6 Hidden Gems to see for Exeter Heritage Open Days

St. Nicholas Priory

Heritage Open Days is an annual celebration of all the places and spaces that mean the most to the towns, villages and cities around the UK.  From 7 - 9 September National Trust properties, English Heritage sites and many other places of special interest will be open to the public for free visits, tours and special events.

It's one of my favourite times of year because suddenly the doors are flung open to all of these wonderful places, some that didn't even know existed. I am a strong advocate of loving the place that you're in and learning more about where you live is a great place to start. Exeter's heritage is rich with Romans, Normans, Tudors and more, so there's plenty see and do. Here's a short list of my favourites for 2012:

1. Exeter City Football Club's St James' Park will be open for a tour on Friday 7 September, 10am. SJP has been home to the might Grecians for more than 100 years. Stop by to check out the new pitch learn more about one of Britain's only supporter owned football clubs. Booking essential, call 01392 413954 or email andy.gillard@exetercityfc.co.uk. Bookings available from 28 August (9am - 5pm Mon - Fri).
2. Tuckers Hall on Fore Street will be open Thursday 6 -Sunday 9 September, 10.30am - 3pm, talks at 11am, 12.30pm & 2pm for visitors to have good look around.  If you're wondering where this place is, Tuckers Hall is that really old building next to the Real McCoy Arcade. Part of the Exeter Woollen Trail, it's been owned by the Guild of Weavers, Tuckers and Shearman since way back in 1471! I've never actually seen it open so it's the kind of thing that Heritage Open Days were made for. For information, call 01392 412348. 
3. The Exeter Underground Passages on Paris Street will be open for free tours from Thursday 6 - Saturday 8 September 10am, 11am, 12noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm & 4pm, Sunday 9 September 11am, 12noon, 1pm, 2pm & 3pm. The passage are one of the city's top attractions so this is bound to popular. Meet at the entrance on Paris Street 10 minutes before the start of your tour. Booking essential, call 01392 665832. Bookings available from 28 August (9.30am - 4.30pm Mon - Sat). 
4. St. Nicholas Priory Off Fore Street is free to see on Friday 7 & Saturday 8 September, 10am - 5pm. Learn about the building's monastic history, its spell as an Elizabethan household and basque in the Barry Lydon style ye olde lighting. For information, call 01392 265858.
5. Poltimore House will be open Saturday 8 & Sunday 9 September, 11am - 4pm. This Devon landmark is not a National Trust house but is held in trust and run by volunteers. Once a family home, once a hospital, and one point a college, this ever evolving property is rich in history and welcome to visitors. 
6. Exeter Synagogue on Synagogue Place is open this Sunday 9 September from 10 am - 4pm. Founded back in 1763, the synagogue has been a continuous resource for the Jewish community for more than 300 years.