Exeter Cathedral

Explore the cathedral’s historic grounds independently, or opt for a guided or audio tour for more-intimate insight. Alternatively, rooftop tours provide behind-the-scenes cathedral access as well as panoramic views of the city. If you’re based in the capital, widen your perspective of southern England on a multi-day tour, and tick off the cultural attraction in combination with other regional highlights, such as Stonehenge and Dartmoor National Park.

• Exeter Cathedral’s diverse and distinctive features make it a must-see for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts.

• Some tours include admission; otherwise, there is a charge to enter the building outside service hours.

• While most of the cathedral is wheelchair-accessible, some sections of the medieval structure are uneven or stepped.

Exeter Cathedral is best reached by public transport, as there is no public parking available on-site. Exeter Central station is just a few minutes’ walk away along Queen Street, which is also regularly served by several local buses.

There’s much to enjoy in and around Exeter Cathedral at any time of year, though the warmer temperatures of spring and summer are ideal for relaxing on the lawns after a morning of sightseeing. Be aware that the cathedral is an active place of worship; guests are welcome to join services, but sightseeing during these times is restricted.

Pinning down the origins of nursery rhymes is tricky, but one fun theory is that Exeter Cathedral’s 15th-century astronomical clock could be the source of “Hickory Dickory Dock.” In the 17th century, a small hole was cut into the clock so the cathedral cat could chase away mice, and some say this was the inspiration for the rhyme.