Explore Exeter's oldest building spanning 900 years of history from medieval priory to Tudor merchant's home with free Sunday and Monday visits.

St Nicholas Priory is a remarkable historical venue showcasing nearly a millennium of Exeter's heritage. Founded by William the Conqueror in 1087 as a Benedictine priory, the building later transformed into a wealthy merchant's Tudor residence, offering visitors a unique journey through multiple periods of English history. Families can experience the priory's rich past through regular public openings on Sundays and Mondays with free entry, making it an accessible cultural attraction. The venue features authentic period settings including a Tudor kitchen with living history demonstrations, period rooms, and interactive exhibits that bring centuries of stories to life. Guided tours are available for those seeking deeper historical insights. The priory caters to various audiences with dedicated school visit programs and educational resources designed for students. Special events throughout the year enhance the visitor experience, while the historic setting provides an atmospheric backdrop for learning about the Benedictines, Tudors, and the families who inhabited this building across generations. Beyond family visits, St Nicholas Priory serves as a cultural hub hosting performances, meetings, conferences, and even weddings, making it a versatile heritage destination where history, culture, and creativity converge.

Venue Details

What this place offers

Toilets

Public transport nearby

Accessible toilets

Free WiFi

Baby changing facilities

Food available

On-site parking

🐕Dog-friendly

Parking nearby

Pushchair friendly

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Iwona P.

3 months ago

The oldest building in the Exeter, hidden in the narrow street, it's should be in ' a must list ' to see whe n you exploring this city . Staff is ready friendly. You can go on your own or be part of the guide group.

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wendy pearn

3 months ago

What a lovely little place. It was a Benedictine Monastery which was partly destroyed in the reformation. What's left has been restored but you can really see how these ancient buildings are built. Volunteer staff are very friendly. They do activities for kids and there's a room of dressing up clothes.

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Soobaroo63

4 months ago

Great find in Exeter! Loads of history. Really lovely guides who are very knowledgeable. Off the beaten track, would not have known it was there, hidden away! Fascinating place.

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Lynn Williams

9 months ago

We attended a ghost evening on Halloween and had the best time. I won't spoil others' fun, but we got to visit four or five of the rooms inside the priory which are stunning. The stairs are a little tricky so I would advise caution, but it's a true hidden gem and I'd love to go back. Mobile phones had to he physically turned off so I only managed to get one picture from inside I'm afraid. But I'll share one or two that I took outside.

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Dilek Özlem ATAÖNDER

a year ago

Would you like to have a time travelling? If so, this is the best place. As soon as you step inside, you'll find yourself in the medieval time in England. The staff with their traditional customs are so real, lovely. Even the smell will take you hundreds of times years ago.

Reviews last updated: 7 October 2026