Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Underground Passages
MAP
UNDERGROUND
GOOGLE MAP
( 01392-665887;
www.exeter.gov.uk/passages
; Paris St; adult/child £5/3.50; 9.30am-5.30pm Mon-Sat Jun-Sep,
11.30am-4pm Tue-Sun Oct-May)
Prepare to crouch down, don a hard hat and even get spooked in
what is the only publicly accessible system of its kind in the country. These medieval,
vaulted tunnels were built to house pipes bringing fresh drinking water from local springs
into the city. The pipes often sprang leaks and, unlike modern utility companies, the au-
thorities opted to have permanent access for repairs, rather than dig up the streets each
time - genius.
Entertaining guides lead you through part of this vast, dank network of passages, telling
tales of ghosts, the Civil War, escape routes, the Blitz and cholera outbreaks. The hard hat
comes in handy when navigating the rock arches and narrow bends. One section involves
a real bent-knees scramble; those who are too big (or too unwilling) can take an easier de-
tour.
The last tour is an hour before closing. The passages get very busy; it's best to turn up,
book a tour, then come back at the appointed time.
Bill Douglas Centre
MUSEUM
( 01392-724321;
www.exeter.ac.uk/bdc
; Old Library, Prince of Wales Rd; 10am-5pm Mon-Fri; )
A delightful homage to film and fun, this movie museum is a lively celebration of all
things celluloid. Collections include 18th-century magic lanterns, zograscopes, shadow
theatres and a hand-held panorama reel of George IV's coronation. You even get to glue
an eye to a saucy 'what the butler saw' machine.
Movie memorabilia includes programs, posters, sheet music, games and toys - high-
lights include Charlie Chaplin bottle stoppers, Ginger Rogers playing cards and
Star Wars
merchandise. Alongside, thought-provoking displays cover a wealth of subjects ranging
from Disneymania to Cinema as Institution and the Cult of Celebrity.
The Bill Douglas Centre is a 15-minute walk northwest from the city centre, on the
University of Exeter campus.
RAMM
MAP
MUSEUM
GOOGLE MAP
(Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery;
01392-265858;
www.rammuseum.org.uk
;
Queen St;
The imposing red-brick exterior looks every inch the Victorian
10am-5pm Tue-Sun)
