Worcester Cathedral has been visited by AccessAble and rated an accessible venue. Please click here for more information.
Worcester Cathedral aims to be as accessible as possible for all visitors. Due to the age of the building it is not possible to make all areas completely accessible but we hope that the following will enhance your visit.
Entrance
Visitor access to the Cathedral is via the main north porch, in College Yard (opposite the High Street).
There is currently no access via the south side of the Cathedral (off College Green) or through the west door.
Welcomers
When the Cathedral is open, our Welcomers are usually on hand to offer advice and assistance on most days from 10am – 4.30pm.
Welcomers wear a green sash with the Cathedral logo and are usually stationed near the doors and the Welcome Desk. Some of our Welcomers have received Dementia Awareness training.
Wheelchair Access
The Nave (main part) of Worcester Cathedral is wheelchair accessible from the North Door via a slope. A larger part of the door can be opened to allow access for a bigger vehicle. The Nave is flat and level.
From the Nave there is a slope down to the Cloisters where the Chapter House, Café, shop and toilets can be found. There is a disabled toilet off the Cloister which requires a RADAR key.
There is access into the Quire via a slope from the Friends’ Door on the north side of the Cathedral. The Quire is level and flat.
We regret that there is no wheelchair access to the tower, crypt, Library, St John's Chapel or inside Prince Arthur's Chantry.
Folding wheelchairs are available to borrow. Please ask a Verger or Welcomer.
Toilets
There is a non-gendered accessible toilet off the Cloister. A RADAR key is needed to open the toilet, but spare keys are available from the shop and the Vergers. There is a baby changing facility in this toilet.
There are also male and female toilets available in the same location, accessed via the Cloister.
Parking
Worcester Cathedral does not have a car park, however there are several car parks within a short distance of the Cathedral.
We would recommend parking opposite the Cathedral, in Cathedral Square where there is a pay and display, accessible NCP multi-storey car park. Alternatively, Copenhagen Street car park is located to the West of the Cathedral off Deansway, and to the East, King Street car park, off Edgar Street, all within a 5 minute walk of the main visitor entrance. For more information, please visit the Worcester City Council website here.
Additional Resources
There is a large-print guide to Worcester Cathedral available. Please ask a Welcomer. There are also large print Service Booklets and Monthly Music Schemes available. A tactile maps, produced in partnership with the Royal National College for the Blind, is available in the Nave.
Our welcome leaflet and map has been translated into a number of different languages, and can be downloaded here.
Assistance dogs
Assistance Dogs are welcome. Pet dogs are invited to enjoy the grounds while on a lead.
Hearing loop
There is a hearing loop available during services, which our Vestry team can advise you further on.
The Tower
Access to the tower is by an ancient and at points very narrow spiral staircase. The climb of 235 steps can be strenuous, and should not be undertaken by anyone not reasonably fit, or uncomfortable with enclosed spaces.
All children must be able to climb independently (and not be carried) and be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Medieval Library
The Library is accessed via a medieval spiral staircase of 40 steps plus another 6 straight steps. There is no disabled access and it is not recommended for people with mobility issues, other health concerns or a dislike of enclosed spaces.
Contact
If you have any questions about accessibility at Worcester Cathedral, please contact the Vergers on 01905 732930 (please leave a message if the Vergers are away from their office).