Exeter’s Custom House Visitor Centre to reopen

The Custom House Visitor Centre on Exeter’s quayside is set to reopen on Saturday, 22 March after a period of essential maintenance and restoration work.

The Grade I-listed building, which dates back to 1680, is the oldest purpose-built custom house in England and a significant part of Exeter’s rich history. The latest restoration project has taken longer than expected, but visitors can now look forward to exploring the newly improved space.

The recent work included the relocation of the reception area and the creation of a new gallery space, enhancing the overall visitor experience. Additionally, the beautiful plaster ceilings on the first floor have been fully restored, ensuring that this historic landmark remains a stunning attraction.

Last summer, the building was also repointed, making it watertight and preserving it for future generations.

Today, the Custom House Visitor Centre continues to bring Exeter’s quayside history to life with interactive displays, illustrations, and artefacts showcasing the city’s thriving woollen cloth industry during its peak.

The Custom House team acknowledges the inconvenience caused by the closure and appreciates the patience of visitors during this period. With its reopening, locals and tourists alike can once again enjoy one of Exeter’s most significant heritage sites.