The Guided Tour

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Wander through lesser-known corners of Exeter with your Blue Badge Guide to discover its rich history, quirky corners and events that encouraged Exeter to develop into the small vibrant city we know today. During the Middle Ages growth of the woollen trade and cloth industry made Exeter a wealthy religious, commercial, and administrative centre for the region. Cloth was loaded onto ships at Exeter Quay for export and business thrived until the Industrial Revolution when the rise of Northern mills led to the decline of Exeter’s woollen trade. The hidden gem of Rougemont Gardens with Veitch plantings, surrounding Rougemont Castle, built into the Roman city walls by the Normans, provide contrast to the medieval streets and buildings.

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Not to be missed is the magnificent Cathedral with Norman towers and longest continuous medieval stone vaulted nave in the world. The city suffered heavy bombardment during the Baedecker raids of WW II as it lay within reach of the Luftwaffe’s bases in France.  Redeveloped Princesshay, home to the modern shopping centre, surrounds the cathedral close and within it the historic remains of St Catherine’s Almshouses can still be found. A mix of modern art, eclectic shops, historic buildings and unusual characters make Exeter one of the most vibrant, attractive and historically interesting cities in the South West.At the end of the walk refresh with the option to tarry for tea and cake – Devon style.