History

Visit the oldest building in Exeter

Learn about the Benedictines, the Tudors and all the people who have lived in this building for over 900 years

See our history page for more information

St Nicholas Priory is Exeter’s oldest building where heritage, culture and creativity meet.

Founded by William the Conqueror in 1087 as a priory and later turned into a rich merchant’s town house, the priory has now been made accessible to the public to visit. Explore the priory for free on Sundays and Mondays, or join us for our many events throughout the year. Book a private tour or a school visit. You can even get married here.

Visit and experience 900 years of Exeter’s history in the medieval priory turned Tudor home.

Our History Visit Us Watch our Video

Events

St Nicholas Priory – Restoring a medieval priory, tours with newfound plans. Heritage Open Days

Join us for a series of Heritage Open Day tours exploring how St Nicholas Priory…

View Event

Sunday Opening 1pm-4pm

13/09/2026

Monday Opening 10am-4pm

14/09/2026

St Nicholas Priory – Restoring a medieval priory, tours with newfound plans. Heritage Open Days

17/09/2026

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 50 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
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   jacsho 
 
 
 
 Verified worth a breif stop Interesting to learn about the history of this place see the reconstructed rooms.  Also free to go in.
  
 
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   879Annie105 
 
 
 
 Verified Interesting place Came across this place and were delighted to find it open. Interesting building with some history. Interesting wallpaper design and lovely ceilings. Liked the newly planted garden out back too.
  
 
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   TUFC 
 
 
 
 Verified Wonderful Building We were warmly greeted by one of the volunteers who then gave us a summary of the history of the monastery using a wooden model of the building that takes apart to reflect the areas lost over the years . The monastery changed into a family home after the dissolution of the monastery by Henry the eighth. The remaining rooms are furnished as the home would have been at that time and using a lot of original pieces from the period  . Each room has paddle boards will tell you more about the family and also the furniture. It was very interesting to see the two fire places in the kitchen one for boiling and one for roasting and the ornate dining/ living room 
Entry was free but donations were requested
  
 
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   johnandlizb 
 
 
 
 Verified Really interesting. Free entry but donations welcome. This is a beautifully restored and sensitively preserved old building (or what’s left of it). The staff/volunteers are very knowledgable and friendly. There were also information boards available throughout the building. It was decorated beautifully for Halloween/harvest too. Really enjoyed our visit here.
  
 
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   KinverDenizen 
 
 
 
 Verified Hidden Gem I was born in Exeter and lived here for over 25 years, but I did not know this existed.  I stumbled upon it accidentally on a trip down memory lane when I noticed a lady sweeping up the petals under a wisteria arch. What a gem of a find!  Everybody was so helpful, explaining the fascinating history.  Superb example of a medieval building dating back to 1067
  
 
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   Victoria F 
 
 
 
 Verified So much history in one building It's fascinating to see how the building has been used over the centuries. Loved the ceiling with the original wooden beams. Conservation work is ongoing. The parlour is stunning. You can have a tour or go round on your own. The refectory is across the lane which the guide will take you round if it's open. Well worth seeing.
  
 
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   anglicano 
 
 
 
 Verified Worth Seeing This is a well restored mediaeval building run by enthusiastic volunteers. The Tudor parlour is particularly eye catching.  An interesting place to visit.
  
 
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   Roz 
 
 
 
 Verified A Real Hidden Gem This is a real hidden gem tucked away in the centre of Exeter. Small but loads of history and free entry. We joined a free guided tour which was really excellent, really knowledgeable and friendly guide. Highly recommend a visit.
  
 
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   kevin e 
 
 
 
 Verified Fantastic Experience Extremely old building and the history will excite you if you are able to get on a tour. You can almost feel the past
  
 
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   Beatrice H 
 
 
 
 Verified Another wonderful walk through time This super performance, which was a series of cameos, was very engaging, informative and entertaining. Well done to the historical society. All new material despite our previous visits to this oldest building in Exeter. Bravo