Booking and Information for UK-based school groups.
Fill in our Enquiry Form.
New for 2026: Thanks to funding from Project Factory CIC, we are able to offer free places to disadvantaged children for self-led visits, guided tours and programmed days. See the Booking Form for more details.
Wells Cathedral is a Somerset County Council EV4 approved provider. Risk assessments are available upon request.
The Cathedral offers two simple packages for school groups booking in advance:
Schools are welcome to book short teacher-led visits of around an hour or add a guided tour at no extra cost.
Wells Cathedral guides are renowned as amongst the best in the country and a guided tour can add significantly to your enjoyment and appreciation of the Cathedral. School groups may wish to book a general tour of cathedral highlights, or one that incorporates special interest areas such as symbolism, embroideries, glass, carvings, liturgical seasons or periods of history.
Tours last between 30 minutes and an hour depending on the age of the pupils and are conducted in groups of approximately 10 pupils with a member of school staff accompanying each group.
Programmed days cater for pupils from early years through to sixth form and can cover themes linked to RE, History, Art & Design, Music, English and PSHE. Each programme is tailored to the group’s topic, age and needs, and will include themed tours, activities and reflection.
The Education Room has been specially designed to accommodate school groups. Its secure access provides a contained space (complete with toilets and bag storage) that serves as a great base from which to explore the Cathedral as part of a programmed day.
Short self-led visit: £3.25 per pupil (FREE for BA5 schools)
Guided tour only: £3.25 per pupil
Programmed Day: starting at £6.10 per pupil
Free places for disadvantaged children and for accompanying adults.
Prices include VAT.
Please see our booking form for further details.
For the best chance of securing your preferred dates, we recommend booking with plenty of notice.
Short visits: at least 2 weeks in advance
Programmed days: at least 8 weeks in advance
We have limited availability for visits booked with shorter notice, but please do get in touch as we may still be able to find a date to suit.
To enquire about dates or to discuss options, please contact our Learning Officer: education@wellscathedral.org.uk / 01749 673809 or complete an enquiry form
Once a date is agreed, we’ll ask you to complete a more detailed booking form before a programme is drafted for your approval.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Arrival
There is a designated coach setting down point in Sadler Street, just off Cathedral Green. The teacher in charge is asked to register at the Donation Desk in the Entry Cloister on arrival.
Security
Bags cannot be left unattended in the Cathedral. Secure storage is available. Whilst taking all reasonable measures to ensure the safety and security of pupils, we are unable to accept responsibility for any accident or misadventure throughout the duration of the visit. All participants are advised to check their insurance prior to their visit. Groups on Programmed Day visits may leave their bags in the Education Suite at their own risk.
Packed lunches
Lunches can be eaten in the Camery Garden or on Cathedral Green. If it is wet, lunches may be eaten in the East Cloister. Groups on Programmed Day visits have use of the Education Room.
Worksheets
While worksheets are not encouraged during the guided tour itself, please send us a copy of any you intend to use so it can be given to your guide. This way he or she will know which areas on which to concentrate and spend time. We would request that unguided groups using a school-produced activity sheet remain in a supervised group.
Gift shop
Due to size restrictions of the shop we recommend groups of 10-15 pupils accompanied by an adult at any one time. Children are welcome to purchase a souvenir of their visit in the Cathedral shop which has gifts available from 99p.