Exeter Cathedral, properly known as the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter in Exeter, is an Anglican cathedral, and the seat of the Bishop of Exeter, in the city of Exeter, Devon, in South West England.
Exeter Cathedral hosts concerts for a wide range of genres from artists such as A Night at The Opera by Candlelight, having previously welcomed the likes of Ella, Seth Lakeman, and London Concertante.
Exeter Cathedral School is closing its Prep section (Years 3-8) due to "unavoidable financial pressures" affecting many small independent schools, with the closure taking effect from September 2026, though the Nursery and Pre-Prep will continue under Inspired Learning Group and choristers will move to Exeter School. The decision follows broader financial strains in the independent sector, intensified by factors like rising costs and new taxes on school fees, making it unsustainable for the heritage school to continue its prep provision.
Exeter Cathedral is not entirely free, though entry for prayer/worship and for locals/students with a Welcome Card (postcodes EX1-EX4) is free; otherwise, there's an admission fee (around £12.50 for adults) to help with maintenance, which includes audio guides and access to exhibitions, with options to Gift Aid for a 12-month pass.
One of the UK's oldest and most renowned symphonic choirs, the Royal Choral Society was formed soon after the opening of the Royal Albert Hall in 1871. The choir performs the world's greatest music in venues in the UK and beyond.
Exeter Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral, part of the Church of England, not Roman Catholic; it serves as the seat for the Anglican Bishop of Exeter in the Province of Canterbury, belonging to the reformed Church of England since the Reformation, though its history traces back to pre-Reformation times.
The great French organist and composer Louis Vierne (1870-1937) died while performing an organ recital at Notre Dame cathedral in Paris - right in front of the console.
Yes, you can get married at Exeter Cathedral as it's an iconic venue for church weddings, but it's an exclusive and limited opportunity, with weddings usually happening only a few times a year, so you must contact the Cathedral's Events Office or the Diocese of Exeter early to inquire about dates and eligibility for both the ceremony in the Cathedral and receptions in spaces like the Cloister Garden.
Persons buried within the cathedral include the following: Leofric (bishop), first Bishop of Exeter (1050–1072) Robert Warelwast, Bishop of Exeter (1138–1155) Bartholomew Iscanus, Bishop of Exeter (1161–1184)
Exeter is famous for its rich history as a Roman and medieval city, its stunning Gothic Cathedral, its status as a UNESCO City of Literature, its thriving University, and its vibrant independent arts and food scene, all set within Devon's beautiful countryside. Key highlights include its wool trade history, literary connections (J.K. Rowling, Charles Dickens), and landmarks like the Underground Passages and Royal Albert Memorial Museum.
Exeter is one of the oldest cities in Great Britain. The Romans built a settlement here over 2000 years ago and surrounded it with a wide rampart. A good three quarters of it is still preserved.
The oldest cathedral in the UK is generally considered to be Canterbury Cathedral, established in 597 AD by St. Augustine when he arrived to reintroduce Christianity to England, making it one of the nation's oldest Christian structures and a major pilgrimage site. While the current building is a mix of architectural styles, its origins date back almost 1,400 years, forming part of a UNESCO World Heritage site alongside St. Augustine's Abbey and St. Martin's Church, the oldest church in England.
The Kingdom Choir famously sang a rendition of Ben E. King's “Stand By Me” at the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's nuptials at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle.
There's no single "most elite" choir, as it depends on genre (classical, a cappella, etc.) and ranking source, but top contenders consistently include the Monteverdi Choir (renowned for historically-informed Baroque/classical), Amaranthe (world-leading contemporary a cappella), and professional ensembles like the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, while historic choirs like the Choir of King's College, Cambridge, and the Philippine Madrigal Singers also rank highly for awards and prestige.
