Exeter Red Coat Guided Tours and Rougemont Castle

Exeter Red Coat Guided Tours and Rougemont Castle

Discover one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in England, with Exeter's Red Coat Guides. These free guided walking tours operate daily throughout the year, offering a wide range from which to choose. Simply meet your Red Coat Guide at the starting point and discover historic Exeter for yourself. Join the Exeter Old and New guided tour and learn about Exeter's history from pre-Roman times to the present day. Visit the 11th century Castle Gatehouse - probably Britain's oldest Norman building - and Northernhay Gardens, the first public gardens in the country. 

Rougemont Castle was built shortly after the Norman Conquest of 1066, when William the Conqueror ordered the construction of castles across England to strengthen Norman control. Built within the old Roman walls of Exeter, the castle became an important military and administrative centre for the region.

Its name comes from the distinctive red volcanic stone used in parts of the gatehouse. Although much of the original Norman structure has disappeared, the impressive gatehouse remains one of the best surviving examples of Norman military architecture in Devon. Over the centuries, Rougemont Castle served as a royal fortress, courthouse and prison, playing a significant role in Exeter’s history. 

Practical information 

Free admissions

Duration: 90 minutes

Partners: Visit Exeter

Enquiries: Visit.Exeter@exeter.gov.uk 

https://www.visitexeter.com/things-to-do/exeter-red-coat-guided-tours-p336873