Ghosts and Gothic Tales: Audio Tour of Exeter Haunted History

Plymouth, England
Duration1h - 1h 30m
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

Exeter’s ancient streets and historic buildings are filled with whispers of the past. On this self-guided audio ghost walk, you’ll hear chilling tales of the spirits that still linger in the city’s most atmospheric locations. This tour starts at Exeter Cathedral, where a spectral nun glides silently across Cathedral Green and vanishes through solid walls. You’ll weave through Southernhay, once a site of public executions, and past the former Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, where a mysterious ”grey lady” in an old-fashioned nurse’s uniform has been spotted since 1949. You’ll visit historic pubs where phantom judges and children make their presence known, and hear the remarkable story of Mary, a heroic World War II carrier pigeon who returned to her loft in West Street despite suffering severe wounds. The tour ends at the Exeter Catacombs, built in 1837 to protect the dead from body-snatchers.

What's included

  • Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • App for Android and iOS
  • Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
  • Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
  • Smartphone and headphones
  • Transportation
  • Food and drink
  • Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour

What to expect

  1. Exeter Cathedral
    Pass by
    Stand before the magnificent Gothic cathedral where a spectral nun has been seen gliding silently across Cathedral Green before vanishing through solid walls. Marvel at this architectural masterpiece where medieval monks and a mysterious three-headed spirit have been spotted in the shadows.
  2. Pass by
    Pass this historic building near the cathedral grounds where centuries of history have left their paranormal mark. Discover how the layers of Exeter's past create the perfect atmosphere for supernatural encounters.
  3. Pass by
    Walk through the area where Exeter's medieval South Gate once stood, a threshold between the ancient city and the outside world. Explore the site where countless travellers passed through and where the boundaries between past and present seem particularly thin.
  4. Pass by
    Stroll past this historic church in the heart of Exeter where sacred ground has witnessed centuries of worship and burial. Experience the atmospheric churchyard where spirits are said to linger among the ancient gravestones.
  5. Pass by
    Explore one of Exeter's oldest hotels where Judge Jeffreys and other spirits allegedly haunt the premises to this day. Discover the chilling tales of phantom guests and unexplained occurrences in this atmospheric coaching inn.
  6. Pass by
    Walk down this steep medieval street where a ghostly nurse is said to appear at night, perhaps still tending to victims of the 1832 cholera epidemic. Experience one of Exeter's most atmospheric lanes where cobblestones and ancient buildings create an eerie setting.
  7. Pass by
    Marvel at this historic church featuring the famous "Matthew the Miller" clock with its unique mechanical figures. Explore the building where centuries of prayers and burials have created a profound spiritual presence.
  8. Pass by
    Pass the site where Mary, a heroic World War II carrier pigeon, returned to her loft despite suffering severe wounds. Discover the remarkable story of courage that unfolded in this humble street during the darkest days of the war.
  9. Tuckers Hall
    Pass by
    Stroll past this medieval guildhall where craftsmen once gathered and paranormal activity continues to puzzle visitors. Experience the atmospheric interior where phantom footsteps and unexplained sounds have been reported.
  10. Pass by
    Explore St. Nicholas Priory where staff report mysterious footsteps and doors moving by themselves after the building is emptied for the night. Walk through the medieval rooms where centuries of monastic life have left an indelible supernatural imprint.
  11. Exeter - Catacombs and Lower Cemetery
    Pass by
    Descend into the underground burial chambers built in 1837 to protect the dead from body-snatchers and grave robbers. Discover the final resting place of thousands of Exeter residents in these atmospheric vaults where the boundary between life and death feels remarkably close.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

This tour starts at Exeter Cathedral. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

End point

End: Entrance to Catacombs

Additional information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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$9.99 per person
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
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