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. Please note that we do not have a left luggage facility on site.

Please scroll to the bottom of this page to see details of dates and time where access might be restricted due to major services or special events.

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.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 here.

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.

Friday 15 November - Funeral in the Nave 2.30pm - 3.30pm
The Cathedral Floor will be closed to sightseeing between 2pm - 3.45pm. The Chapter House with Magna Carta will be open as normal.

Saturday 16 November - Christmas Fair in the Cloisters
The Cloisters will be closed to sightseeing. The Chapter House with Magna Carta is open an normal.

Friday 22 November - Rehearsal followed by a Concert in the Spire Crossing 10am- 12noon
Visitors are welcome but guiding will not be possible around this area during the rehearsal or concert.

Friday 29 November and Saturday 30 November
The East end of the Cathedral, from the Spire Crossing will close to sightseeing at 4pm. The rest of the Cathedral and Chapter House will close at 4.30pm. 

Sunday 1 December
The East end of the Cathedral, from the Spire Crossing, will close to sightseeing at 3pm.  The rest of the Cathedral and Chapter House will close at 3.30pm

Friday 6 December - Cathedral closed for sightseeing
The Cathedral will be closed for sightseeing all day as there is a performance of the The Snowman - tickets available.  Worship will take place as normal.  

Monday 9 December - Nativity Service in the Trinity Chapel 2pm - 3pm
The Trinity Chapel will not be open to sightseeing during the Nativity.

Thursday 12 December - School Carol Service & Belmond Pullman Carol Service
The Cathedral Floor will open to sightseeing from 10.30am following the School Service. The Quire will be closed to sightseeing between 12.30 - 1.30pm.

Friday 13 December - School Carol Service
The Cathedral floor will be closed to sightseeing from 10.30am - 12 noon. Visitors are welcome to join the service.

Sunday 15 December - Cathedral closed for sightseeing
The Cathedral Floor will be closed for sightseeing all day. The Chapter House and Magna Carta will be open. Worship will take place as normal. 

Tuesday 17 December - School Carol Service in the Nave 10.45am-11.45am
The Cathedral Floor will be closed to sightseeing between 10.15am - 12 noon. Visitors are welcome to join the service.

Tuesday 17 December
The Magna Carta will not be on display today. A Facisimile will be available.

Sunday 22 December 
The East end of the Cathedral, from the Spire Crossing, will close to sightseeing at 3pm. The rest of the Cathedral floor and Chapter House will close at 3.30pm.

Tuesday 24 December
The Cathedral Floor and Chapter House will close to visitors at 2pm.