Belmont Exeter

The grey stone tower of Belmont rises above the residential streets of Exeter, a Victorian church that doesn't shout for attention but rewards a quiet visit. Built in the mid-19th century, it's a proper example of how ambitious the Victorians were with their religious architecture, even in suburban settings.

Inside, the space is calm and ordered - high ceilings, decent stained glass, the sort of church that feels genuinely used rather than merely preserved. The craftsmanship is solid without being showy, which is rather the point. You're looking at a working parish church, not a tourist trap.

It's worth the walk if you're exploring Exeter on foot and happen to be in the area, though I wouldn't deliberately arrange a trip around it. History enthusiasts interested in Victorian church design will find it more rewarding than most casual visitors. Kids would be bored within five minutes unless they're genuinely keen on church interiors.

There's no entry fee as far as I can establish, though opening hours seem to vary - call ahead if you're making a special effort. Best visited mid-morning on a weekday when it's quiet. If you're staying at Devon Heaven Hideaways, the glamping site just a few miles away, Belmont works as a gentle half-hour detour while exploring central Exeter's other Victorian and Georgian streets. Don't expect fireworks, but do expect solid, honest architecture that's been doing its job for 150-odd years.