Walk the High Parts Summer/Autumn 2024

Climb the spiral staircase to walk in the footsteps of Wells Cathedral masons with a behind-the-scenes tour of Wells Cathedral’s High Parts; one of the most memorable things to do in Wells!

From 26th April to 8th June this tour will take on a new dimension. Whilst you enjoy your tour exploring the hidden spaces in the High Parts of the Cathedral, you will be among thousands of paper doves as a part of Peter Walker’s acclaimed Peace Doves Exhibition.

The thousands of paper doves will be carrying messages of peace, hope, and love and will be suspended in a beautiful, illuminated installation over the Nave of Wells Cathedral.

• Discover hidden spaces, galleries, and chambers, including behind the Wells clock

• See one of only two surviving tracing floors in the country where masons drew templates on the floor

• Walk along the singing gallery, complete with and learn about trumpet holes!

• Explore the south transept roof space

• And marvel at the nave from a very different perspective!

Please arrive 15 minutes before the start time to chcek in with your guides and to have for the health and safety briefing. The tour that follows will last 1.5 hours and does not include the tower.

Bookings can be made via Eventbrite; look through the dates and times available and book your tickets.

Want to make a last-minute booking? Call us on 01749 671663 or ask at the Welcome Desk on the day of your visit.

If the dates and times don't suit you, book a private or group tour by CLICKING HERE

When and Where to Meet Your Guide

Meet your Guides in the West Cloister jsut beyond the Welcome Desk , we can’t guarantee that latecomers will be able to join the tour, so please arrive before the start time listed to ensure a speedy start to the tour.

Visitor Safety Instructions and Terms and Conditions for the safe operation of the High Parts Tour

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.

The tour is not available for visitors with the following:

• Those with breathing difficulties

• Heart conditions

• Joint problems

• Balance problems

• Reduced mobility

• Those who are pregnant

• 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 considerable 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.

Cameras are welcome but must be no larger than a compact camera which can be carried in a pocket (such as a single lens reflex) - no straps are permitted. No long lenses will be allowed.

The maximum number in any upper levels tour is 8 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.

In line with current guidelines and restrictions the Cathedral currently has COVID -19 measures in place for the safety of public visitors and our staff. Those attending a Tour are asked to observe these measures as instructed by the Cathedral Guides for the safety of all. Wearing of face coverings is requested within the Cathedral buildings (subject to exemptions).

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's 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 or anything with a strap, including cameras. 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, however there are no cameras allowed. Visitors must exercise caution when taking photographs with mobile phones and should not lean over barriers or step backwards to get a better picture.