Back at last: Exeter's underground passages

Attraction reopens after covid break

A network of underground passages that formed part of a medieval system that kept Exeter supplied with water is back open after an enforced break because of covid.

Built and maintained over hundreds of years, they fell out of use in Victorian times. In the interwar period in the twentieth century they were back open as a tourist attraction - and they're back again now.

There's no other underground system like it in the UK. Originally designed to bring spring water to the city centre, they now serve a different purpose, for education and enjoyment.

Guided tours of the passages are run by Exeter City Council, and as well as informative tour guides, a tour takes in interactive displays such as a talking figure of a medieval man, a high-speed video fly-through of the passages, a scale model and artefacts from the archaeological dig before the  Princesshay shopping centre was constructed, roughly at the turn of the century.

The passages reopened this week after a break of more than two years. There's a charge for entry and only limited access for people with mobility issues.