Closures and Restrictions

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. These could be a particular impactful for hearing aid users, persons sensitive to loud noises, young children, and dogs.

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.

Upcoming Visitor Restrictions and Closures

 

 

Saturday 25 July

10.00 a.m.- 12.30 p.m.

There is a wedding service taking place during this time in the Quire. Therefore, the East End of the Cathedral site will be accessible only for those attending the service during this time.

 

Friday 4 September

10.00 a.m.- 11.30 a.m.

There will be the Wells Cathedral School Beginning of Term service during this time in the Nave. There will be entrance only for those attending the service.

Thank you for your understanding. 

 

Friday 18 September

12.30 p.m.-2.30 p.m.

There is a wedding service taking place during this time in the Quire. Therefore, the East End of the Cathedral site will be accessible only for those attending the service during this time.

Thank you for your understanding. 

 

Saturday 19 September

11.30 a.m.-1.30 p.m.

There is a wedding service taking place during this time in the Quire. Therefore, the East End of the Cathedral site will be accessible only for those attending the service during this time.

Thank you for your understanding. 

 

Friday 25 September

2.00p.m.- 3.30 p.m.

There will be the Wells Cathedral Prep School Beginning of Term service during this time in the Nave. There will be entrance only for those attending the service.

Thank you for your understanding. 

 

Saturday 26 September

All day

We have our Cider & Cheese Festival taking place all day on this date and therefore entry will only be for this festival. 

For more information please see Wells Cathedral Cider & Cheese Festival 2026 – Wells Cathedral

Thank you for your understanding. 

 

Saturday 3 October

1.30 p.m.- 4.00 p.m.

There will be the Readers service during this time in the Nave. There will be entrance only for those attending the service.

Thank you for your understanding. 

 

Friday 26 October

All day

We have the University Centre Somerset Graduations 2026 taking place all day on this date, therefore entry will be only for those attending the ceremonies. 

Thank you for your understanding. 

 

Saturday 7 November

1.30 p.m.- 4.00 p.m.

There will be the Diocesian Confirmation service during this time in the Nave. There will be entrance only for those attending the service.

Thank you for your understanding. 

 

Monday 23 November

All day

There will be the Diocesan Pre- Advent Retreat Day during this time. There will be entrance only for those invited to attend this retreat.

Thank you for your understanding. 

 

Saturday 28 November

10.00 a.m.-1.15 p.m.

There is a wedding service taking place during this time in the Quire. Therefore, the East End of the Cathedral site will be accessible only for those attending the service during this time.

12.30 p.m.-3.00p.m.- Post Wedding Drinks will be taking place in the Chapter House, so this area will be closed to the public during this time.

Thank you for your understanding. 

 

Sunday 29 November

2.15 p.m.- 4.30 p.m.

There will be the Cathedral Advent Carol Service Readers service during this time in the Nave. There will be entrance only for those attending the service.

Thank you for your understanding. 

 

Upcoming Rehearsals

 

Saturday 25 July

1.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m.

There is a rehearsal taking place during this time in the Nave for Southampton Youth Orchestra. The Cathedral site is open for visitors during this time, but be aware there will be music playing throughout. 

Thank you for your understanding. 

 

Saturday 1 August

1.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m.

There is a rehearsal taking place during this time in the Nave for Somerset Chamber Choir Concert. The Cathedral site is open for visitors during this time, but be aware there will be music playing throughout. 

Thank you for your understanding. 

 

Organ Tuning

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 impact for hearing aid users, persons sensitive to loud noises, young children, and dogs.

 

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 to visitors 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, and end before the start of the Evensong at 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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