Underground Passages

Book Underground Passages tour online

Introduction

Booking is advised for tours of the Underground Passages - we are usually extremely busy during weekends and school holidays. Online booking is now available. For general questions and queries, please contact us through our Contact Us form or by telephone - please note that we cannot always answer the telephone.

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.

• You are required to arrive 15 minutes before your tour is due to start. Once the tour has started you will not be able to join

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

• Children (5-17) must be accompanied by an adult underground

• Wheelchair and pushchair access is restricted to the exhibition only

• The Underground Passages are historic, confined spaces with sections that are narrow, low in height, and fully enclosed. Movement through the passages may be restricted in places and lighting levels are controlled

• The experience may not be suitable for visitors who experience claustrophobia

• Wheelchair and pushchair access is restricted to the exhibition only

• The Underground Passages are historic, confined spaces with sections that are narrow, low in height, and fully enclosed. Movement through the passages may be restricted in places and lighting levels are controlled

• Visitors with pre-existing medical conditions, including but not limited to heart conditions, respiratory conditions, or anxiety-related conditions, should be aware that enclosed and confined environments may exacerbate symptoms

• Visitors are advised to carefully consider their individual circumstances before booking and, where appropriate, seek medical advice if they are unsure about their suitability to take part in the tour.

• If you have any concerns about access or health considerations, please contact the venue in advance to discuss your requirements

• Sensible footwear is recommended

• We are unable to take tours containing only one person. Maximum tour size is 15 people

• 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

• Dogs are not permitted on tours. However, assistance dogs are allowed into the exhibition

• The last tour is one hour before closing