Hidden Places at Saint John's

This guided tour allows visitors to explore the ‘behind the scenes’ spaces at the Cathedral. These are places that are normally only accessible to clergy and staff.

In the company of one of our guides, you will climb the stairs to stand on the West Gallery and see the Cathedral from a different viewpoint. Of special interest is the bay over the Walsingham Chapel, which is accessed via a spiral staircase from the North Transept.

You will visit the beautiful sacristies, where the priests prepare for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and where the Choir and Altar Servers get ready to assist them. Enjoy the Choristers' Tunnel, which allows us to move from the sacristies to the Chancel unseen. Finally descend into the Columbarium, which lies under the north end of the Cathedral.

Timings & Tours

Friday 12 September:

11am

Saturday 13 September:

3pm

Monday 15 September:

11am

Friday 19 September:

11am

Location & directions

Cathedral House, Unthank Road, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 2PA

Directions:

The Cathedral and Narthex main entrances are on Earlham Road, with a small car park to the West of the Cathedral (please note that the parking spaces immediately beside the Cathedral are permit holders only). The North Porch entrance to the Cathedral is adjacent to the steps leading up from the road. Level access to the Cathedral can be found via the main entrance to the Narthex at the top of this car park. A second small car park can be found on Unthank Road, next door to the Trinity United Reform Church and leads you through our garden and into the Narthex. From this car park you can also access the Parish Office in Cathedral House, next to the Sacristy. The Cathedral is a 10 minute walk from the centre of Norwich, with a footbridge over Grapes Hill or pedestrian crossings around Chapelfield Road. The number 25 and 26 network buses serve the bus stop outside the Cathedral.

Contact on day:

Heritage Officer

Telephone number:

+441603724381

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

If you can no longer fulfil your booking, please cancel this by emailing [email protected] to provide others with the opportunity to attend.

Booking contact name:

The Forum

Booking website:

https://norfolkhods.ticketsolve.com/

Booking opens:

27 Aug 2025 10:00 AM

Booking closes:

11 Sep 2025 03:00 PM

Accessibility details

This tour is a physically active event. It involves ascending and descending spiral staircases, stepping over high thresholds, entering locations that are at height, and changes in light throughout. You will need suitable footwear: high heels/stilettos, slip-on shoes or flip-flops can be hazardous. A flat shoe or trainer that secures to the foot is recommended. Large or heavy bags are not recommended- we will advise you on storing these until after the tour has completed. We ask that you advise us of any medical conditions that may affect your ability to undertake the tour safely.

Additional information

Max no of people per tour:

12

Est. tour duration:

1 hour(s) 0 minute(s)

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