With over 70,000 tons of medieval craftsmanship to admire and nearly 800 years of history to explore, we suggest you allow between 1.5 – 3 hours for your visit. If you don’t have that long, you can see most of the highlights in 45 minutes. Occasionally the Cathedral, or parts of it, may need to close or offer restricted access so please check before you travel. We warmly invite you to join one of our services to hear our talented choirs in action – you can find all the information and times you need by clicking on the button below. You can also download our latest event leaflet at the bottom of this page.

Please scroll to the bottom of this page to see details of restricted access/closures 

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View latest event leaflet

Opening hours

Our standard opening hours can be seen in the table below. We suggest arriving at least one hour before closing to make the most of your visit.

Restricted access/closures

Occasionally the Cathedral, or parts of it, may need to close or only offer restricted access for a service, special event or day to day maintenance. We try to minimise these periods as much as we can, as we know that people travel long distances to visit us. Please remember to check for last minute changes prior to your visit as some events, such as funerals, are only arranged at short notice.

1215 Magna Carta

We regret that our original Magna Carta is not currently on display while repairs are made to its casing, however, a high-quality facsimile is on display. The case, which was damaged, is being thoroughly inspected by a specialist manufacturer so that they can advise us about repair or replacement.  We are working to get Magna Carta back on display as soon as we can.

Thursday 6^th December Service in the Nave at 14:30 – 15:30
The East End of the Cathedral will be closed to visitors from 13:00 and the rest of the Cathedral floor from 13:30 until 15.45. The Chapter House will be open as normal.

Saturday 8th December Evening Prayer in the Trinity Chapel 15:30 - 16:00
Cathedral floor to be clear of visitors by 15.15. Chapter House to close at 16.30. The Spire crossing will not be accessible all day

Monday 10th December School Service in The North Transept at 14:00 - 15:00
The North Transept will not be accessible to visitors during the service.

Wednesday 12th December Group Carols at 14:00 - 15:00
The Cathedral floor will be closed for visitors from 13.15 - 15.15. The Chapter House will be open as normal.

Thursday 13th December School Service at 09:30 - 10:30 and Group Carols at 14:00 - 15:00
The Cathedral floor will open to visitors at 11:00
The Cathedral floor will be closed for visitors from 13:15 - 15:15. The Chapter House will be open as normal.

Friday 14th December School Service at 11:00 - 12:00 and School Service at 14:00 - 15:00
The Cathedral floor will be closed to visitors between 10:00 - 12 noon and 13:00 - 15:00. The Chapter House open as normal

Saturday 22nd December Evening Prayer at 16:00
The East End of the Cathedral, from the Spire Crossing will close at 16:00. The rest of the Cathedral floor and Chapter Hosue will close at 16:30. 

Sunday 23rd December Evening Prayer at 15:00
The East End of the Cathedral, from the Spire Crossing, will close at 15:00. The rest of the Cathedral floor will close at 15.30. The Chapter House closes at 15.30.

Monday 24th December A Family Service for Christmas Eve 15:30 - 16:30
The Cathedral floor and Chapter House will be closed to visitors from 14:00

Tuesday 25th December
The Cathedral will be open between 12 -13:45. The Chapter House will be closed

Wednesday 26th December
Evening Prayer at 16:00 The East End of the Cathedral will close at 15.30. The rest of the Cathedral will close at 16.15. The Chapter House will close at 15.30.

Thursday 27th December Evening Prayer at 16:00
The East End of the Cathedral will close at 15.30. The rest of the Cathedral will close at 16.15. The Chapter House will close at 15.30.

Friday 28th December Evening Prayer at 16:00
The East End of the Cathedral will close at 15.30. The rest of the Cathedral will close at 16.15. The Chapter will  House close at 15.30.

Saturday 29th December Evening Prayer at 16:00
The East End of the Cathedral will close at 15.00. The rest of the Cathedral will close at 16.15. The Chapter House wil close at 15.30.

Friday 31st May 2019
The Cathedral Floor will be closed to visitors. The Chapter House, Shop and Refectory will be open as normal.