CANCELLED: Heritage Open Days

Following the death of Her Majesty The Queen, this year's Heritage Open Day events at Gloucester Cathedral will not be going ahead. Ticket holders will be contacted. Thank you for your understanding.

We're delighted to be taking part in Heritage Open Days this September, a nationwide initiative which brings together visitor attractions and celebrates history and culture. We will be offering the following - please scroll down for further booking information.

Parliament Rooms

Sat 10 Sept

11.00am – 4.00pm

Drop in, no booking required

Visit three historic rooms in Church House, the former Abbots’ lodgings which are the site of Richard II’s parliament in 1378 and the place where Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn stayed in their royal progress of 1535. 

Pre booking is required for the following events. Tickets can be reserved online via the Cathedral website or in person at the Welcome Desk from Monday 22 August. Please scroll down this page to find out more.

 Medieval Library Open Doors

Fri 9 Sept

Entry times every 15 minutes between 10.30am – 4.30 (last entry at 4.00)

Located up a winding spiral staircase, the 15th century monastic library houses the Cathedral’s collection of books and manuscripts dating back to the 11th century. Explore this hidden historic gem under your own steam on a self-guided visit.

Access is via 38 steps

 Guided Highlights Tour  

Sat 10 Sept

10.30am, 11.00am, 12.00noon, 1.30pm and 2.00pm

Tours last for one hour

Find out about the fascinating world of the monks who used to live here, visit the tomb of the murdered King Edward II, hear about stunning stained glass and see where Harry Potter was filmed.

 Guided Tower Tour

Sat 10 Sept

1.30pm and 2.30pm

Tours last for one hour

Climb to the top of the tower to enjoy breath-taking views 40 miles across Gloucestershire. Get behind the scenes access to ancient roof spaces and see the largest medieval bell in Britain that is still in use.

Suitable for all ages over 6 years

Access is via 269 steps (mainly enclosed spiral staircase)

 Guided Crypt Tour

Sat 10 Sept

11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm

Tours last for 30 mins

Descend into the Crypt to discover the earliest part of the Cathedral. Explore the chapels and passages used by the monks 900 years ago, as well as the central chamber where bones were once stored.

Suitable for all ages but must be able to manage a flight of 10 stairs

ACCESS STATEMENT:

There is level access in the main Cathedral. The Parliament Rooms, Tribune Gallery, Crypt, Library and Tower are accessed fully or partially by stairs.