Join us for a unique guided tour of the ongoing restoration work on the magnificent West Front of the Cathedral, followed by a delightful Afternoon Tea provided by The Loft Café.
This exclusive experience offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness conservation efforts up close, explore the intricate craftsmanship involved, and gain a deeper appreciation for the Cathedral’s architectural and historical significance.
Led by a knowledgeable Cathedral guide and accompanied by a member of the conservation team from Cliveden Conservation, the tour provides an in-depth look at the history of the West Front, along with expert insights into the current restoration techniques, materials, and challenges.
Please meet at the Welcome Desk to the Cathedral, where your guide will meet you before proceeding to the West Front.
The tour will last 1hr on the scaffolding works followed by refreshments.
Please email visits@wellscathedral.org.uk for any questions.
Visitor Safety Instructions and Terms and Conditions for the safe operation of the West Front Scaffolding Tour
Please read this information carefully as you will be expected to comply with all restrictions and requirements listed below; we want you to have an enjoyable and safe tour experience and we are grateful for your co-operation.
Before you commence the 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.
Anyone 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. All participants must be able to ascend and descend the tour unaided.
There are a considerable number of steps, uneven surfaces, and possible obstacles. It is essential you wear suitable clothing and footwear and do 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 tour group is only permitted with prior written consent.
The maximum number in any tour is 6 and no children under the age of 16 years are permitted on the tour.
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.
Cliveden Conservation, the project contractors, will oversee the tour; anyone not following the contractor’s instruction will be escorted back to the ground floor level while the rest of the group wait. All groups will be accompanied by a member of Cathedral staff.
All tour participants are advised to wash their hands at the end of the tour due to the presence of pigeon guano. A hand washing station will be available.
The Cathedral and/or Cliveden Conservation 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 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.
