

About the Red Coat Tours
The Tours

Summer Tour
Practical Information

About the Red Coat Guided Tours

Exeter Red Coat Guide leading a walking tour

The Red Coat Guides are Exeter's very own team of volunteer guides — knowledgeable, friendly, and genuinely passionate about the city they call home. They've been showing visitors around Exeter for decades, and most tours remain completely free to join.

Each tour covers a specific theme, taking in a different mix of streets, hidden corners, and landmarks depending on the route. Whether you've never visited before or you've lived here for years, there's almost always something new to learn.

Tours run throughout the year, with a separate summer and winter programme — the only exceptions are Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Most tours are free and no booking is required — you simply show up at the meeting point and join the group. Some tours carry a small charge; check directly with the guides for details.

Most walking tours depart from the Hooker Statue on Cathedral Green. The Historic Quayside tour departs from the Custom House Visitor Centre on the Quay. Always check the start point for your chosen tour before heading out, as times and meeting points can vary by season.

Local tip: Turn up a few minutes early — popular tours like Ghosts & Legends can draw a good-sized crowd, especially in summer.

The Tours

There's a good variety of routes on offer, covering different corners of the city and different chapters of its history. Most run year-round and take around 90 minutes unless noted. Many tours are accessible by wheelchair and mobility scooter — check directly with the guides for details of your chosen route.

History & Heritage

Medieval Exeter

Follows Exeter's wool-trading heyday, taking in surviving medieval buildings including the famous 'house that moved', the Medieval Exe Bridge, and the restored Cricklepit Mill, finishing on the Historic Quayside.

Exeter Old & New

Covers Exeter's history from pre-Roman times to the present, including the 11th-century Castle Gatehouse and Northernhay Gardens — reputedly the first public gardens in the country.

Tudor Exeter

Looks at life in Exeter during the Tudor period, with surviving buildings that bring a turbulent chapter of history vividly to life.

1500 Years of Royalty in Exeter

Highlights royal connections from Alfred the Great in the 9th century right through to the present day — though not every visit was a welcome one.

Introducing Exeter (1 hour)

A circular taster tour offering glimpses of over 2,000 years of history — a great starting point if you're new to the city or short on time.

The City

Exeter's City Wall (2 hours)

Traces the remarkable Roman city wall, around 70% of which still survives. Expect some uneven surfaces and steep slopes — worth every step.

Georgian Exeter

Traces Exeter's transformation from industrial hub to elegant Georgian city, exploring the architecture of Southernhay and Princesshay and the colourful characters who shaped that era.

Cathedral Close & Bishop's Palace Garden

Looks at how the buildings of the Cathedral Close have changed through the centuries, with a visit to the peaceful Palace gardens. Access to the garden may be restricted at short notice.

Forgotten Exeter & St Nicholas Priory

Uncovers hidden curiosities in the northwest corner of the city, finishing at the medieval St Nicholas Priory.

Forgotten Exeter & Tuckers Hall

The same hidden quarter, different ending — this route finishes at Tuckers Hall on Fore Street, the only surviving hall of a medieval trade guild in the city.

Quayside & Beyond

Exeter's Historic Quayside

Starting at the Custom House, this tour covers Exeter's Historic Quayside, once one of Britain's busiest ports, with a riverside and canalside stroll finishing back where you started.

Cathedral to Quay

Begins in the picturesque Cathedral Close in front of the magnificent Exeter Cathedral, moves through elegant Southernhay, takes in the city wall, and finishes down at the Historic Quayside

Darker Side

Ghosts & Legends

Explores why Exeter is considered one of England's most haunted cities, with tales that have been told — and retold — for centuries. Suitable for all ages.

Churches, Cemeteries & the Catacomb

Concentrates on funeral practices and places of worship through the ages. Entry to the Catacomb is dependent on bat activity and may not always be possible.

Summer Tour

One additional tour runs in July and August only, departing from the Custom House Visitor Centre on the Quay. This one carries a small fee.

Canal Boat (July & August, 1 hour)

Begins with an introduction to the history of the Quay before a boat trip along the canal to Double Locks with a running commentary. A fee applies — tickets are available on the boat.

Practical Information

Most tours are free, run year-round, and require no advance booking. Here's what you need to know before you go.

Cost

Most tours are free. Some carry a small charge — tickets available on the day. Check directly for details of your chosen tour.

When

Year-round except Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Separate summer and winter programmes — check directly for current times.

Meeting Points

Most tours depart from the Richard Hooker Statue, Cathedral Green. The Historic Quayside and Canal Boat tours depart from the Custom House Visitor Centre, The Quay. Always check your specific tour.

Duration

Most tours last approximately 90 minutes. Some vary — see individual tour details or check directly with the guides.

Accessibility

Many tours are accessible by wheelchair and mobility scooter, or have an alternative accessible route available. Check directly with the guides for your chosen tour.

Contact & Enquiries

For current tour times, seasonal programmes, and accessibility queries, contact the guides directly:

Exeter's Red Coat Guides,
Exeter Tickets,
89 Fore Street, Exeter EX4 3HX

01392 265866
redcoat.admin@exeter.gov.uk
exeter.gov.uk/guidedtours

Tours are free unless otherwise stated; some carry a small charge with tickets available on the day. Tours run with a minimum of 2 people and may be cancelled without notice. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Assistance dogs only. Some venues including the Bishop's Palace Garden and the Catacomb may have restricted access on the day. Always confirm details directly with the Red Coat Guides before visiting.

More Things to Do in Exeter

The Red Coat tours are a great way to start exploring — but Exeter has plenty more to offer. See our Things to Do in Exeter guide for attractions, activities, and local favourites across the city.