Tower | Worcester Cathedral

Climb our Tower

After being shut for most of the last 4 years we're delighted that the Tower reopened for visitors to climb on Saturday 13th April 2024.

Watch our promotional video.

There are two ways to go up the Tower; a Tower on the Hour climb and a Guided Tour of the Tower.

Tower on the Hour

The Tower will be open for climbing mainly on Saturdays, Sundays, Bank Holidays and school holidays. A list of upcoming dates is below.

'Tower on the hour' starts on the hour each hour, usually at 11am 12pm, 1pm and 2pm (times will vary so please double check for your date before coming).

'Tower on the hour' costs £8 per adult and £4 for U16s. A family ticket (max 2 adults + 4 children) is £20.

On Sundays it's 'Tower on the HALF hour"!. 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30, but other than that it is the same as the other days.

Tickets are only available to buy from the Welcome Desk on the day. They cannot currently be booked ahead of time.

Under 16s must be supervised by an adult (1 adult per 2 children). Unfortunately children under 8 are not able to climb the Tower for insurance purposes.

The Tower climb is hard work and involves climbing 235 steps up a steep, narrow, winding staircase. The staircase narrows significantly at the top and should only be tackled if you are feeling fit, healthy and well and wearing suitable footwear (no heels or loose fitting shoes). You cannot bring bags up the tower.

Although climbers are supervised by Cathedral staff you are welcome to climb at your own pace.

Information about the Tower will be available, but this is not a guided tour of the Tower.

All climbers must read and agree to our terms and conditions which you can read here.

Tower Tours

If you would like a guided tour of the Tower then these are available to pre-book for a group by contacting visits@worcestercathedral.org.uk (at least 5 people).

They are also available to turn up for from time to time and you can turn up and pay on the door or book online (see dates below).

Tower tours cost £10 per person.

Tower Dates

Tower on the Hour

The following dates are planned for Tower on the Hour climbs. We recommend double checking before setting out in case we have had to change or cancel. Last minute changes (due to weather etc) will be on social media.

Each date includes the planned start time of climbs.

Tower Tours

There are no Tower Tours currently scheduled, but please contact us to arrange a tour if you are interested. A minimum charge applies.

About The Tower

The Tower is the Cathedral's third tower. The first fell down in 1175 and the second was taken down because it was unsafe. The present tower was completed in 1374. The stone work internally is 14th century in date but the exterior of the tower was re-faced in the 19th century as part of the Victorian restoration. The present tower was strengthened in the late 1980's/early 1990's, to ensure it is safe for the next 200 years.

On a clear day there are spectacular views over the city centre, River Severn, county cricket ground, Pitchcroft racecourse, Malvern Hills and countryside beyond.

During the civil war in 1651, it was said that the future King Charles II viewed the Battle of Worcester from the top of the tower.

The Bells and the Bellringing Teaching Centre

On the journey up the tower is the Clock Chamber & new Bellringing teaching centre, with the Ringing Room and Bell Chamber further up.

Would you like to discover the joy of ringing Worcester Cathedral's remarkable bells? You can apply to learn the art and science of bell ringing in the teaching centre in the tower. More information is available on our Bellringing pages.