Climb our Tower
After being shut for most of the last 4 years we're delighted that the Tower reopened for visitors to climb on Saturday 13th April 2024.
Please note the Tower will not be open Saturday 27th April due to the Peregrine eggs hatching.
There are two ways to go up the Tower, a Tower on Hour climb and a Tour.
Tower on the Hour
The Tower will be open for climbing mainly on Saturdays, Bank Holidays and school holidays. A list of upcoming dates is below.
'Tower on the hour' starts on the hour each hour, usually at 11am 12pm, 1pm and 2pm (times will vary so please double check for your date before coming).
'Tower on the hour' will cost £8 per adult and £4 for U16s. A family ticket (max 2 adults + 4 children) is £20.
Under 16s must be supervised by an adult (1 adult per 2 children). Unfortunately children under 8 are not able to climb the Tower for insurance purposes.
The Tower climb is hard work and involves climbing 235 steps up a steep, narrow, winding staircase. The staircase narrows significantly at the top and should only be tackled if you are feeling fit, healthy and well.
Although climbers are supervised by Cathedral staff you are welcome to climb at your own pace.
Information about the Tower will be available, but this is not a guided tour of the Tower.
All climbers must read and agree to our terms and conditions which you can read here.
Tower Tours
If you would like a guided tour of the Tower then these are available to pre-book for a group by contacting visits@worcestercathedral.org.uk (at least 5 people).
They are also available to turn up for from time to time and you can turn up and pay on the door or book online (see dates below).
Tower tours cost £10 per person.
About The Tower
The Tower is the Cathedral's third tower. The first fell down in 1175 and the second was taken down because it was unsafe. The present tower was completed in 1374. The stone work internally is 14th century in date but the exterior of the tower was re-faced in the 19th century as part of the Victorian restoration. The present tower was strengthened in the late 1980's/early 1990's, to ensure it is safe for the next 200 years.
On a clear day there are spectacular views over the city centre, River Severn, county cricket ground, Pitchcroft racecourse, Malvern Hills and countryside beyond.
During the civil war in 1651, it was said that the future King Charles II viewed the Battle of Worcester from the top of the tower.
The Bells and the Bellringing Teaching Centre
On the journey up the tower is the Clock Chamber & new Bellringing teaching centre, with the Ringing Room and Bell Chamber further up.
Would you like to discover the joy of ringing Worcester Cathedral's remarkable bells? You can apply to learn the art and science of bell ringing in the teaching centre in the tower. More information is available on our Bellringing pages.
Tower Dates
Tower on the Hour
The following dates are planned for Tower on the Hour climbs. We recommend double checking before setting out in case we have had to change or cancel. Last minute changes (due to weather etc) will be on social media.
Each date includes the planned start time of climbs.
Saturday 13th April, 11am, 12, 1, 2pm
Saturday 20th April, 11am, 12, 1, 2pm
Saturday 4th May, 11am, 12, 1, 2pm
Monday 6th May 11am, 12, 1, 2pm
Saturday 11th May, 11am, 12, 1, 2pm
Saturday 18th May, 12pm, 1, 2pm, 3pm
Saturday 25th May 11am, 12, 1, 2pm
Monday 27th May, 2pm, 3pm
Tuesday 28th May, 11am, 12, 1, 2pm
Wednesday 29th May 11am, 12, 1, 2pm
Thursday 30th May 11am, 12, 1, 2pm
Friday 31st May 12pm, 1, 2, 3pm
Tower Tours
Saturday 13th April - 3pm
Monday 6th May – 3pm
Wednesday 29th May – 3pm
Saturday 1st June – 3pm