Name: St Nicholas Priory
Rating: 5.0

St Nicholas Priory

St Nicholas Priory, The Mint, Exeter, Devon EX4 3BL, UK

1-99 Years

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Description

St Nicholas Priory if you are looking for the best things to do with kids in Exeter, St Nicholas Priory offers a unique glimpse into the city's medieval past. As the oldest building in Exeter, this former Benedictine monastery allows families to explore centuries of history in a hands-on, accessible environment.

Admission to the Priory is free for all visitors, though the organisation encourages donations to support the ongoing preservation of this historic site. Private tours or special events may occasionally require pre-booking or carry a small fee.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids, St Nicholas Priory provides a quiet, educational escape in the middle of the city. Its mix of ancient architecture and well-preserved interiors makes it an ideal spot for young historians and curious families.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

Living History: Explore a building that has served as a monastery, a Tudor home, and a site for the local community over the last 900 years.
Tudor Interiors: Walk through rooms furnished to reflect the style of the 16th century, giving kids a sense of how people lived in the past.
Educational Exploration: Use the site’s historical context to learn about the dissolution of the monasteries and the impact of the Reformation in Devon.
Heritage Preservation: Visit a site managed by a dedicated heritage trust, ensuring the building remains a protected community resource.

What to See

The Guest Hall: View the impressive main hall where visitors to the monastery were once welcomed; it remains the most spectacular room in the Priory.
The Kitchen: See how food was prepared in the Tudor period, complete with period-appropriate cooking implements and furniture.
The Solar: Explore the private living quarters, which provide insight into the more comfortable lifestyle of the Priory's later residents.
The Norman Masonry: Examine the thick, original stone walls that have survived since the monastery’s founding in 1087.
Medieval Garden: Walk through the small, curated garden space that demonstrates the type of herbs and plants once grown by monks.

Facilities

Toilets: Limited facilities are available on-site; check with staff upon arrival.
Accessibility: The ground floor is accessible, but please note that due to the building's age, some areas have uneven floors and narrow doorways.
Buggy Parking: Space is limited; visitors are encouraged to use carriers if visiting with very young children.
Food Options: No on-site cafe, but numerous independent coffee shops and cafes are located nearby on Fore Street.

Pro-Tips for Families

Plan Your Arrival: The Priory is open on specific days, typically weekends and some weekdays; always check the website for current hours before travelling.
Footwear: Wear comfortable, sensible shoes, as the historic stone floors can be uneven.
Local Insight: Combine your visit with a walk around the West Quarter to see other historic buildings in the area.

Targeted FAQs

Is it worth it for toddlers? The Priory is better suited to primary-aged children who can engage with the history, though toddlers may enjoy the novelty of the historic building and the quiet garden space.
How long does a visit take? Most visitors find that one hour is ample time to see the main rooms, admire the architecture, and chat with the volunteers about the Priory's history.
Where is the best place to park? There is no parking at the Priory itself; use the Smythen Street or Mary Arches Street public car parks in Exeter city centre, both of which are within easy walking distance.

The Visitor Verdict: What Parents Really Think
What Visitors Love

The quiet, atmospheric nature of the building allows children to imagine what life was like hundreds of years ago.
The knowledgeable staff and volunteers are excellent at bringing the site's history to life with stories.
Its location in a hidden part of the city makes it feel like an authentic, "secret" discovery for families.

What Visitors Don't Like

The limited opening hours can make it difficult for families to plan a visit without prior checking.
The small size of the Priory means it is a quick visit rather than a full-day destination.

What to see

Detailed Inventory

The Priory contains specific architectural and historical features that define its character:
11th-Century Norman Undercroft: Surviving stone arches from the original monastery foundation.
Tudor Panelling: Elaborate wooden wall coverings added when the Priory became a private residence.
The Refectory Roof: A rare example of medieval carpentry and design.
Mural Fragments: Traces of original wall decorations found in the upper chambers.
Tudor-era Hearth: A central fireplace used for both heat and cooking.
Replica 16th-Century Furnishings: Pieces designed to help visitors visualise the Tudor lifestyle.
Original Stone Archways: Key structural elements dating back to the monastic period.
Historical Display Panels: Information on the Priory's transition through the centuries.

Beyond the Main Attraction

The Priory is tucked away off Fore Street, near other historic sites:
Exeter West Quarter: Explore this historic part of the city, known for its narrow alleys and independent shops.
The House that Moved: A short walk away, this famous 16th-century building was physically moved to make way for road developments.
Exeter Cathedral: Located within easy walking distance, representing the religious heart of the city for centuries.

New for 2026

The Priory continues to refine its public access and educational programming:
Living History Weekends: Keep an eye on the official calendar for themed weekend events where guides share stories of life in the Priory.
Volunteer-Led Tours: Expanded schedules for guided tours that provide deeper context into the latest conservation efforts.
New Digital Guides: The Priory has introduced updated information packs to help families identify the building’s hidden architectural details.
Community Storytelling: Special events focused on the Priory's role in the social development of Exeter’s West Quarter.

Events: For more upcoming events please visit here.

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Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

The Priory does not currently offer commercial birthday party packages. For information regarding private bookings or group event inquiries, please contact the team via email.

Inquiry Email: info@nicholaspriory.com

We are open to the general public on Sundays and Mondays, however you can book a private tour on any day.

Address: St Nicholas Priory, The Mint, Exeter, Devon EX4 3BL, UK

Post Code: EX4 3BL

Council: Exeter

County: Devon

Foot: St Nicholas Priory is on Mint Lane with walking access from Fore Street or Bartholomew Street West.
Car: The nearest car park is Mary Arches Street, which is a 5 minute walk.
Train: Exeter Central train station is a 10 minute walk.
Bus: The bus station is a 15 minute walk with many buses stopping on the High Street which is ten minutes away.
Parking: The nearest car park is Mary Arches Street, which is a 5 minute walk.