Climb the spiral staircase and walk in the footsteps of Wells Cathedral’s master masons on this behind-the-scenes tours of the High Parts—one of the most memorable things to do in Wells!
With our friendly and knowledgeable guides, explore the High Parts of Wells Cathedral:
- Uncover the unique craftsmanship that led to the completion of this stunning building
- Marvel up-close at the inner workings of the Cathedral’s Astronomical Clock
- Visit the Tracery floor, where masons sketched their intricate designs in plaster —one of only two surviving examples in the UK
- Traverse the Singing Gallery and discover hidden secrets of the West Front
- Ascend to the roof spaces and discover hidden architectural ingenuity
- Enjoy end-to-end views of the Nave from the West Gallery!
Tours lasts approximately an 1.5 hours, and are available to book throughout the year at the Welcome Desk or online via Eventbrite (subject to booking fees).
High Parts Tours cost £20 for adults and £15 for children.
All High Parts Tour tickets include day entry to the Cathedral. To find out more about admission passes, see Admission and Opening Times.
Want to make a last-minute booking? Call us on 01749 671663 or ask at the Welcome Desk on the day of your visit.
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“If you’re reading this go online and book the high parts tour… it’s a fascinating tour of the upper areas of the Cathedral … you won’t be disappointed!”
– TripAdvisor comment, 2024
Where and When to Meet Your Guide
- Meet your Guide at the Welcome Desk in the Visitor Entrance to the Cathedral. Please ask a member of staff or a volunteer (wearing a blue sash) if you are unsure where to go.
- Ticket holders are asked to arrive in good time for a health and safety briefing, which lasts no more than ten minutes before the tour begins. The tour that follows will last 1.5 hours.
Please note: we cannot guarantee that latecomers will be able to join the tour.
Safety Information
Please read this information carefully as you will be expected to comply with all restrictions and requirements listed below; the Cathedral wishes you to have an enjoyable and safe tour experience and we are grateful for your co-operation.
Before you commence the High Parts Tour, you will be asked to provide your name and age range to assist in the safe operation of the tour.
Your signature will also be the acceptance that you have read and understood the visitor safety instructions and terms and conditions. The responsible adult will be asked to sign on behalf of children under the age of 18 on the tour.
Any visitors with a fear of heights or confined spaces and/or in poor health should carefully consider their suitability for the tour.
We are unable to accommodate visitors with the following:
- Those with breathing difficulties
- Those with heart conditions
- Those with joint problems
- Those with balance problems
- Those with reduced mobility
- Those who are pregnant
- Those who have any other medical condition which could put them at risk, or be worsened by the tour
We request that all asthma sufferers bring their inhalers with them on the tour. Children and adults must be able to ascend and descend the tour unaided.
There are a number of steps , uneven floors, low ceilings, and narrow points. The stairs are steep and narrow in places; therefore, it is essential you wear suitable clothing and footwear and so not carry handbags or rucksacks or anything with a strap. Secure storage will be provided. High heels, flip flops, or bare feet will not be admitted on the tour. Sandals must be securely fastened front and back.
Photography is welcome, but visitors must exercise caution when taking photographs and should not lean over barriers or step backwards to get a better picture. Photographing members of a High Parts Tour group is only permitted with prior written consent.
The maximum number in any upper levels tour is 10 and no children under the age of 10 years are permitted on the tour.
Children between the ages of 10 and 16 years must be accompanied by one adult for every two children, unless they are part of an organised youth group when at least two adults must be in attendance.
Smoking and/or using mobile phones for anything other than taking photographs is not permitted during the tour. Visitors must exercise caution when taking photographs and should not lean over barriers or step backwards to get a better picture.
Once the tour has started there will be no opportunity for a comfort break.
The lead Cathedral Guide oversees the tour; anyone not following the Guide’s instruction will be escorted back to the ground floor level while the rest of the group wait.
The Cathedral reserves the right to refuse any visitor admittance on the tour if deemed to be in breach of any of the above. This will be for your safety and for the safety of others. The Cathedral’s decision is final and is not subject to appeal.
Please note that this is a busy, working Cathedral, and there may be some noise from other activities taking place during the tour, but this should be minimised by the nature of the tour route.
FAQs
Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?
Children must be at least 10 years old to take the tour and must be individually accompanied by a responsible adult.
What is the refund policy?
Refunds can be obtained 30 days prior to the Event.
Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?
No, If you have the booking confirmation on your phone you can show it at the Donation Desk on arrival, or give your name when registering.
What can I bring into the event?
It is essential you wear suitable clothing and footwear and so not carry handbags or rucksacks. Secure storage will be provided. High heels, flip flops, and bare feet will not be admitted on the tour. Sandals must be securely fastened front and back.
Mobile phones can be used with care during the Tour. Visitors must exercise caution when taking photographs with mobile phones and should not lean over barriers or step backwards to get a better picture.
If these dates and times don’t suit you, you can book a private or group tour.
