Visit

A Place for Everyone

Plan your visit

Gloucester Cathedral is one of Britain’s greatest buildings, representing over 1,300 years of Christian faith and heritage. The monks who first lived and worshipped here followed The Rule of St Benedict which teaches that all should be welcomed as Christ himself.  Today we extend that warm welcome to you.

The Cathedral’s stories are intertwined with Britain’s history.  From its origins in around 679, the Cathedral has developed into a centre of worship, music and learning.

For generations people have been drawn here by the Cathedral’s holiness and beauty.  Today you are following in their footsteps.

We hope you enjoy your visit.

If you can't find the information you need here, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Entry by donation and opening times

Entry to the Cathedral for general visiting is by voluntary donation. The suggested contribution is: Adult: £5

It costs £7,600 per day to keep the Cathedral open. As a charity which doesn’t receive any regular Government funding, we rely on the generosity of our visitors to look after our beautiful, ancient building. Thank you for your support.

Regular Visiting Hours*

Monday - Friday: 10am - 5pm

Saturday: 10am - 4pm

Sunday: 12noon - 2.30pm and 4pm - 5pm

*Please note: sometimes opening times vary for special events and services. Check our daily 'What's On' calendar below and filter by 'Closure' for the latest updates.

Click here for the What's On calendar

A warm welcome awaits you from our team

If you're visiting us for worship, please find out more about our services here.

A place for discovery

Things to see and do

  • Quire Ceiling

    Spectacular Architecture

    Discover some of the world’s finest examples of medieval architecture, from the giant pillars of the Norman Nave to the earliest surviving example of soaring Gothic Perpendicular. Other highlights include a stained glass window the size of a tennis court and intricate fan vaulting, a style that was invented right here during the 1300s.

  • King Edward II

    Royal Connections

    From William the Conqueror and his Domesday Book, to the grand tomb of the murdered King Edward II, discover the fascinating stories of how Britain’s monarchs have influenced the Cathedral’s 1,000 year history and left their mark on the building.

  • Magical Cloister

    Gloucester Cathedral’s medieval Cloister is famous for appearing as parts of Hogwarts in three of the Harry Potter films. The monks’ daily lives revolved around this area and now you can marvel at the beautiful fan-vaulted ceiling, see the monks’ communal washing area and enjoy the peaceful garden with spectacular views of the Tower.

  • Heavenly Light

    In Gloucester Cathedral you’ll find dazzling examples of stained glass from across the ages. The medieval Great East Window (the largest in the world when it was built!), the finest Arts and Crafts glass in England located in the Lady Chapel and vibrant contemporary stained glass by local artist Tom Denny, are amongst the treasures.

Find out more

Important visitor information

Throughout March and April, visitors may experience increased noise as specialist organ builders carry out work on the Cathedral’s new organ.

This project forms a key part of the Cathedral’s In Tune campaign.

Thank you for your understanding.

Cathedral Dog Policy

The Cathedral welcomes well-behaved dogs inside the building during visiting hours from Monday to Saturday.

Well-behaved dogs are warmly welcome during visiting hours from Monday-Saturday

To ensure that the Cathedral remains a safe and enjoyable space for all visitors, the following rules apply to visitors with dogs:

  • Only assistance dogs are permitted inside the building on Sundays.

  • Dogs must be well-behaved and not disturb other visitors.

  • Dogs must be kept on a short, locked lead and not left unattended at any time.

  • Only assistance dogs are permitted inside the Lady Chapel, which will be kept as a quiet and safe space for those who may not be comfortable around dogs.

  • Only assistance dogs are permitted upstairs and on guided tours, including in the Library, Crypt and Tower.

  • Only assistance dogs are permitted at services, in the Tribune Gallery and at events.

  • Owners must clean up after their dogs.

Wrap up your visit

Try our virtual tour

Our virtual tour allows you to navigate through this remarkable sacred space from wherever you are in the world

Getting Here

  • Address

    12 College Green Gloucester GL1 2LX

  • Map

  • How to find us

    The Cathedral is located in the historic heart of Gloucester and our spectacular tower can be seen from many spots in and around the city.

    Click here to download or print off a guide on ‘Getting to Gloucester Cathedral’

  • Parking

    We are sorry that due to limited space, parking in the Cathedral Close is restricted to pass holders only.

    There are eight disabled parking spaces which are for use by Blue Badge holders on a first come first served basis.

    However, there are several public car parks within easy walking distance of the Cathedral.

    To find out more please download our parking guide or click here for up-to-date information.

  • Arriving by Public Transport

    The Cathedral is located in Gloucester Town Centre, so the best way to get here is by public transport.

    We are a 10-15 minute walk from both the train and bus stations. You can also use Gloucester’s Park and Ride.

    Click here for more information about this service.

  • Cycling

    Cycling is a great way to get around Gloucester - the city is easy to explore on two wheels.

    There are bike racks available on Cathedral Green. Route 41 of the National Cycle Network runs through the Cathedral grounds – find out more about the route here.

    Looking to hire a bike in Gloucester? Discover your options here.