Exeter's Underground Passages

These medieval passages have always fascinated local people. They were designed to bring clean drinking water from natural springs outside the walled city. Water was brought into the city through lead pipes to several conduits used by the inhabitants of Exeter . The pipes sometimes leaked and repairs to buried pipes could only be carried out by digging them up as we do today. To avoid this disruption the pipes were dug down and covered over with stone vaulted passages. For hundreds of years the local plumbers went down into the Underground Passages and maintained this vital water source.

Exeter is the only city in the UK to have underground passages of this type. Guided tours have taken place here since the 1930s. Today the passages are lit throughout, but still fascinate for all who enter.

The tour starts with a video overview of the history of the Underground Passages. Then your tour guide with give you a brief safety talk and give you a hard hat before guiding you through the passages.

Timings

Friday 11 September:

13:00

Saturday 12 September:

13:00

Sunday 13 September:

13:00

Thursday 17 September:

13:00

Friday 18 September:

13:00

Saturday 19 September:

13:00

Sunday 20 September:

13:00

Location & directions

Underground Passages, 2 Paris Street, Exeter, Devon, EX1 1GA

Directions:

The entrance to Exeter's Underground Passages is on Paris Street which is just off the main High Street as it joins Sidwell Street. Nearby shops are Next and John Lewis.

Contact on day:

Underground Passages

Telephone number:

+441392265887

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

Tickets will go on sale on 3rd September at midday. Due to the popularity of this event tickets are restricted to 5 tickets per customer.

Booking website:

https://www.exetercornexchange.co.uk/whats-on/hods-2026-exeters-underground-passages/

Booking opens:

03 Sep 2026 12:00 PM

Accessibility details

Wheelchair and pushchair access is restricted to the exhibition only which is free and not part of the tour. Visitors should be aware that the Passages are constricted and low in places. They are not suitable for those who suffer from claustrophobia. Enclosed and confined environments may exacerbate symptoms of pre-existing medical conditions. Sensible footwear is recommended. Dogs are not permitted on tours. However assistance dogs are allowed into the exhibition. If you have any concerns about access or health considerations, please contact the venue in advance to discuss your requirements.

Additional information

Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour is due to start. Children aged under 5 are not allowed on tours but free access to the exhibition is permitted with an accompanying adult. Children (under 18s) must be accompanied by an adult underground.

Max number of people:

15

Estimated duration:

0 hour(s) 45 minute(s)

Check out our online channels

Back to results