Man holding a tool working on carving a stone

Stonemasonry Works Yard Tours

Explore behind-the-scenes where our skilled stonemasons work

Tour information

Make your visit unforgettable.

Take a unique backstage tour with an expert guide around our Works Yard, one of only ten English Cathedral works yards in the country.

Learn how 150 million-year-old blocks of upper Jurassic Limestone weighing up to 5 tonnes are transformed and shaped to conserve and restore this remarkable building.

Visit the Drawing Office where conservation is planned and templates for replacement stones are drawn up by our masons.

You may even get to see our skilled masons in action! 21st Century know-how and hand-carving skills that have been practiced here since the 13th Century are brought together to protect this amazing heritage building for generations to come.

Tickets

Prices

Adult: £20 (when pre-booked online)
Student: £15 (12+ in full time education)
Young person (12-16): £12 (when pre-booked online)

Book a Works Yard Tour

This tour may not be suitable for anyone under 10 years of age. The tour is partly outside so please ensure you wear suitable clothing and footwear. If you use a mobility aid then please contact us on 01722 512156 prior to booking so we can inform you of any areas of the tour which may prove difficult.

Book online in advance to access to cheaper ticket prices. Tickets may be available for tours on the day at a higher rate, however tours are often booked up in advance so we cannot guarantee you will be able to book onto a tour on the day.

If you love history and are fascinated by behind the scenes tours, this is for you.
Tripadvisor

Stone Carving Workshop – SOLD OUT

Please note, our stone carving workshops for 2024 are now fully booked.

Learn more

Private Tours & Group Bookings

Get in touch if you’d like to arrange a private Stonemasonry Works Yard Tour, or make a booking for a group. We offer special rates and discounts for groups. Please email groups@salcath.co.uk to learn more.

Works Yard Tours FAQs

General Information

How do I book?

You can book a Works Yard tour online by clicking the ‘book now’ button at the top of this page. You can also book at our Front Desk (email: frontdesk@salcath.co.uk, phone: 01722 555156). Booking in advance is essential.
How much does it cost?

Adults: £18 when prebooked online
Student: £13 (12+ in full time education)

Tours are scheduled every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and include admission to the Cathedral and Chapter House with Magna Carta on the day of your visit.

Booking online in advance will give you access to cheaper ticket prices. Tickets may be available for tours on the day for a more expensive rate, however tours are often booked up in advance so we cannot guarantee you will be able to book a tour on the day.
Is entry to the Cathedral included?

A Works Yard tour ticket includes entry to the Cathedral and Chapter House on the day of the tour only. It does not include the free re-entry (valid for 12 months) that comes with a standard Cathedral entry ticket. The cost of the Works Yard tour ticket cannot be offset against the previous purchase of a standard Cathedral entry ticket.

You can visit the Cathedral and Chapter House before or after the Works Yard tour – please refer to our general opening hours for opening/closing times.
How long do the tours last?

Tours last approximately 1 hour.
When do the tours run?

Tours are scheduled every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Spaces are limited, so we recommended booking your tour in advance.
Who is this tour for?

If you’re interested in exploring behind-the-scenes at one of England’s few remaining cathedral works yards, then this is the tour for you!

The tour is on level ground, so is accessible for wheelchair users.

It may not be suitable for anyone under 10 years of age.
Why have I not recieved my booking confirmation?

Please check that it hasn’t gone to your spam folder first. If you still can’t find it, please contact us by Email: frontdesk@salcath.co.uk, or Phone: 01722 555156.
What happens if I’m late?

Tours start promptly at the scheduled time and if you are late you may not be able to join the tour. We recommend arriving early, and you may wish to visit the Cathedral, or the shop and restaurant, before your tour.

If you are running late please call 01722 555156 to notify our Front Desk team.
What are the restrictions for this tour?

This tour may not be suitable for anyone under 10 years of age. The tour is partly outside so please ensure you wear suitable clothing and footwear.

The tour is on level ground, so is accessible for wheelchair users.
Is photography permitted?

You are welcome to take photographs for personal use, but tripods are not permitted on the tour.