Closures and Restrictions

From time to time, areas of the Cathedral may be closed for services, special events, filming, or maintenance. We try to minimise these periods as much as we can, especially when the Cathedral is open during the daytime.

Wells Cathedral is a working cathedral, which means monthly tuning of the organ and music rehearsals throughout the year.

Organ tuning is a part of the essential work and maintenance for our organ, but it does make it noisier than usual in the cathedral. This could be a particular impactful for hearing aid users, persons sensitive to loud noises, young children, and dogs.

Please check this page for any last minute changes prior to your visit as some events may be arranged at short notice.

Update on West Front Works – Wells Cathedral

Upcoming Visitor Restrictions and Closures

Cider & Cheese Festival

Saturday 27 September

9.00 a.m. – 9.00 p.m.

Join us at Wells Cathedral for a flavour-filled celebration of two West Country favourites –cider and cheese from 12.00 p.m. !

Whether you’re a seasoned cider connoisseur, a dedicated cheese lover or just curious to try something new, this is a fantastic opportunity to savour the best that Somerset has to offer.

More information and booking tickets

The whole cathedral site will be used for the entire day for this event.

Morning Liturgy as normal and the evening service will be Said Prayer in the Vicars’ Close Chapel.

Upcoming Rehearsals

Saturday 26 July

1.00 p.m.-4.00 p.m.

Somerset Chamber Choir will be rehearsing inside the Cathedral.

Visitor access as normal.

Monday 11 August

Organ Tuning

9.30 a.m.-4.00 p.m.

There will be organ tuning as part of essential work and maintenance for our organ.

We apologise for any inconvenience.

Thursday 4 September

Organ Tuning

9.30 a.m.-4.00 p.m.

There will be organ tuning as part of essential work and maintenance for our organ.

We apologise for any inconvenience.

Saturday 29 November

Peal Attempt on the Cathedral Bells

12.00 p.m.- 4.00 p.m.

A peal in bell ringing is the special name given to a specific type of performance of change ringing which meets certain exacting conditions for duration, complexity and quality.

Regular Closures

Monday–Saturday

The East End of the Cathedral will close at 4.00 p.m. in preparation for Choral Evensong which takes place in the Quire at 5.15 p.m. Occasionally, there will be a service of Evening Prayer in the Lady Chapel in place of Choral Evensong, and the East End may be open for slightly longer. Visitors are welcome to attend these services.

Wednesday

The Lady Chapel and parts of the East End will be closed from 9.45 a.m. to 10.45 a.m. for the Midweek Eucharist service which all are welcome to attend.

Sunday

Visiting hours begin at 11.45 a.m, following the Sunday morning services, until 3.00 p.m.

All are welcome to attend Sunday Services in the Cathedral.

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Wells Cathedral is a working church and the information detailed above may not be exhaustive. Please check the What’s On page for services and events before planning your trip or call the Cathedral offices on 01749 674 483.

All are welcome to take a seat in the congregation for services at the Cathedral. In most cases, large choral services and events will be preceded by a rehearsal in situ, and visitors are welcome to sit and enjoy these. We simply ask that noise is kept to a minimum for the duration of the rehearsal, notwithstanding any disruption from the movement of staging/equipment.

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