Enjoy Exeter's historic gems - for FREE

Exeter’s most interesting and unusual historical sites and buildings will once again be opening their doors to visitors for Heritage Open Days.

Taking place between today (10th) to 13 September, this popular event is a unique opportunity to visit, for free, properties that usually charge for admission or are not normally open to the public.

This year, visitors can enjoy a wide range of tours, events and activities which bring local history to life. Highlights this year include the chance to explore Exeter’s Underground Passages, Exeter Synagogue, Custom House, St Nicholas Priory, Poltimore House and a number of the city’s ancient churches.

With Rugby World Cup 2015 just around the corner, there’s also a sporting theme to some of the events this year. Choose from a tour of St James Park, Haven Banks Outdoor Education Centre or ‘Sporting Exeter’ – a special illustrated talk by Exeter’s Red Coat Guides about some of the sport played in Exeter from Roman times to the present day, and anecdotes from some of the great sporting personalities that have graced our city over the years.

Cllr Rosie Denham, Lead Councillor for Economy and Culture said “Heritage Open Days allows people the opportunity to really get beneath the surface of what these amazing places are all about.  In Exeter we have a really exciting heritage offering, highlighted by the fact that there are over forty venues, tours and talks to choose from during the event. This is a once a year chance to discover many of Exeter’s hidden treasures and shouldn’t be missed”.

For something really different, there’s the chance to see how your recycling is processed at Exeter’s Materials Reclamation Facility, or why not take a one hour tour of Devon’s liveliest livestock market (wellingtons recommended)!

The event is coordinated nationally by National Trust and is England’s biggest and most popular voluntary cultural event. Last year the event attracted around 3 million visitors nationally.

For further information about Exeter's Heritage Open Days 2015 call 01392 665136. For further information about Heritage Open Days nationally call 0844 3351884 or visit the Heritage Open Days website.