Exeter Underground Passages

Take a tour under the city of Exeter within these medieval vaulted passageways

Shoppers and visitors to the busy city centre are oblivious to this network of tunnels running beneath their feet. This is a great opportunity to see the city from a different perspective and visit one of the most exciting and unusual attractions in Exeter.

Underground Passages

The entrance to Exeters' underground passages is located just off the High Street within Paris Street, near Next the clothing shop.

These unique medieval subterranean aqueducts were built in the 14th century to provide the city with a constant supply of fresh water from springs outside the walls. The water would travel through lead pipes, as these pipes would sometimes spring leaks, the passages were therefore constructed to avoid the expense and time involved with keep digging them up.

During the English civil war the passages were deemed a security weakness, so sections were filled and blocked off. Later after the war in 1655, the passages were opened up again and the water supply restored. Then in 1694 an alternative source of water was commissioned for the growing city.

Today, guests to this visitor centre can see interactive displays, exhibits and watch a video presentation all about the underground passages before being guided down beneath the city through a sequence of tunnels.

More Information:
You'll need to check the details, T&Cs and times etc.

Exeter's Underground Passages
2 Paris Street
Exeter
Devon
EX1 1GA

Telephone: 01392 665887

Email: underground.passages@exeter.gov.uk

Or by visiting the website alternatively you can also download their leaflet

Photographs - Underground Passages

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