Custom House Visitor Centre

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.