Exeter Community Centre and St David's Walking Tour

The parish developed separately from the city of Exeter being located outside of the ancient walls and the city bounds. Buildings were erected outwards from North Gate, along St David’s Hill, originally a Roman road from the city to Crediton and Tiverton. A large and rural parish, St David’s had its first significant development in the early nineteenth century.

Exeter becoming a desirable place to retire. Large fashionable villas and terraces became the hallmark of Victorian St David’s. Queen Street emerged as the route to the city’s Isambard Kingdom’s train station built in 1844.

The parish evolved with the building of the city Bridewell and Prison in 1819 and 1853, the creation of the Iron Bridge in 1834, the erection of Atwill’s Almshouses in New North Road in 1839, the building of a second railway line through to Central Station in 1860, the erection of St Michael’s Church and Mount Dinham cottages in 1862 and 1867, the development of a Veitch Nursery in 1864, the rebuilding of the Anglican Church of St David in 1900 and the 1922 creation of the University of Exeter campus.

Two thousand years of development gives us a rich landscape. At its heart lies 17 St David’s Hill, now the Exeter Community Centre but formerly a merchants town house and then, for over 100 years, the South West School for the Blind.

Following the Community Centre tour, a walking tour takes place of locations of historic interest along St David's Hill and surrounding areas.

Timings & Tours

Friday 12 September:

11:00AM

Thursday 18 September:

11:00 AM

Sunday 21 September:

11:00 AM

Location & directions

17 St. Davids Hill, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3RG

Directions:

The entrance to the building is just past the two red telephone boxes on St David's Hill.

Telephone number:

+441392420549

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking preferred

Booking conditions:

Please call or email us to register your interest.

Booking contact name:

Imogen

Booking telephone number:

+441392420549

Booking email:

[email protected]

Booking opens:

02 Jun 2025 10:00 AM

Booking closes:

19 Sep 2025 10:00 AM

Additional information

The community centre is fully acccessible. The walking tour of the hill does not involve any steps.

Max no of people per tour:

20

Est. tour duration:

1 hour(s) 30 minute(s)

Back to results