Find more Portsmouth Cathedral Events
Description
For Heritage Open Days 2025, we are happy to announce that we will be offering a selection of our Specialist Tours and Tower Tours for free!
Often perceived as a modern building the Cathedral's history dates back to the 12th century. Join us as we delve architecture timeline that is Portsmouth Cathedral, from the 12th century chapel to the 'new' 1990s west end.
Full list of tours:
Outside Architecture Tour:
1 - 2pm 13th and 19th September
A return of a beloved tour. Explore the unique building with our outside tour.
Please note: The tour will proceed in most weather conditions but is subject to cancellation in the event of adverse weather conditions. To ensure your comfort and safety, please dress appropriately for the weather on the day of the tour and wear sensible footwear.
Accessibility: Due to the historical nature of the building, visitors are advised to be cautious of the uneven surfaces caused by the old stonework. Wheelchair accessible, via alternative routes provided. For any further inquiries or specific needs, visitors are encouraged to reach out for assistance.
Architecture Tour:
1 - 2pm 16th and 20th September
Explore the architecture from inside Portsmouth Cathedral, from the 12th century chapel to the 1990s west end.
Accessibility: Wheelchair access via a ramp to the nave and an accessible toilet with level access. Due to the historical nature of the building, visitors are advised to be cautious of the uneven surfaces caused by the old stonework. For any further inquiries or specific needs, visitors are encouraged to reach out for assistance.
Tower Tour:
2:00 - 2:50pm or 3:00 - 3:50pm 14th September
Discover more about Portsmouth Cathedral on a tour of our 17th century tower, not regularly open to the public.
For information about the Tower Tour please read below:
The minimum age for attendees is 12. Those aged 16 or under must be accompanied by an adult.
The route up the Tower to the Dome Room consists of the following levels and potential hazards:
- 35 steps to the Organ Gallery with fixed handrail,
- 41 spiral stone steps from the Organ Gallery to the Ringing Chamber with a hand rope,
- 19 to the Clock Room without handrail
- Access to the Belfry is via a narrow door and angled wooden ladder with approximately 10 steps directly from the clock room
- 4 steep wooden stairs with a hand rail on both sides,
- Hatch with low beam next to it
- Narrow platform leads to a metal ladder of 11 rungs, protruding wooden beam at head level and with further narrow hatch above
- Wooden ladder with 19 steps and handrail on right
- Hatch to Dome Room
- Access to the Dome Room is via a wooden ladder to a gantry which overlooks the bells, the gantry has a wooden rail around it, with a further ladder to a hatch above which leads into the Dome Room
The tour is not suitable for those with fear of confined spaces, height or with mobility or breathing or other related health issues.
The stairs are narrow and it is essential you wear suitable clothing and footwear, to minimise risk of any accident caused while in this restricted non-public area which could arise due to the historical nature of the building.
Only small items can be carried, larger items must be left at ground level. Both hands should be kept free from the Organ Gallery upwards.
The instructions of staff and volunteers must be followed at all times and anyone not following their instruction will be escorted back to the ground floor level.
The spaces in the tower are restricted space with equipment mounted on the floor around which care must be taken. The clock and bell mechanisms and apparatus should not be touched. No access to the exterior of the tower is permitted.
The Cathedral authorities have taken every reasonable step to ensure safety and a full risk assessment is in place which can be viewed on request.
Please note the Visitor Safety Instructions will need to be read and agreed before the start of the tour.
Organ Tour:
2:15 - 3:15pm 18th September
Following our weekly lunchtime concert, Lunchtime Live (1:10pm - 2pm) we will be exploring Portsmouth Cathedral’s Organ, and how this instrument not only plays a key part in todays worship but also to the architecture of the building.
For information regarding the Organ Tour, please read below:
The route up the Organ, behind the organ and the Organ trumpets consists of the following potential hazards:
- 35 steps to the Organ Gallery with fixed handrail.
- 37cm wide and 180cm tall door.
- Followed by a narrow walkway, the narrowest part being 33cm wide.
- Fixed parts of the organ on the floor, some measuring 14cm high, to step over.
- 51 steps to the Organ trumpets with a fixed handrail.
The tour is not suitable for those with fear of confined spaces, height or with mobility or breathing or other related health issues.
The area behind the organ is very narrow, and it is essential you wear suitable clothing and footwear, to minimise risk of any accident caused while in this restricted non-public area which could arise due to the historical nature of the building.
Only small items can be carried, larger items must be left at ground level. Both hands should be kept free behind the organ.
The instructions of staff and volunteers must be followed at all times and anyone not following their instruction will be escorted back to the ground floor level.
The Cathedral authorities have taken every reasonable step to ensure safety and a full risk assessment is in place which can be viewed on request.
Please note the Visitor Safety Instructions will need to be read and agreed before the start of the tour.
Date & Time
Sept 13 - 20, 2025
Venue Details
Portsmouth Cathedral - Tour
High StreetPortsmouth, Hampshire PO1 2HA
