Guided climb of 211 steps inside the Norman crossing tower of St Albans Cathedral, through the Lantern and bell chambers to the rooftop.
St Albans Cathedral is running Tower Tours through December, with the next one on Saturday 5 December. It's a climb of 211 steps inside the cathedral's Norman crossing tower, which is the only great crossing tower from the 1000s still standing in England, built with reused Roman brick.
On the way up, you pass the Lantern, with its painted ceiling and medieval coats of arms, then continue along a Victorian gantry above the Presbytery. From there, you'll see the Bell Ringing Chamber and the Belfry, which houses the cathedral's thirteen new bells and eight old ones. At the top, the roof looks out over the city of St Albans and, weather permitting, towards London. The whole thing takes about an hour.
It's a steep, narrow climb, so it's not for anyone with significant mobility difficulties, vertigo or claustrophobia, and dogs aren't permitted. The cathedral itself is a historic abbey church at the heart of the city, hosting concerts, talks, exhibitions and major cultural events alongside its religious life.
Every week we pick 🏆 the 5 best 🏆 things to do in St Albans and send them to your inbox. Just one weekly email, no spam.
By submitting your email, you accept our Privacy Policy
There are plenty of dates to choose from. In October, there's Wednesday 28 October at 11am and 12 noon. November has Saturday 7 November at 10am; Sunday 8 November at 1pm and 2.30pm; Saturday 21 November at 10am and 11.30am; and Sunday 22 November at 1pm and 2.30pm. December brings Saturday 5 December at 10am and 11.30pm; Sunday 6 December at 1pm and 2.30pm; Wednesday 16 December at 11am and 12.30pm; Saturday 19 December at 10am and 11.30am; and Sunday 20 December at 1pm and 2.30pm. Tickets are £15 standard and £12 for ages 11-18.
