Just two sleeps to go

Please be confident all our Church of England cathedrals have achieved the Visit Britain’s industry standard and consumer charter mark We’re Good to Go which means visitors can be confident that cathedrals are taking all the necessary steps to help ensure people’s safety in line with latest Government and Public Health guidance.

Our cathedrals are getting ready to reopen to the public and visitors from Monday in line with Step 3 of the Government’s roadmap out of restrictions towards recovery.

Birmingham Cathedral is offering free summer organ recitals and a return to lunchtime worship on a Wednesday. Check out the website to book a seat.

Truro is ready to open for general visiting with an extension to its opening hours, increased capacity at its Sunday worship and a welcome return to its restaurant.

It is still necessary to book a place to attend Sunday worship through Eventbrite on the cathedral website and the Sunday Eucharist service will continue to be live-streamed.

Truro Cathedral hopes to restart its guided tours soon and are appealing for volunteers please visit the volunteer webpage to find out more.

Lichfield Cathedral will re-open to visitors with a full programme of events in a ‘summer of creativity, spirituality and science’.

It opens with a new exhibition, “Fantastic Books and where to find them” to encourage visitors to explore ancient books from the Cathedral’s own library. The ancient texts will help visitors to see how our ancestors understood aspects of science and nature, including astrology and medicine – long before Covid!

Please note the cathedral will still be operating as a vaccination centre on some days – and therefore not open to the public so please keep an eye on the cathedral website before planning your visit www.lichfield-cathedral.org.

There will be a mobile catering outlet for hot and cold drinks and snacks outside the cathedral.

From Monday the Cathedral, Central Tower, Cathedral Shop, and Undercroft Restaurant and toilets will all be open at Durham Cathedral.

Tours will run daily at 11am for visitors to learn about the rich history and architecture of the cathedral, as well as saints Cuthbert and Bede whose remains are housed in the cathedral.

Andrew Usher, Director of Visitor Experience and Enterprise at Durham Cathedral said:

“I am delighted that we are going to be able welcome visitors back to Durham Cathedral next week. We are committed to offering an outstanding experience to visitors and we’re proud that during one of the toughest times the cathedral has ever faced, we have been able to bounce back and offer such a wide variety of indoor and outdoor activities for our reopening.

“There’s an abundance of things to do during a visit to Durham Cathedral, whether you’re visiting with your family or by yourself. Marvel at the breath-taking Romanesque architecture and stained glass; explore the medieval Cloisters, a filming location in the first two Harry Potter films; climb the recently restored Central Tower, a challenging but rewarding feat offering stunning views of Durham and beyond from the top. There really is something for everyone.”

 

Following social distancing guidelines, a maximum of 6 people (those in a bubble or 6 individuals from different households) are permitted to climb the tower at once. It is advised that you book onto a slot in advance of your visit to avoid disappointment on the day.

Worcester Cathedral too is ready to welcome visitors back and is running two tours a day (socially distanced) as well as seeing a welcome re-opening of its café and cathedral shop.

The Dean of Worcester, Peter Atkinson, said:

“I am extremely proud that the Cathedral’s staff and loyal volunteers have weathered an exceptionally hard year, and pay tribute to our visitors, donors and supporters who have helped us to do so. I would like to encourage visitors to come and see us, enjoy all the Cathedral has to offer in a COVID secure way and get involved in our full programme of events. Please also accept, in advance, our sincere and grateful thanks for any contribution towards the upkeep and longer-term future of the Cathedral you are able to make at this time.”

Check the website for the latest information on opening times, public worship and visiting, please visit www.worcestercathedral.co.uk, call the team on 01905 732900 or email info@worcestercathedral.org.uk.

Chichester Cathedral is getting ready to be part of its city’s Festival of Chichester – a month-long celebration of the arts running from mid-June to mid-July each year.

The Cathedral will be hosting a number of events as part of this year’s Festival, including an outdoor painting competition across the historic Cathedral Quarter with Tidy St. Art School and a talk with Author and Broadcaster Loyd Grossman, introducing his new book An Elephant in Rome: Bernini, the Pope, and the Making of the Eternal City.

Find out more about the Cathedral’s events on the website.

Please be assured all our Church of England cathedrals have achieved the Visit Britain’s industry standard and consumer charter mark We’re Good to Go which means visitors can be confident that cathedrals are taking all the necessary steps to help ensure people’s safety in line with latest Government and Public Health guidance.

Please check ahead as opening times may have changed, you may have to book a ticketed slot at some cathedrals, and please be advised face-coverings are now mandatory in places of worship unless you are exempt.