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Exeter Cathedral

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Venue Type

Historic Venue

City

Exeter

Region

South West

Standing

800

theatre

960

dinner

450

bedrooms

About Venue

Located in the heart of Exeter’s historic centre, Exeter Cathedral is one of the South West’s most iconic and architecturally significant event venues, combining over 900 years of history with spectacular event spaces beneath the longest uninterrupted Gothic vaulted ceiling in the world. As Devon’s most recognisable historic building, the Cathedral provides a dramatic and unforgettable setting for concerts, gala dinners, receptions, award ceremonies and private events.

Blending extraordinary medieval architecture with flexible event infrastructure, the Cathedral offers a collection of atmospheric spaces capable of hosting everything from intimate private dining through to large-scale standing receptions and concerts. The combination of heritage, scale and central Exeter positioning makes the venue one of the most unique event destinations in the South West.

Situated directly on Cathedral Green and moments from Exeter Central Station, the venue benefits from exceptional city-centre accessibility whilst offering an environment unlike any traditional conference or hospitality venue.

Event Spaces

The Nave

At the centre of the venue is the spectacular Nave, one of the finest Gothic interiors in Europe and the Cathedral’s principal event space. Characterised by soaring stone vaulting, stained glass windows and dramatic architecture, the Nave provides an extraordinary setting for gala dinners, receptions, concerts and large-scale corporate events.

The Crossing

Located beneath the central tower, the Crossing offers a dramatic open event space ideal for receptions, dinners and performances. The area works particularly well for standing events and atmospheric dining experiences within the wider Cathedral environment.

Chapter House & Meeting Spaces

Alongside the larger Cathedral spaces, the venue also offers smaller heritage rooms suitable for meetings, workshops, private dining and breakout sessions. These spaces allow organisers to combine intimate gatherings with the grandeur of the wider Cathedral setting.

Concerts & Cultural Events

Exeter Cathedral regularly hosts orchestral performances, choir concerts and cultural events, with the building’s exceptional acoustics and atmosphere making it one of the South West’s leading live event venues.

Facilities and Services

Exeter Cathedral offers dedicated event coordination, flexible event layouts, catering partnerships and extensive event support for both corporate and private hire. The venue’s unique heritage environment creates highly memorable guest experiences whilst remaining flexible for modern event requirements.

Its combination of architectural significance, central Exeter location and event flexibility positions the Cathedral as one of the UK’s most distinctive historic venues.

Location and Access

Located in the heart of Exeter's historic city centre, Exeter Cathedral is surrounded by the vibrant Cathedral Green and sits within easy walking distance of the city's shops, hotels and cultural attractions. The venue is easily accessible via Exeter Central and Exeter St David's railway stations, with excellent local bus connections and nearby public car parks for visitors travelling by road. Step-free access is available to the principal event spaces, with accessible facilities throughout much of the site, while supplier and event access can be coordinated in advance to support exhibitions, receptions and large-scale events.

Ideal For

Awards Dinners
Concerts & Performances
Corporate Receptions
Private Dining
Charity Galas
Networking Events
Cultural Events
Christmas Concerts
Launch Events
Ceremonial Events
Exclusive Hire Events

Key Features

Historic Gothic Cathedral Venue
Longest Uninterrupted Gothic Vaulted Ceiling
Central Exeter Location
Spectacular Nave Event Space
Unique Heritage Architecture
Concert & Performance Venue
Flexible Event Layouts
Exceptional Acoustics
Award Ceremony Venue
Private Dining Opportunities
Cathedral Green Location
Walking Distance to Exeter Stations
Dedicated Event Support
Iconic South West Landmark

Why Hire

Exeter Cathedral offers a truly unforgettable event environment combining centuries of history, extraordinary architecture and exceptional atmosphere within the centre of Exeter. Few venues in the South West are able to deliver the same sense of scale, prestige and visual impact for guests.

Whether hosting a gala dinner beneath the vaulted ceiling of the Nave, a standing reception within the Crossing or a live performance in one of the region’s most atmospheric buildings, Exeter Cathedral delivers an event experience that is both iconic and highly memorable.