Chester Cathedral stands a short walk from the Eastgate Clock in the centre of Chester. Its building mixes Norman, Romanesque and Gothic work, so you can trace nearly a thousand years of construction in one site. Inside, look for carved misericords, old stained glass and the cloisters. Then walk the gardens, or climb the central tower on a guided tour. Entry is free, and donations are welcome.
From abbey to cathedral
The cathedral began as a Benedictine abbey founded in 1092. Monks worshipped and lived on the site for centuries, and parts of their buildings survive. The oldest surviving work is in the north transept, where a semi-circular Romanesque arch dates to the 11th century. The northwest tower also has 11th-century origins.
The present building was started around 1250 in the Gothic style and took about 275 years to complete. Because it grew over such a long period, the building shows Norman, Romanesque and Gothic features side by side, with later additions.
The monastery was dissolved in the 16th century under Henry VIII. In 1541 the abbey church became the cathedral of the new diocese of Chester. It is still a working church and the mother church of the diocese.
Inside the cathedral
Start in the north transept, the oldest part, then move on to the choir. The choir stalls are carved from wood and date to the late 14th century. Their misericords, the small carved ledges under the seats, show the skill of medieval craftsmen.
The Lady Chapel and Chapter House are Early Gothic, from after 1240. Most of the choir is High Gothic, built between 1280 and 1315. The stained glass ranges from medieval panels to later windows, and some walls carry hand-painted murals.
Look also for the tombs of the Earls of Chester, the black marble baptismal font dating to 1697, and the ornate lectern topped with a golden eagle.
The cloisters, gardens and Refectory Café
The cloisters were built in the 12th and 13th centuries and are among the best preserved in Britain. The open courtyard inside them, the garth, is a quiet place to study the stonework.
The Refectory Café occupies the 13th-century monks' dining hall. It is a good place to rest after exploring the building.
The grounds include landscaped gardens with water features and benches. Birds of prey visit the gardens, and the cathedral also runs falconry.
Tower tours and the LEGO model
Guided tower tours climb 216 steps, pass through narrow staircases and reach a former bell-ringing chamber. At the top, the view covers five counties and, on a clear day, Wales. The tour also takes visitors into behind-the-scenes spaces of the cathedral.
Free guided tours of the main building run several times a day. For younger visitors, a LEGO model of the cathedral, built from more than 275,000 bricks, is a common draw.
Services, music and events
As an operational church, the cathedral holds more than 20 services each week, with choirs, organ recitals and sermons. Choral evensong is open to visitors who want to hear traditional church music.
The cathedral is also a centre of musical excellence. Handel's Messiah was first rehearsed here. Its website lists events, many of them free, along with installations and exhibitions that change through the year.
Access and facilities
Ramps run through the complex, and the gardens are wheelchair accessible. The site has accessible toilets, and the entrance and parking are also accessible to wheelchair users.
A gift shop sells souvenirs, and the Refectory Café serves refreshments on site.
FAQ
Is there an entry fee?
Entry is free, although donations are encouraged. Tower tours are a separate paid option.
How long do you need?
A visit usually takes about 45 minutes. An hour or two allows time for the cloisters and gardens.
Can you climb the tower?
Yes. Guided tower tours climb 216 steps, and buying tickets in advance is recommended.
Is the cathedral wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The complex has ramps, accessible toilets and wheelchair-accessible gardens, and the entrance and parking are accessible.
