Self Guided Visits

This page gives information which will help you to plan your Self Guided visit to Chichester Cathedral.

Booked Self Guided Visits

If you’re planning a teacher-supervised self–guided visit then please do notify us in advance as we can weave your trip around any events not listed in our calendar.

It is wise to book at least six weeks in advance, especially if you have a particular date in mind. If for some reason you can’t plan so far ahead, do give us a ring and we will always try to accommodate you.

Unfortunately access to the Cathedral is very limited on Tuesdays so please avoid planning a visit on a Tuesday.

Please email bookings@chichestercathedral.org.ukto check potential visit dates and make a preliminary booking. You will receive an email confirming the date and numbers visiting and advising you of any other events happening in the Cathedral during your visit.

Entry to the Cathedral

We do not charge for entry to the cathedral, as we believe this beautiful building should be available to all. However, if you are including us on a programme of events, then please do contribute; not only does this support the ongoing maintenance of this historic building but it helps us to avoid admission charges too.

We suggest a small donation of £2.00 per student, but do not ask for anything per adult as we encourage you to bring as many adults as are needed to adequately supervise the group.  Payment may be made by cash, cheque (payable to The Dean and Chapter of Chichester Cathedral), or voucher.

Lunch

In good weather please feel free to make use of the South West lawn, which is situated near to the Cloisters.

You can book the Eastern Arm of the Cloisters (heated in winter), which will seat about seventy on stone and wooden benches but doesn’t have any tables. The Eastern Arm is free to use for School Friends and schools who book workshops with us.  Otherwise there is a £20 fee.

If you would like to use the Eastern Arm please let us know when you book the visit as it is sometimes unavailable due to Services in the Cathedral or already in use for another event.

Toilets

The toilets are situated in the North Transept; please be aware they are also used by the general public.

Cathedral Shop

The shop is delighted to welcome visitors, especially school children, however please limit the numbers to 8 at a time, accompanied by an adult.

What is expected of the staff and group leaders or parent helpers?

The building can accommodate large groups but we ask that they are divided into smaller groups with staggered entry.

Teachers and adult helpers should stay with their groups at all times since they remain responsible for the control and supervision of the groups at all times.  

We recommend the following Staff : Pupil ratios, as recommended by OFSTED and the NSPCC.

Age GroupRatios
0-2 years1 adult: 3 children
2-3 years1 adult: 4 children
4-8 years1 adult: 6 children
9–12 years1 adult: 8 children
13-18 years1 adult: 10 children

You should meet your school’s supervision ratio depending on the age of the pupils and the nature of your visit.

Please remind children to be quiet and to move around respectfully as the Cathedral is a place of prayer.

Booking Guidelines and Supporting Documents

On the Day Guidelines for Adult Helpers

Chichester Cathedral and Precincts Map 

Guidance for self-led school visits

For Primary School groups, we offer a variety of trails that are useful for a self-led visit. Please visit our Children’s Trails page for a selection of trails to download.

Whilst we would strongly recommend you book a tour of the Cathedral with a Cathedral guide, if you choose to deliver a self-guided tour, whilst planning your visit please be aware of news about Bishop George Bell first publicised in October 2015 - follow this link for more information.

Statement on the Rt. Revd George Bell (1883 -1958)