Founded by the Romans, Exeter’s city walls were constructed before 200AD to defend and protect the city. Much of their massive construction can still be seen today.

Steeped in history, Exeter has many examples of outstanding architecture and is surrounded by the lush green Devon countryside, while offering all the expected facilities of a large city.

St Peter’s Cathedral
At the city’s heart is the cathedral church of St. Peter, rising up from the lawns of Cathedral Close allowing visitors to see the cathedral’s full facade. The majority of the building and the spectacular West Front in particular, with its medieval figures of the apostles and prophets, dates from the 14th century but the two Norman towers are early 12th century.

The central aisle’s Gothic vault roof, built in 1396, is the longest unbroken roof of this type in the world. The 300ft long tierceron vault stands on pillars of Purbeck, a local Dorset stone, and weighs 5,000 tons. The rest of structure is built from Limestone, quarried in nearby Beer.

At the centre of the cathedral is the Bishop's Throne, carved in oak circa 1312, it is the tallest Bishop's Throne in England.

St. Nicholas Priory
Dating back to 1087 are the Priory ruins, originally a monastery for Benedictine Monks.

The Guildhall
In the High Street, thought to be the oldest working municipal building in England, is the Guildhall, the main body of which dates back to 1330. There is a 15th Century arch-braced timber roof behind a Tudor pillared facade built in 1592.

The Underground Passages
A series of Medieval tunnels were originally constructed in the 14th and 15th centuries to provide the city with a reliable supply of clean water from the springs outside of the original Roman city walls. Now open to the public, the only examples of subterranean aqueducts in England that are, there are guides available to escort you through the passages beneath Exeter's busy streets.

The Historic Quayside
At Exeter quayside visitors can see the first purpose built Custom House in the country - constructed during the reign of Charles II. There is also a unique set of historic warehouses and industrial buildings, which have now been converted into antique shops, craft centres, restaurants and tea rooms.

There is also the Quayside Visitor Centre with displays and exhibitions showing the history and development of the city, as well as the riverside quays.