Chester cathedral

Chester’s beautiful cathedral is a rich mix of over 900 years of architectural history. The quire boasts the finest medieval woodcarving in the country and the cathedral houses the only ecclesiastical court in England to have survived since the 1600s.

The cathedral, cloisters garden, shop and refectory are mostly free to enter and open daily, except occaisionally when there are special events on. Sometimes there may be a small charge for visiting the cathedral, for example, during July & August 2023 while the model railway is on display.

What’s on at the cathedral

• There are regular guided tours for a small charge where you can get an introduction to the cathedral or look in detail at one aspect like the stained glass or the stone masonry.
• If you have a head for heights take the tower tour to the top of the 125 foot tower and experience unique views across the city and into Wales.
• You’ll find regular art installations, sometimes with a seasonal theme.
• Younger visitors may be interested in the ongoing project to recreate the cathedral in Lego (visiors can donate a brick to the build).
• The cathedral is well known as an atmospheric venue for musical performances, not just from it’s choir at the daily services, but also orchestral concerts. There are organ recitals every Thursday at 1.10 throughout the year (there’s a small charge for these).

Eating at the cathedral

You can take a light lunch or afternoon tea in the same dining hall used by the monks of the original 13th century monastery. The Refectory Café is open Monday to Saturday (10 – 4) and Sundays (11 – 4).