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

View services

View Holy Week and Easter information

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.

16 February to 19 November 
There will be minor disruption to the Quire aisles due to essential repair work to our Father Willis Organ. During this time there will be a temporary exhibition in the North Transept about this project. Click here for more details. 

Wednesday 17 April - Rehearsals throughout the day
Visitors are welcome throughout the rehearsals

Thursday 18 April - Maundy Thursday 
The Cathedral Floor and Chapter House will open to visitors at 13.30. This is a day of quiet reflection so no guiding or commentary is permitted.

Friday 19 April - Good Friday 
The Cathedral Floor and Chapter House will be closed to visitors all day.

Saturday 20 April - Easter Saturday 
Visitors are welcome but no guiding or commentary is permitted. The Cathedral Floor will close at at 16.00 in preperation for an earlier Evensong. The Chapter Hosue will be closed all day.

Sunday 21 April - Easter Day
The Cathedral Floor will be open to visitors between 12 and 14.15. The Chapter House will close at 14.00.

Friday 26 April - Large Service in the Nave 11.30-12.30
The Cathedral Floor will be closed to visitors between 10.30 - 13.00. The Chapter House, Shop and Refectory will be open as normal.

Monday 29 April - Funeral in the Trinity Chapel 14.00-15.00
The Trinity Chapel will be closed to visiotrs from 13.30-15.15. Please note that the Coffin will be in the Trinity Chapel all morning in preperation for the funeral.

Tuesday 30 April - Service of Thanksgiving in the Quire at 14.30 - 15.30
The East End of the Cathedral will be closed to visitors from 14.00 - 15.45. The Chapter House, Shop and Refectory will be open as normal. 

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