Heritage Open Days - Portsmouth Cathedral Tower Tour

Portsmouth Cathedral is opening its tower for two guided tours on Sunday 20 September, as part of Heritage Open Days. It's a part of the building that's usually closed to the public, so it's one of those rare chances to get inside a bit of the city you normally only see from the street. The tour takes you up the 17th-century tower and right into the bells it holds.

There are two slots on the day: 2pm to 2.50pm and 3pm to 3.50pm, and they keep the groups small, with a maximum of 15 people per tour. Because of that, you'll need to book in advance through the cathedral's own website. It's open to anyone aged 12 and over, and anyone 16 or under has to be accompanied by an adult.

There are a few things to keep in mind before you sign up. The climb is by narrow stairs and ladder, so it's not recommended if you're not comfortable with confined spaces or heights, or if you have mobility or breathing issues. It's a proper climb, not a lift, so it's worth thinking about that before you book.

As for getting there, the cathedral is on High Street in Portsmouth, PO1 2HH. There's no parking on-site, only limited on-street pay-and-display nearby, so you'll want to leave yourself plenty of time to find a spot. The tours run from 2pm to 2.50pm and 3pm to 3.50pm on Sunday 20 September, and booking is through the cathedral's website.