Chester Cathedral
Chester Cathedral is many things to many people: a vibrant community of worship, an ancient abbey, an archaeological treasure, a cultural hub, a centre of musical excellence, a unique blend of modern and medieval history. Founded as a Benedictine Abbey in 1092 and becoming a cathedral in 1541, Chester Cathedral has a rich history and diverse, exciting future welcoming thousands of visitors from all over the world. Step inside and discover one of the finest cathedrals in the UK.
Book onto the Cathedral Discovery Tour where you will learn all about the Cathedral's vast history and discover the wealth of riches that make this thousand-year-old building so special. For those feeling more adventurous, book on to the award-winning Tower Tour where you'll climb 216 steps to the top of the Tower, via various viewing galleries to admire breathtaking views of the Cathedral's interior.
From the Tower you'll take in the view encompassing one city, two countries and five counties! This tour is full of picture-perfect opportunities. Enjoy tea, coffee, or lunch in the oldest dining hall in Chester, a thirteenth-century Monks dining hall known as Cafe 1092. And make sure to visit the beautiful and unique Cathedral Gift Shop which has a fantastic range of gifts and souvenirs for all seasons and occasions, include their very own Cathedral Gin!
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Content from around the site
Peace Doves
Dates: 2nd May - 17th Jun 2025
Chester Cathedral is honoured to host Peace Doves, an extraordinary installation artwork by internationally acclaimed sculptor Peter Walker. This impactful installation, featuring thousands of paper doves decorated with messages of peace.
Creeds
Dates: 1st May - 19th Sept 2025
Creed: a formal statement of beliefs. But who writes them? And how do we put into words what we believe in?
Poetry for Peace with Imtiaz Dharker
Dates: 20th May - 20th May 2025
An evening of poetry on the theme of peace under Peter Walker’s stunning Peace Doves installation in the Cathedral’s South Transept.
Jugalbandi: A Classical Indian Concert
Dates: 27th May - 27th May 2025
Join us for an enchanting evening as three British-born musicians come together, taking you on a journey of Indian classical music at the Cathedral.
Businesses close to Chester Cathedral
Cafe 1092 in the Refectory
Cafe 1092 in the Refectory is located within the nearly thousand year old Chester Cathedral.
The Botanist
Located on St. Werburgh Street Chester, The Botanist is a concept unlike anything else! A floral-themed lodge, aged and transformed into a homely retreat, complete with watering cans and other agricultural accoutrements.
Music Hall Tap
By day a relaxed and friendly place to grab a bite to eat and catch up with your friends, by night the perfect place to party offering style and substance without an ounce of pretension.
Barbour
J. Barbour & Sons is an English luxury fashion brand founded by John Barbour in 1894, that designs, manufactures and markets weather proofed outerwear, ready to wear, leather goods, shoes and accessories for men and women under he Barbour Brand.