News

Open doors at the Cathedral...

St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds, is taking part in the annual Heritage Open days in September, by opening two spaces which are not usually open to the public.

The Ancient Library will be open for 30 minute long tours on Friday 10, Saturday 11, Friday 17 and Saturday 18 September. This is a rare opportunity to see the Cathedral’s fine collection of books on a range of topics, part of the Library dating back to 1595, and to see how they have been conserved. On the Fridays the tours start at 2 pm (5 tours available) and on the Saturdays they begin at 10 am (4 tours available). Tickets, which are free of charge, must be pre-booked by going to the Cathedral website https://stedscathedral.org/events/heritage-open-days-5

The Norman Tower, alongside the Cathedral, will also be open. T45-minute visits are being offered on Saturday 11 September. These will include a demonstration of bellringing and a brief history of the Norman Tower, the bells and the art of bellringing. In addition on Thursday 16 September there will be an open afternoon from 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm. Tickets for the tours must be pre-booked via What's On West Suffolk.

Sarah Friswell, Visitor Experience Manager said: “Heritage Open Days is a great way for people to get behind the scenes and explore parts of the Cathedral not regularly open to visitors. Last year, we had to go online for these events, so we are pleased to be able to offer these tours in person.”

Please note that both the Ancient Library and Norman Tower are accessed via narrow spiral staircases. No lift access is available due to the historic nature of the buildings.