Ghosts and Gothic Tales: Audio Tour of Exeter Haunted History

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.

1. 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. 2

   Stop 2

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   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. 3

   Stop 3

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   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. 4

   Stop 4

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   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. 5

   Stop 5

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   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. 6

   Stop 6

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   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. 7

   Stop 7

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   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. 8

   Stop 8

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   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. 9

   Tuckers Hall

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   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. 10

    Stop 10

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    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. 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.

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

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.