Exeter Red Coat Guided Tours

Discover one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in England, with Exeter's Red Coat Guides.

These FREE guided walking tours operate daily throughout the year, offering a wide range from which to choose. Simply meet your Red Coat Guide at the starting point and discover historic Exeter for yourself.

Tours will only go ahead with a minimum of two people and may be subject to cancellation without notice. There is also a limit as to the number of people that can join each tour but there is no need to book in advance (booking is required if you are an organised group or would like to join one of the special tours).

These walking tours depart from the Richard Hooker Statue on Cathedral Green (*apart from the Historic Quayside and the Canal Boat) and last approximately 90 minutes. All times start promptly at the time advertised. 

Only assistance dogs are permitted on tours, and children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Group tours and talks

Please note, organised groups of 6+ must pre-book via Exeter Tickets.

Tour programme from 1st October 2026 to 31st March 2027

MONDAY

Introducing Exeter (1 hour) - 11am

This circular taster tour does exactly what it says in the title; glimpses of over 2,000 years of history and introducing visitors to Exeter of its rich and varied past. On the Wednesday afternoon tour there is an opportunity to finish the tour with a visit to the Devon & Exeter Institution.

Cathedral to Quay - 2pm

Starting in the picturesque Cathedral Close, proceed into elegant Southernhay before viewing the impressive city wall. The tour then continues to the river Exe and finishes on Exeter's Historic Quayside.

TUESDAY

Exeter Old and New - 11am

Learn about Exeter's history from pre-Roman times to the present day. Visit the 11th century Castle Gatehouse - probably Britain's oldest Norman building - and Northernhay Gardens, the first public gardens in the country.

1500 Years of Royalty in Exeter - 2pm

A new tour that highlights visits to the city by Royalty, from Alfred the Great in the 9th century through to the present day. And they weren't all gracious visits!

Ghosts and Legends - 7pm

Find out why Exeter is reputed to be one of the most haunted cities in the country. Visit many of Exeter's historic buildings and listen to chilling tales about their ghostly history. Suitable for all ages.

WEDNESDAY

Exeter's City Wall (2 hours) - 11am

Discover the fabulous history of the Roman's city wall, of which 70% still remains. Some uneven surfaces and steep slopes.

Cathedral Close and Bishop's Palace Garden (subject to access on the day) - 2pm 

Learn how the buildings in the Close have evolved through time and visit the peaceful gardens.
 

THURSDAY

Forgotton Exeter and Tuckers Hall - 11am

Be intrigued by hidden corners and curios of the city, long since gone from the memory. The tour is mainly focused on the north west corner of the city and within the city walls. Monday's tour finishes outside St. Nicholas Priory and Thursday's tour finishes outside Tuckers Hall on Fore Street.

*Please note, this tour is not accessible to wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

Medieval Exeter - 2pm

This tour celebrates the time when Exeter grew rich from the woolen cloth trade. See many of the surviving medieval buildings, including 'the house that moved', then walk across the Medieval Exe Bridge to view the restored Cricklepit Mill. The tour finishes on Exeter's Historic Quayside.

FRIDAY

Cathedral to Quay - 11am

Starting in the picturesque Cathedral Close, proceed into elegant Southernhay before viewing the impressive city wall. The tour then continues to the river Exe and finishes on Exeter's Historic Quayside.

Tudor Exeter - 2pm

Discover some of the buildings from the turbulent Tudor period.
 

SATURDAY

Medieval Exeter - 11am

This tour celebrates the time when Exeter grew rich from the woolen cloth trade. See many of the surviving medieval buildings, including 'the house that moved', then walk across the Medieval Exe Bridge to view the restored Cricklepit Mill. The tour finishes on Exeter's Historic Quayside.

Georgian Exeter - 2pm

Hear how Exeter's transformation came about, from industrial hub into an elegant Georgain city. Discover how trade was replaced with commerce. Explore the architectural splendours of Southernhay and find out about some of the colourful characters that resided in Exeter at the time. This tour finishes in Princesshay.

SUNDAY

Exeter's Historic Quayside - 11am (start outside Custom House)

Starting at the Custom House, discover the port of Exeter which was once one of Britain's busiest, and hear about its fascinating history. Stroll out and back along the river and canal, and finish at the Custom House.

Forgotton Exeter and St Nicholas Priory - 2pm

Be intrigued by hidden corners and curios of the city, long since gone from the memory. The tour is mainly focused on the north west corner of the city and within the city walls. Monday's tour finishes outside St. Nicholas Priory and Thursday's tour finishes outside Tuckers Hall on Fore Street.

*Please note, this tour is not accessible to wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

SPECIAL TOURS

Online booking essential in advance.

Saturday 31st October 2026

Halloween Tour - 6pm and 6:15pm, meet at the Hooker Statue

Thursday 24th December 2026 and Friday 1st January 2027

Red Coat Mystery Tour - 11am, meet at the Hooker Statue

Thursday 4th March 2027

Writers Around Exeter - 11:15am, meet at the Devon War Memorial

Monday 8th March

Herstories Tour - 11:15am, meet at the Devon War Memorial

Enquiries:

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

Telephone: 01392 265866

Email: redcoat.admin@exeter.gov.uk

Custom House Visitor Centre, The Quay, Exeter, EX2 4AN

Telephone: 01392 271611

Email: customhouse@exeter.gov.uk