Although not as well known as Salisbury or Canterbury, Exeter has one of the loveliest cathedrals in England, and is one of the best examples of the 14th century "Decorated Gothic" style. Dedicated to St Peter, the cathedral is built on an ancient Christian site: St Boniface, the Patron Saint of Germany, was educated at a monastery close to the present location in 690. The history of the Cathedral itself dates from 1050, when the bishopric was moved here from nearby Crediton. The Normans rebuilt the church in 1114, although only the towers and some foundations remain from this period. Most of the present building dates from the rebuilding in the decorated gothic style, begun by Bishop Bronescombe in 1270, and completed over a century later. The result is a glorious harmony of late mediaeval gothic architecture, set in a tranquil green oasis just minutes from the bustle of Exeter city centre. Notable highlights of the interior include the minstrels' gallery (1350), with statues of musicans playing different mediaeval instruments, and the ceiling bosses, one of which depicts the murder of Thomas à Becket. It also has some superbly well preserved chantry chapels (intended for daily masses for the soul of the donor for whom it was built) and tombs. Because there is no central tower, Exeter Cathedral has the longest uninterrupted gothic vault in the world. Another feature is its astronomical clock (1480). There are also tombs of bishops and knights, and a startling Bishop's Throne dating from 1312, the canopy of which soars almost 18 metres high. Guided tours are available (daily - times vary). The Cathedral also has a shop and a cosy refectory, which serves light meals and snacks. Also well worth a visit is the adjacent Cathedral Library, which houses a number of manuscripts dating back to Saxon times. Its treasure is the 'Codex Exoniensis': written between 950 and 1000, this priceless work contains the most extensive single source of Old English poetry from the Anglo-Saxon period in existence. The Cathedral has a daily cycle of services, including glorious sung services, with both the Cathedral's own choir and those of visiting college choirs. read more

Exeter Cathedral - The Nave, looking East towards the Chancel: The world's longest uninterrupted gothic vault. - Churches Near Me - Exeter, DEV

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Often visit these places, but I won`t here. After all it appears to be very touristy now. As one kid put it " Our church has a collection after the service not before" read more

Lovely rural cathedral surrounded by a beautiful green for lying in the sun on. read more

Exeter Cathedral - Churches Near Me - Exeter, DEV

This is a prototypical English cathedral. If you are touring 20 in the U.K., then come. Check out Salisbury and Chichester as well.

A beautiful cathedral with a lovely green at the front, which gets busy on sunny days. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable. I sensed a little rivalry between them and Salisbury Cathedral!! I liked the idea that if you wanted to leave and come back you could as they gave us a sticker to say we'd already paid. The shops, bars and restaurants around the cathedral are expensive, but if you go one street away in any direction there are lots of cheaper fast food options. It's a nice place to walk around at night when it's lit up, with some pretty side streets. read more

The cathedral is very beautiful on the outside and if you like this one, you should go and visit the smaller version in the village of Ottery St. Mary, about 20 minutes drive. I say its beautiful on the outside only because this time I didn't go inside. I had been inside many years ago but have been to hundreds of churches/cathedrals since, so don't remember the inside. I didn't go inside because it cost 6 pounds sterling to go in. That's a few dimes shy of $10. I find that a ridiculous amount of money to pay to visit a cathedral, especially since outside of the UK they're free to go in and you can just donate some money (which I usually do). The sign says they charge that because it takes 40,000 pounds (or something like that) a day to keep the place opened. Really!?!? Sounds like poor management! Also, they are not funded by the state. Well the queen is the head of the Church of England, so really, she should give something. But anyway... outside there is a lot of grass and the whole area is very picturesque. Being early November, they have lots of large poppies. Nice! Note that my review is just a review of the OUTSIDE of the cathedral! read more

Beautiful Cathedral,going there on 20th December to a christmas Celebration with Will Young which has just sold out as he is a popular man,Will is there with Joss Ackland and Christopher Timothy and this will be my first event at the Cathedral which I am looking forward to,there is plenty to look at,at the Cathedral :) read more

Disappointingly few fast food outlets but apart from that excellent. A great place for those interested in God and gothic roofing. Great to see they have allowed the Camping and Caravan Club to pitch their tents in the Green. read more

The catherdral is a great to look around. particularly like it on Friday night at around nine o'clock, with the skill of the lighting show the cathedral looks completely different. The cathedral is open from 8 to 10:30 Friday night's many alternate worship events happening. read more

it is huge and very beautiful, it is my favorite cathedral in the country.

this is an amazing building, but up until recently they have started charging everyone £4 to get in which i think is silly as its part of our history, but if you have the money then go and look around its lovely. read more

this is such a beautiful cathedral inside and out it is especially nice to visit during the summer due to the fact that once you have been inside the cathedral itself you are able to sit outside in the gardens and watch the world go by. there are lots of restaurants and bars surrounding the cathedral which creates a nice atmosphere. read more

Excellent big old building. I think it dates back to the 19th Century or something (only joking! lol). Well worth a visit.