Exeter Cathedral Reviews Summary

Visitor Experience

Pros:

• "The man who issued my ticket was very helpful and informative."
• "Absolutely beautiful, breathtaking in every way."
• "Staggeringly divine beauty and a true majestic site in Exeter."
• "Visited Exeter Cathedral first thing on a Saturday morning. The cathedral was almost empty and got to walk around on my own."
• "Great access. Staff were friendly."
• "The cathedral’s nave is just gorgeous."
• "A good chance to look at history close up."

Cons:

• "Really wanted to visit the cathedral... but they didn't welcome us in, clearly don't need our money."
• "Despite being Easter half term week... the entire place was closed when we visited in the middle of the day with no explanation as to why."
• "Be careful with small children its full of shattered glass everywhere from grass to pavement."
• "Would have been nice to have some descriptive signs around for some of the interesting features."
• "Maybe it was because the Cathedral was hosting an event but it felt like the event took precedence over the need for a small provision for personal prayer and reflection."
• "There were lots of building works going on when we visited with lots of closed off areas."
• "Came on holiday to Exeter to see the cathedral and the museum of the moon. Checked beforehand that dogs were allowed. Got there not allowed in."

Events and Exhibitions

Pros:

• "We went to see Queen by Candlelight at the cathedral. It is a stunning venue with so much history."
• "Went to see Gaia - loved it."
• "Currently, the cathedral is hosting a gala exhibition, the centerpiece being a huge revolving replica of planet earth, suspended from the ceiling."
• "For only the next couple of days there is a light show on in the evenings."
• "Just came back from an autumnal fayre held in the cathedral, which was great."
• "The guide was really knowledgeable and it was fun to see the Dog Whipper's room and learn about some of the lesser known positions held at the Cathedral."
• "Would 100% recommend the guided tour with the legendary mike."

Cons:

• "We came for the Gaia exhibition one Saturday evening... it almost felt like no event was about to happen."
• "When I was visited there was a Lego display of Exeter Cathedral."
• "As I was lining up my camera, an officious looking man confronted me and declared, 'the cathedral is now closed for a private function'."
• "Free guided tours included in the price but not that day because of quiet time."
• "However, to go inside the Cathedral itself incurs a high ticket price and strict rules."
• "It was impossible to take any sort of photo of the cathedral without getting a garden shed in the foreground."
• "The security guard just shooed us away saying no visitors today."

Architecture and History

Pros:

• "The sheer size is overwhelming and the fan-vaulted ceiling is amazing."
• "One of the most relevant (and beautiful) gothic temples in England."
• "I love the cathedral because it is one of the greatest buildings in the world. Superb architecture throughout on all scales from the great vaults to the chapels to the sculpture."
• "What an amazing building in the heart of the city, full of wonderful carvings and monuments."
• "The ceiling at 315 feet is the longest continuous medieval stone vault in the world."
• "The cathedral has the longest, unbroken ceiling vaulting known as 'Tierceron', in the world."
• "The Cathedral itself is one of the most breathtaking, historical and beautiful in the country with the architecture absolutely spectacular."

Cons:

• "Could not find any info regarding accessibility to the Cathedral."
• "A bright and open building, it lacks the history of Winchester or Salisbury but the sense of history is still present."
• "Firstly I wasn't impressed with the welcome I received as I found the atmosphere cold & unwelcoming."
• "The parking in surrounding streets of the cathedral are scam. Avoid at all cost! We paid for the parking ticket and got £100 fine later."
• "The cathedral is amazing. The lawns outside are rubbish strewn and dominated by alcoholics and drug addicts."
• "Impressive cathedral, undergoing conservation work at present so no admittance to the East end."
• "The cathedral is obviously magnificent itself, although there is work going on inside and out at the moment, the inside isn't fully accessible."

Value and Accessibility

Pros:

• "There's an admission fee of £7.50 for an adult, £6 for concessions and students - very reasonable I thought, compared to some other cathedrals."
• "We paid our £6 entry charge, very reasonable compared to some, and were astounded that it included a free guided tour, unheard of."
• "At the moment during January, entry is free but of course they appreciate voluntary donations which you can do by card or cash."
• "Your entrance ticket (£7.50, £6 for seniors) entitles you to re-enter free for a year."
• "If you are a resident you can also receive a free pass."
• "I can really recommend the guided tour which is full of interesting details."
• "Free entry for Exeter residents, and free annual pass if you can gift aid one entrance fee."

Cons:

• "They do get annoyed why pay to get in on little high price."
• "Too expensive for someone on my low income to afford the entrance fee."
• "It may not be worth the entrance fee though, especially if you are just wanting to satisfy a curiosity about the place."
• "It's a lovely place that I have visited many times before but on this occasion the £7.50 entrance fee upset me too much."
• "Feel we should not have been charged the £7.50 and should have only asked for a donation or at least informed us."
• "Charging £5 entree is a little steep for what you get."
• "Although the cathedral is beautiful in terms of its architecture and filled with rich history as a Christian it was hard to feel comfortable with the entry fee of £5 for a walk around."