Guildhall overview
The Historic Exeter Guildhall is one of the city’s most important and remarkable civic buildings. It has stood on this site since at least the 12th century and has been at the centre of Exeter’s public life for more than 800 years.
Over the centuries, the Guildhall has witnessed many of the defining moments in the city’s history. Kings and dignitaries have been received here, mayors elected, courts convened and proclamations made. It was the seat of the city’s government, the place where laws were enforced, disputes settled and Exeter’s future debated. In darker chapters of history, the Guildhall was also used as a court and prison, with sentences once passed for crimes that today seem unthinkable.
Today, the Guildhall remains a working civic building. It is still used for full meetings of the City Council, civic ceremonies, mayoral events, official receptions and exhibitions, continuing a tradition of public use that stretches back centuries.
A building shaped by history
Much of the Guildhall as seen today dates from the late medieval and Elizabethan periods. The Great Hall, rebuilt in the 15th century, is particularly striking, with its oak roof, carved panelling and historic windows bearing the arms of the Crown, the City and the Cathedral. The building also houses important civic regalia, including ceremonial swords, maces and chains that symbolise Exeter’s long-standing independence and loyalty to the Crown
Despite wars, fires and periods of unrest, the Guildhall has survived largely intact. During the Second World War it was even encased in protective brickwork to shield it from bomb damage, underlining the value placed on preserving this historic building for future generations.
Visiting the Guildhall
Visitors are welcome to explore the Historic Exeter Guildhall when it is open to the public. As the building is still actively used for civic business and private events, access may be restricted at short notice.
Please check the Guildhall opening times before visiting to ensure the building is open on the day you plan to attend.
Weddings, events and hire
Alongside its civic role, the Historic Exeter Guildhall is available to hire for a wide range of occasions, including weddings and civil partnerships, exhibitions, conferences, meetings, charity events and other private or corporate functions.
Further information about weddings and civil partnerships is available on the Weddings at the Historic Guildhall page.
Details about hiring the building for meetings, events and private functions can be found on the Hiring the Guildhall page.
Private tours
The Historic Exeter Guildhall offers private guided tours for individuals and groups of up to 50 people. Tours provide an opportunity to explore Exeter’s history within one of the city’s most significant civic buildings, guided by one of the Guildhall’s Mace Sergeants.
Tours can be tailored to your specific interests and typically include the Great Hall, Jury Room, Mayor’s Parlour, historic paintings, civic regalia and other key features of the building. Each tour lasts approximately one hour.
Tour prices (per person, including VAT):
- Private tour with tea, coffee and biscuits: £7.50
- Private tour with cream tea: £10.00
Due to the historic nature of the building, access within the Guildhall is limited. With the exception of the Great Hall, the building is not wheelchair or pushchair accessible. Toilets and disabled toilets are available on site.
To enquire about booking a private tour, please use our Contact Us form and select “Guildhall enquiries”. You do not need to sign up for a MyExeter account to make an enquiry.
Accessibility
Due to the historic nature of the building, access within the Historic Exeter Guildhall is limited. Full accessibility information is provided on the relevant hiring and wedding pages.