"Hereford Cathedral is full of surprises. It houses many treasures."

A Cathedral has stood in Hereford since Saxon times. The present building contains some of the finest examples of architectural excellence from Norman times up to the present day, including the Romanesque Nave , the beautifully restored Shrine of St Thomas of Hereford in the North Transept, the ancient South Transept and the award-winning, twentieth century New Library Building.

Throughout the summer you can join our Cathedral Guides to explore the interior and exterior of the building (at stated times each day). Throughout 2004/5 pre-booked groups can take advantage of our specialist Restoration Tours featuring access to previously unavailable parts of the building and an exclusive look at the current works in progress. Click to contact the Visits Manager

The award-winning Mappa Mundi & Chained Library Exhibition is open all year round and is famous for housing both the spectacular medieval map of the world and the Cathedral's unique Chained Library. Here the stories of these national treasures are told through models, original artefacts and the latest interactive computer technology . You can also visit our on-site Cathedral Shop, where exclusive Hereford Cathedral products are available, or our Cloisters Café, which offers a variety of home made and traditional foods.

 NB. The Mappa Mundi & Chained Library Exhibition is closed during the second and third weeks in January for cleaning and conservation work. Please check the opening times before your visit.

The Exhibition Shop and Café are not open on Sundays between the end of October and the end of March, Good Friday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day or New Year's Day.

Our many other activities include Concerts , Exhibitions, Organ Recitals and even a working Stonemasons Yard, where our skilled craftsmen are still using traditional methods to restore this ancient and beautiful cathedral.

The Dean and Chapter reserve the right to restrict access to parts of the building at any time. If you would like to ensure access to a particular part of the building, we strongly recommend you contact us before your visit.

Group tours, school visits and any other specific requirments for your visit requirements can be arranged and booked in advance by contacting:

The Visits Office
5 College Cloisters, Cathedral Close, HEREFORD , HR1 2NG .
Tel: 01432 374202, Fax: 01432 374220,
E-mail: Response Form

TOURS

Throughout 2004 Hereford Cathedral is undergoing a number of large scale restoration works on the Lady Chapel, the Organ The Audley Chapel and the Tower.  This work may limit access to parts of the building at certain times and we apologise for any inconvenience caused during your visit, however we are happy to be able to offer booked groups a 'behind the scenes' look at these exciting new works in progress in one of our Restoration Tours .

Restoration Tours can take in the Lady Chapel and College of the Vicars Choral Cloister with 'behind the scenes' access to exclusive parts of the cathedral including the newly restored College Hall. Restoration Tours and can also include visits to the Mappa Mundi and Chained Library and the Cathedral's working Library and Archives (available at certain times only) where experienced professionals can talk to your group about the work underway.  Restoration Tours are available to groups of 15 people or more and can include refreshments to suit your needs (including morning coffee, light lunch, afternoon teas, etc.).

This is a limited offer whilst these works are underway .  For further information please contact The Visits Manager on 01432 374202.

 

BRASS RUBBING

Hereford Cathedral Brass Rubbing Centre is located inside the Cathedral and holds a wide range of replica monumental brasses both from Hereford Cathedral and around the UK.  Monumental brasses provide today's visitors with wealth of information about historical clothing styles and fashions and is a fun activity - resulting in a personalised souvenir of your visit to Hereford Cathedral.

Brass Rubbing is a popular activity with large and small groups, schools, families and children.  All help the help you need (along with some handy brass rubbing tips) is available from the staff on duty.

The centre is open at selected times throughout the summer or is available for booked parties at any time.  To arrange a booking or to check opening times or prices please contact the Visits Manager on 01432 374202.

NB. Making rubbings of the original brasses within the Cathedral is not permitted without prior arrangement with the Dean and Chapter of Hereford.

 

CLOISTER CAFÉ

Located in the historic environment of the 15th century Bishop's Cloister, the Cloister Café offers a wide range of hot and cold drinks and snacks. As well as soups and sandwiches the Cloister Café can also provide more substantial meals, particularly for larger parties or booked evening groups. Most of the produce is locally made, grown or supplied; something that is very popular with overseas visitors and local customers alike.

Adjoining the Cloister Café is the award winning Chapter House Garden. Described as an area of outstanding beauty and solitude when it scooped Hereford City's Conservation Area Award in November 2001, this delightful garden has become a major facility for the Café and its activities.

In the summer it becomes a thoroughly charming spot for light lunch or afternoon tea, boasting architecturally designed toilet facilities as well as a wide-ranging programme of free recitals, concerts and family events throughout the summer months.

For more information about our menu or to make a booking, please contact:

The Retail Manager,
5 College Cloisters, Cathedral Close,
Hereford, HR1 2NG.
Tel +44 (0) 1432 374208