Chester Cathedral is much more than a place of worship. It’s a site of incredible historical importance dating back as far as 10th Century, an impressive example of several architectural styles and a fantastic community hub for people from all walks of life.
While having a day in Chester we popped inside Chester Cathedral for the first time. It is free to visit however, they do ask for a voluntary donation once inside to help with the up keep of the cathedral. We donated £5 as a family.
Top Info
🚂 Children's small activity area
📅 Special events on through the year
💰 Free to enter ( voluntary donations welcome)
⛪ Tower Tours
☕ Cafe 1092 serving lunch, drinks & cakes
📚 Gift shop
⏰ Open Mon - Sat 9am - 6pm. Sun 10am - 5pm
🌎 St Werburgh St, Chester CH1 2DY
It is such a stunning and decorative building that stands in the centre of the city. I have walked around the outside of the beautiful building a many times so it was nice to finally see inside.
You don't need to be of a particular faith to enjoy a visit here. Simply wander around at your own pace to look at all the incredible artwork and architecture.
Inside, you almost get eaten up with the pure size of the building. The main body /Nave of the cathedral is filled with rows and rows of seats leading up to where the choir sit. It hard to describe just how beautiful it is. Everywhere you look you can see incredible detail in the walls, wooden carvings, the grand ceiling and stained glass windows.
Top Tip is to Look Up!
Originally constructed at the start of the fourteenth century, Chester Cathedral’s beautiful Quire ceiling was hand-painted as part of nineteenth-century restoration work. It depicts the four major and twelve minor Biblical prophets, surrounded by angels. It really is a special thing to gaze upon.
For Children
There is a small area that children can play in which has a tables full of colouring sheets, a wooden train set and Lego. My youngest was fascinated by the huge organ being played, the sound radiated around the cathedral and it was impressive to think that it was first installed in 1844.
It is wonderful to point out to children how many parts of the cathedral was built before modern tools were invented so a lot of the carving were done by hand. I also found that the atmosphere inside made them tip toe round and turn their voice to a whisper as if by magic.
The Chester Cathedral in LEGO
On our visit we were amazed to see there was a massive Lego display. It was so interesting to read all about it. Made from an impressive 350,000 bricks is a Lego scale model of Chester Cathedral. The Chester Cathedral in LEGO project was an eight-year build that has raised around £250k for cathedral funds as during the build people could purchase a Lego brick to add to the building so they could say they had been part of such a fascinating project.
Tower Tour
You can book and pay to climb the Cathedral's 216 steps to the top of the Tower, via various viewing galleries to admire breath-taking views of the Cathedral's interior.
Once at the top (125 feet high), take in the view encompassing of one city, two countries and five counties! You will also visit the former Bell Ringing Chamber, several other secret behind-the-scenes areas, and learn fascinating facts along the way.
Cafe 1092
Café 1092 is set in the thirteenth century monks’ dining hall. You can visit whether on a cathedral visit or just a shopping trip in Chester, the stunning café is perfect for coffee or lunch.
Gift Shop
Chester’s most unique gift shop is located in the undercroft of the Cathedral. It really was an aladdins cave of gifts, books and homeware. There is a great selection of Chester designed souvenirs. Open 10am – 4pm daily
The History of the Cathedral
Chester Cathedral began its life as a Benedictine Abbey in 1093. The site had previously been used for worship during Saxon times, but the Benedictine monks were the first to build a church there in the Norman style. The cathedral was later rebuilt in the much more dramatic Gothic style from 1250 onwards. Since 1541, it has been the seat of the Bishop of Chester and remains a Grade I listed building. The construction of the cathedral dates back to between the 10th century and the early 16th century, with various modifications throughout history. All major styles of English medieval architecture, from Norman to Perpendicular, are represented in the present building3. It’s a fascinating blend of history and architectural styles!
Events at Chester Cathedral
You can catch your favourite movies at Chester Cathedral.
Chester Cathedral enjoys amazing acoustics and can house a large audience. So, what better place to watch your favourite film? Every now and then, friends of the Cathedral clear out the pews in the Nave, roll out the artificial turf and lower the projector to create an ‘Indoor/Outdoor’ Cinema.
During the Summer it does cost to go inside the cathedral, however they normally put on extra events inside which make it worth a visit and paying a little bit
🌞This Summers (2024) events 🌞
• Making Tracks 4 at Chester Cathedral
1st – 31st August 2024
After popular demand, Pete Waterman and the Railnuts will be returning with another year of Making Tracks. See part four of the world record holding Making Tracks model railway. This time Watford Junction from the West Coast mainline is featured in minature with the 64 foot long railway.
Come along and have a go at driving trains for yourself.
• Your Kaleidoscope at Chester Cathedral
August 1 - August 31
British artist Liz West returns to Chester Cathedral with two stunning installations: ‘Presence’ and ‘Hymn to the Big Wheel’. Known for her wide-ranging works which blur the boundaries between sculpture, architecture, design and painting, West creates works that are both playful and immersive. A must see exhibition for all ages.
Tickets for both events are included in summer entry at the Cathedral. To guarantee swift entry, pre-book your summer entry tickets https://chestercathedral.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173654661/events/428654958
Open during Cathedral hours.
Adult with Gift Aid – £5.00
Ticket price:Adult – £4.50
Ticket price:Child with Gift Aid (6-17) – £1.00
Ticket price: Child (6-17) – £0.90
Ticket price: Child – Under 5’s – Free
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