Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
EXETER CATHEDRAL ROOF TOURS
For a sensational view of Exeter Cathedral book one of these high-rise, 75-minute, guided
walks
(
01392-285983;
www.exeter-cathedral.org.uk
; adult/child £10/5; 2pm Tue-Thu, 11am Sat Apr-Sep). Climb
251 steps up a spiral staircase, head out onto the sweeping roof to stroll it's length, then gaze down on the city
from the top of the North Tower. They're popular so book at least two weeks ahead. The price of the tour includes
cathedral admission (under 11s aren't allowed).
Sights
Exeter Cathedral
( 01392-285983;
www.exeter-cathedral.org.uk
; The Close; adult/child £6/free; 9am-4.45pm Mon-Sat)
Mag-
nificent in warm, honey-coloured stone, Exeter's Cathedral Church of St Peter is framed
by lawns and wonky half-timbered buildings. It's a quintessentially English scene peopled
by picnickers snacking to the sound of the bells. The site has been a religious one since at
least the 5th century but the Normans started the current building in 1114; the towers of
today's cathedral date from that period. In 1270 a 90-year remodelling process began, in-
troducing a mix of Early English and Decorated Gothic styles. Outside, above the
Great
West Front
, scores of weather-worn figures line a once brightly painted screen that now
forms England's largest collection of 14th-century sculpture.
Inside, the ceiling is mesmerising; the longest unbroken Gothic vaulting in the world, it
sweeps up to meet ornate ceiling bosses in gilt and vibrant colours. Look out for the 15th-
century
Exeter Clock
in the north transept: in keeping with medieval astronomy it shows the
earth at the centre of the universe with the sun, a fleur-de-lys, travelling round. Still tick-
ing and whirring, it chimes on the hour.
The huge oak canopy over the
Bishop's Throne
was carved in 1312, while the 1350 min-
strels' gallery is decorated with 12 angels playing musical instruments. Cathedral staff
will point out the famous sculpture of the lady with two left feet and the tiny St James
Chapel, built to repair one destroyed in the Blitz - its unusual carvings include a cat, a
mouse and, oddly, a rugby player.
As well as the superb Roof Tours (
Click here
), the cathedral also runs free 45-minute
guided
tours
( 11am & 12.30pm Mon-Sat, plus 2.30pm Mon-Fri)
. Evocative Choral Evensong ser-
vices are held at 5.30pm Monday to Friday, and 4pm on Saturday and Sunday.
CHURCH
