Tower Tours

St Albans Cathedral is running Tower Tours throughout the autumn and winter, with the next one on Sunday 22 November. It's a climb up the Norman crossing tower, which is the only great crossing tower from the 1000s still standing in England, built from Roman bricks. You'll go up 211 steps in total, and the tour takes about an hour.

From the Lantern, you can see the tower's painted ceiling and medieval coats of arms, then walk along a Victorian gantry suspended over the medieval Presbytery and Shrine Chapel ceiling. The Bell Ringing Chamber and Belfry show off the cathedral's thirteen new bells and eight old ones, before the roof opens out over the city of St Albans and, weather permitting, the tall buildings of the City of London. The cathedral itself is a historic abbey church at the heart of St Albans, hosting concerts, talks and exhibitions alongside its religious life.

There are a few things to keep in mind before you book. The 211 steps are steep and narrow, so the climb suits those who are fit enough and isn't for anyone with significant mobility difficulties, vertigo or claustrophobia. Dogs aren't permitted and bags may be monitored. Children must be aged 11 or above, and under-18s have to be accompanied by an adult. You'll need to arrive 10 minutes before the start.

On Sunday 22 November, there are two slots: 1pm and 2.30pm. If that date doesn't work, there are plenty of others across October, November and December: Wednesday 28 October at 11am and 12 noon; Saturday 7 November at 10am; Sunday 8 November at 1pm and 2.30pm; Saturday 21 November at 10am and 11.30am; Saturday 5 December at 10am and 11.30am; 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 for adults and £12 for children and young people aged 11 to 18.