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Blackburn Cathedral Bell Ringing Drop in Session

Blackburn Cathedral, Cathedral Close, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB1 5AA

  • 19 Sep 2026
  • | In person
  • | Pre-booking not required
  • | Exhibition

Step inside one of Lancashire’s most iconic buildings and learn more about our famous bells, hear them in action and try bellringing for yourself as we bring the history of Cathedral bellringing to life.

Blackburn Cathedral is one of England’s newest cathedrals, yet one of the country’s oldest places of Christian worship. God has been worshipped on this site for over 1,500 years.

This Heritage Open Days free, guided bellringing drop-in session offer a wonderful opportunity to learn more about our famous bells, meet the bellringing team, see items from the archives and even hear about the bells in action.

Try ringing handbells and listen to an introductory talk about the bells, learn what’s involved in ringing and take the first steps in learning how to ring a bell yourself – and perhaps see if you could join the team.

You can even take advantage of a rare opportunity to see and hear the bells in action by climbing the steps of the Bell Tower.

Timings

Saturday 19 September:
1000-1300

Location & directions

Blackburn Cathedral, Cathedral Close, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB1 5AA

Directions:
Blackburn Cathedral is in Blackburn town centre within a minute’s walk of the railway station and bus interchange. The tour will begin at the main entrance which is via the West Doors at the front of the Cathedral, opposite BBC Radio Lancashire on Darwen Street, BB1 5AA. Blackburn town centre benefits from easy access to the wider region via the M65, M61, M55 and M6 motorways. Regional rail links from Preston, Bolton, Blackpool, Manchester, Leeds and York connect directly to Blackburn. London Euston can be reached within 2½ hours. There are many public car parks within easy walking distance, however there is no dedicated guest parking at the Cathedral.

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:
Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

Although there are some old, uneven surfaces and care should be taken, the Cathedral is fully accessible and wheelchair friendly. There is level access into and around the building. Access to the Bell Tower includes steep steps and confined spaces. Restrictions may apply. You must be in good health to climb the uneven steps of the narrow stone spiral staircase. Sensible footwear must be worn. Children must be aged 8 or over to participate in the tower climb and under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

Additional information

Estimated duration:
1 hour(s) 30 minute(s)

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