
Custom House Visitor Centre
Discover Exeter's maritime heritage at this free visitor centre, a gateway to the vibrant Historic Quay.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed

Custom House Visitor Centre
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Exeter's maritime heritage at this free visitor centre, a gateway to the vibrant Historic Quay.
"Wonderful visit and learnt lots from this interesting visitor centre. Great staff and you can attend many of their free redcoat tours."

🎯 Free Entry & Tours
Admission to the visitor centre is free, and so are the excellent Redcoat tours! :ticket:
🚶♀️ Explore The Quay
Don't miss the adjacent historic Quay for shops, food, and lovely canal walks. :walking:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Exeter's Maritime History
Visitor Centre
Discover Exeter's rich past as a port city through engaging displays and a captivating 15-minute film.

The Historic Quay
Adjacent to Visitor Centre
Wander along the picturesque quay, browse unique shops, and enjoy waterfront dining with charming swan sightings.

Free Redcoat Tours
Starting from Visitor Centre
Join knowledgeable guides for free tours, uncovering more of Exeter's fascinating history and hidden stories.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Exploring The Quay
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Entry & Tours
Admission to the visitor centre is free, and so are the excellent Redcoat tours! :ticket:
🚶♀️ Explore The Quay
Don't miss the adjacent historic Quay for shops, food, and lovely canal walks. :walking:
Day Trip
🎬 Watch the History Film
The 15-minute film offers a great overview of Exeter's past. :movie_camera:
🦢 Swans on the Canal
Keep an eye out for the resident swans along the water. :bird:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Entry & Tours
Admission to the visitor centre is free, and so are the excellent Redcoat tours! :ticket:
🚶♀️ Explore The Quay
Don't miss the adjacent historic Quay for shops, food, and lovely canal walks. :walking:
🎬 Watch the History Film
The 15-minute film offers a great overview of Exeter's past. :movie_camera:
🦢 Swans on the Canal
Keep an eye out for the resident swans along the water. :bird:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Custom House Visitor Centre to be a pleasant and informative stop, particularly for its free entry and the engaging historical film. While some feel the displays could be more dynamic, the friendly staff and the prime location on the historic Quay are consistently praised. It serves as an excellent gateway to exploring Exeter's rich past and vibrant waterfront.
"Its ok. Nothing special. The outside looks better than the in. The staff were friendly enough, but the displays were very boring to me. It was good information, don't get me wrong. And the history was very interesting but I just think they should be displayed better as right now it is just large posters with information on. No artifacts or anything to add context or make more dynamic."
M
"Wonderful visit and learnt lots from this interesting visitor centre. Great staff and you can attend many of their free redcoat tours. The Quay is a must-see and has an array of quirky shops and wonderful places to stop for food or refreshments. You will most definitely love the swans along the way!"
Susie Michael
"In process of being decorated but still a fantastic old building."
Sam Neale
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Custom House Visitor Centre is located on Exeter's historic Quay. It's easily accessible by foot from the city centre, or you can use local bus services. If arriving by train, Exeter St Davids station is a short taxi or bus ride away.
There are several car parks near the Quay, including the Haven Banks car park. Be aware that parking can be busy, especially during peak times.
Yes, Exeter is a cycle-friendly city, and there are cycle paths leading to the Quay. You can often find cycle racks nearby.
The visitor centre is generally accessible, and the Quay area is also largely flat and easy to navigate for wheelchairs and pushchairs. It's always a good idea to check specific accessibility details if you have particular needs.
A scenic train journey with Great Western Railway from London Paddington is a popular and convenient option, taking just over two hours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Custom House Visitor Centre is free. You can explore the displays and information at your own pace without charge.
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official website or local listings before your visit. Generally, it's open during standard daytime hours.
The Redcoat tours, which often start from or are promoted by the visitor centre, are typically free to join. Donations are sometimes appreciated.
While free public tours are available, private tour arrangements might be possible by contacting the relevant tourism office or historical society in Exeter.
