Accessibility

Lift Access to the East End
We regret currently, there is no level access to the East End of the Cathedral as we await a replacement part for the lifts. However, the Nave—including the Mars exhibition—the Cloisters, Café, and Gift Shop remain accessible. We apologise for any inconvenience and are working to get the sorted as quickly as we can. Thank you for your understanding.

Gloucester Cathedral is situated in the heart of Gloucester and is an iconic building which can be glimpsed from several miles away; it is an extremely popular destination for visitors to the area as well as a place for regular worship.

The Cathedral combines a daily programme of religious services with the opportunity to enjoy glorious architecture, learn about the Cathedral’s long and fascinating history and enjoy the majestic offering of music.  There is always the opportunity to enjoy a moment of quiet prayer, light a candle or leave a prayer note.

 You can also read our Accessibility Guide by clicking on the button below.

Please note the sensory resources are currently unavailable.

There is no charge to enter the Cathedral, although we do ask visitors to support us by making a donation towards the upkeep of the building if they are able. The suggested donation is £5 per adult, but any amount you can give will be gratefully received. It costs over £6,000 each day keep the Cathedral open. We don't receive any government or regular central church funding so rely on the generosity of our visitors to help look after the building for future generations.

 Some of the things your donations go towards:

• Our onsite Stonemasons and the conservation of the building

• Our Education and Outreach programme

• Our world class choral music

• Our Breakfast Club and work with the homeless and vulnerable of Gloucester

There are six parking spaces at the Cathedral which are for use by Blue Badge holders on a first come first served basis.

If none of these spaces are available, you may use any other available parking spaces within the Cathedral Close. Please contact the Cathedral Reception if you require any further information on 01452 528095.

There is a level approach to the main entrance of the Cathedral at the South Porch and the door is wheelchair accessible.  The flooring within the Cathedral is made primarily of stone and care should be taken as it is uneven in places.

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

The staff Welcome Team will greet you on arrival at the Cathedral.  Please let them know if you have particular requirements during your visit and we have a touch centre for orientation located in the South Transept.

We can provide a wheelchair for the duration of your visit, although you are welcome to use your own wheelchair or mobility scooter if preferred.

There are three lifts in the Cathedral. If you require any assistance in using them please ask a member of the team. Most areas are wheelchair accessible with aid of the wheelchair lifts except some side chapels which have narrow entrances.

Unfortunately the Cathedral lifts are currently out of action. Wheelchair users can still visit the Cathedral Nave, Cloister, Gift Shop and Monk's Kitchen. We apologise for any inconvenience and are working to get the sorted as quickly as we can.

The Tower, the Tribune Gallery and the Library are not accessible for wheelchairs or for those with mobility difficulties as they are accessed via steep stairs. These areas can be explored digitally using our Virtual Tour.

A hearing loop system operates in the Nave and the Quire.  If you are attending a service, concert or other event, please switch your hearing aid to “T”.

The Treasury is usually open daily.  An alternative level access route into the Treasury is available via the Cloister. Please ask a member of staff or a volunteer if you would like to visit.

There is an accessible toilet which can be reached on level ground via the Cloister.  An emergency alarm pull cord is available if required. 

There is a lift down to The Monk’s Kitchen just off the Cloisters and alternative level access is available through the exterior entrance to The Monk's Kitchen.

Where possible our food is locally sourced.  We do our best to cater for any dietary requirements; please contact us in advance to check for any specific requests you may have.

 The Monk's Kitchen Eatery is self-service but staff are happy to assist on request.  Large print menus are available and staff can also run through menus with you.

The Gift Shop is situated inside the West End of the Cathedral, with a level entrance. 

Due to the nature of this Grade 1 listed building, the first floor Parliament, Laud and Henry Rooms are not wheelchair accessible from the ground floor. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

This can be accessed through the main door from the Cathedral to the Cloisters on level ground.  The stone flooring is uneven in places but the Chapter House entrance is wheelchair accessible.

Please advise us if there is anything further we can do to make your visit more enjoyable. If you have any queries or require assistance please contact the Cathedral Office via visits@gloucestercathedral.org.uk or by telephone on 01452 528095.