Photo Credit: HelenLiskPhotography

Visit Us

St Nicholas Priory is located in the heart of the cathedral city of Exeter on Mint Lane with walking access from Fore Street or Bartholomew Street West.

We are open to the general public on Sundays and Mondays, however you can book a private tour on any day. We also host a variety of events throughout the year – click here to find out more.

The nearest car park is Mary Arches Street, which is a 5 minute walk away. Exeter Central train station is a 10 minute walk, and the bus station is a 15 minute walk with many buses stopping on the High Street.

View Directions

When We're Open

We have a great events programme throughout winter. See what’s happening and when here

From 11th February, come and explore the priory for FREE on Sundays 1-4pm and Mondays from 10 am until 4 pm. Or you can book a private guided tour on any day of the week.

Facilities

Toilet

Limited Disabled Access

Autism & Dementia Aware

Gift Shop

Baby Changing

Second-Hand Books

Access: Our ground floor is suitable for wheelchair users.

Take our 360° virtual tour

Select one of our rooms below and take a tour of St Nicholas Priory and if you want to see the magic of our historic building in person then why not book your own private tour or visit us on a Monday or Sunday for FREE.

     Excellent  
     Based on 50 reviews 
    
 
 
   
 
 
        
   jacsho 
 2022-11-22
 
 
 Verified worth a breif stop
Interesting to learn about the history of this place see the reconstructed rooms.  Also free to go in.
  
 
       
   879Annie105 
 2022-08-19
 
 
 Verified Interesting place
Came across this place and were delighted to find it open. Interesting building with some history. Interesting wallpaper design and lovely ceilings. Liked the newly planted garden out back too.
  
 
       
   TUFC 
 2022-05-17
 
 
 Verified Wonderful Building
We were warmly greeted by one of the volunteers who then gave us a summary of the history of the monastery using a wooden model of the building that takes apart to reflect the areas lost over the years . The monastery changed into a family home after the dissolution of the monastery by Henry the eighth. The remaining rooms are furnished as the home would have been at that time and using a lot of original pieces from the period  . Each room has paddle boards will tell you more about the family and also the furniture. It was very interesting to see the two fire places in the kitchen one for boiling and one for roasting and the ornate dining/ living room 

Entry was free but donations were requested
  
 
       
   johnandlizb 
 2021-11-02
 
 
 Verified Really interesting.
Free entry but donations welcome. This is a beautifully restored and sensitively preserved old building (or what’s left of it). The staff/volunteers are very knowledgable and friendly. There were also information boards available throughout the building. It was decorated beautifully for Halloween/harvest too. Really enjoyed our visit here.
  
 
       
   KinverDenizen 
 2021-05-24
 
 
 Verified Hidden Gem
I was born in Exeter and lived here for over 25 years, but I did not know this existed.  I stumbled upon it accidentally on a trip down memory lane when I noticed a lady sweeping up the petals under a wisteria arch. What a gem of a find!  Everybody was so helpful, explaining the fascinating history.  Superb example of a medieval building dating back to 1067
  
 
       
   Victoria F 
 2020-03-08
 
 
 Verified So much history in one building
It's fascinating to see how the building has been used over the centuries. Loved the ceiling with the original wooden beams. Conservation work is ongoing. The parlour is stunning. You can have a tour or go round on your own. The refectory is across the lane which the guide will take you round if it's open. Well worth seeing.
  
 
       
   anglicano 
 2020-03-02
 
 
 Verified Worth Seeing
This is a well restored mediaeval building run by enthusiastic volunteers. The Tudor parlour is particularly eye catching.  An interesting place to visit.
  
 
       
   Roz 
 2020-02-18
 
 
 Verified A Real Hidden Gem
This is a real hidden gem tucked away in the centre of Exeter. Small but loads of history and free entry. We joined a free guided tour which was really excellent, really knowledgeable and friendly guide. Highly recommend a visit.
  
 
       
   kevin e 
 2019-10-07
 
 
 Verified Fantastic Experience
Extremely old building and the history will excite you if you are able to get on a tour. You can almost feel the past
  
 
       
   Beatrice H 
 2019-09-26
 
 
 Verified Another wonderful walk through time
This super performance, which was a series of cameos, was very engaging, informative and entertaining. Well done to the historical society. All new material despite our previous visits to this oldest building in Exeter. Bravo