The Quay itself is a public area and is free to access. You can wander, enjoy the atmosphere, and visit the shops and cafes without any entry charge.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The centre offers information about Exeter's history, particularly its maritime past, with displays and a short film. It also serves as a hub for local information and leaflets for attractions.
While the displays are informative, some visitors find them to be primarily poster-based with limited interactive elements or artifacts. The 15-minute film provides a dynamic presentation of history.
The Redcoat Tours are free guided walks led by knowledgeable guides, offering insights into Exeter's history and landmarks. They are a popular way to explore the city.
The centre focuses on Exeter's history, particularly its role as a port and its maritime heritage. You can learn about its development and significance.
Yes, the visitor centre is a great place to pick up maps, leaflets, and information about other interesting places, events, and activities in and around Exeter.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Absolutely! The historic Quay area surrounding the Custom House is brimming with cafes, pubs, and restaurants offering a variety of refreshments and meals.
You'll find a range of options, from traditional pub fare and casual cafes to more contemporary dining experiences. Many offer lovely views of the canal.
Yes, there are usually several cafes and pubs that offer more affordable meal deals or lighter bites, making it possible to enjoy the Quay without breaking the bank.
While the centre itself may not have extensive food facilities, the numerous cafes and eateries on the Quay are just steps away, perfect for a coffee break or snack.
Definitely! Look for local specialties like cream teas, pasties, or fresh seafood if available. Many establishments pride themselves on using local produce.
📸 📸 Photography
The historic architecture of the Custom House itself, the picturesque canal and river, the boats moored on the Quay, and the charming bridges offer excellent photo subjects.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, provides beautiful soft light for photography. Midday can be harsh, but offers good light for capturing details.
Walk along both sides of the canal for different perspectives. The bridges offer elevated views, and the area near the old warehouses has a great industrial-chic feel.
Photography is generally permitted for personal use inside the visitor centre, but it's always polite to check for any specific restrictions, especially if using flash.
A smartphone with good low-light capabilities is excellent for capturing the atmosphere, especially in the evening. A camera with a versatile lens will allow you to capture both wide shots of the Quay and details of the architecture.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Many of the cafes and pubs on the Quay are family-friendly and offer children's menus. Consider packing a picnic to enjoy by the water, or let the kids choose a treat from one of the ice cream shops. The free Redcoat tours can also be an adventure for older children who enjoy stories and history.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with a walk along the Historic Quay, which is also free to access. You can enjoy the atmosphere, browse the shops (window shopping is free!), and find affordable food options at the various cafes and pubs. Bringing your own snacks or a packed lunch can further reduce costs.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Exeter's Maritime Past
Visitors can learn about the engineering marvels, such as the Exeter Canal, which was one of the earliest in Britain, allowing ships to bypass tidal restrictions and reach the city centre. The centre highlights the types of goods traded, the ships that docked, and the lives of the people who worked on the docks and in the associated industries. While some reviewers note the displays are primarily poster-based, the historical information is considered very interesting and well-presented through the video.
Understanding this history enriches the experience of exploring the Quay, transforming it from a pleasant waterfront into a place steeped in centuries of activity and economic significance. It provides context for the preserved buildings and the very existence of this vibrant area today.
Exploring Exeter's Historic Quay
The Quay is also a fantastic place for a leisurely stroll. You can walk along the canal towpath, watch the narrowboats and pleasure craft glide by, and observe the resident swans that are a common sight. The area retains much of its industrial heritage, with old warehouses now repurposed, adding a unique character to the landscape. This blend of history and modern vibrancy makes it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
For those interested in active pursuits, the Quay is a starting point for various watersports or cycling routes. Even if you're just visiting the Custom House, dedicating time to explore the Quay is highly recommended, as it offers a complete experience of Exeter's riverside charm and its modern-day appeal.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit