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.

Upcoming Visitor Restrictions and Closures

Tuesday 6 January to Friday 27 February 2026

Phase 1 of the work to save the Cathedral’s Grand Organ will be taking place throughout this time. For more information, click here.

Friday 20 February

1.15 p.m.- 3.30 p.m.

There is a funeral service taking place during this time in the Quire. Therefore, the Quire and East End of the Cathedral will not be accessible during this time.

Thank you for your understanding.

Monday 9 March

9.45 a.m.- 11.45 a.m.

Open Door service taking place in the Nave. Therefore, the Cathedral will be accessible only for those attending the service

Thank you for your understanding.

Thursday 26 March

1.30 p.m.- 4.00 p.m.

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

Thank you for your understanding.

Upcoming Rehearsal

Tuesday 3 February

1.00 p.m.-4.00 p.m.

Wells Cathedral School Concert Rehearsal

The Cathedral is open to visitors during the rehearsal.

Wednesday 4 February

2.00 p.m.-4.00 p.m.

U2 by Candlelight Concert

The Cathedral is open to visitors during the rehearsal.

Thursday 5 February

2.00 p.m. -4.00 p.m.

Bruce Springsteen by Candlelight Concert

The Cathedral is open to visitors during the rehearsal.

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 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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