Worcester Cathedral Library Tour Summer 2025
Explore the medieval library of Worcester Cathedral on a guided tour
Location
Worcester Cathedral
College Yard Worcester WR1 2LA United KingdomGood to know
Highlights
- In person
Refund Policy
About this event
About the Tour
Worcester Cathedral Library is opening its doors to the public in Summer 2025 with a limited number of Library tours! Our Library is the second-largest Cathedral library in the country, and contains numerous historical treasures, documents, and artefacts.
Join us as we explore some of the Library's hidden treasures, including medieval manuscripts, early printed books, maps, 17th century printed books, and other historical documents!
Tours last 45 minutes, but please allow 60 minutes to include time to ascend and descend the medieval staircase.
On arrival, please head to the Front Desk with your ticket ready, 15 minutes prior to start time. Our Visitor Welcome Assistants will be there to help answer any questions.
Unfortunately there is no disabled access to the Library, as it is up a 46-step spiral medieval staircase. Please wear appropiate footwear.
About the Library
The Library, which is reputed to be the second largest Cathedral Library in this country, contains a collection of Medieval manuscripts from Anglo-Saxon times onwards.
It also houses books collected from the 16th century to the present day together with pictures, prints, artefacts and archives.
The famous Worcester Antiphoner (containing the music and liturgy used in the Cathedral and monastery between 1220 and 1225) and the historic Music Library are also housed here.
Access
The Library is housed above the South Nave Aisle and access to it is up a spiral staircase (46 steep steps). Access is not suitable for the infirm and people with heart conditions. Children will not be admitted unless accompanied by an adult and we regret that no child under 8 years may be admitted due to Health and Safety Regulations.
Frequently asked questions
Unfortunately, for Health and Safety purposes, we cannot include those under the age of 8 on the tour. Anyone aged 8-18 must be accompanied by an adult (18+) with a paying ticket.
There are many carparks located within a few minutes' walk of Worcester Cathedral. The closest carparks are NCP Cathedral Square, King Street Carpark, and Copenhagen Street Carpark. Please check the City Council website here for more information:https://www.worcester.gov.uk/parking/parking-sites
The Cathedral Library is located within Worcester Cathedral, above the South of the Nave. Unfortunately, there is no disabled access. Access to the Library is via a narrow, steep medieval staircase of 46 steps, with a rope handrail. Please wear appropriate footwear.
Refunds are accepted up to 48 hours prior to the event, through Eventbrite.
The Cathedral has a Cafe, shop, and toilets in the Cloisters, which will be open along with the Cathedral itself. There are no toilets in the Library itself.
All tours start at 12.30 and end at 13.30 which allows time to access the Library via its medieval staircase. You will spend approximately 45 minutes in the library itself.