Chester Cathedral

Abbey Square
Chester
Cheshire
CH1 2HU

Tel: +44 (0)1244 324 756
Fax: +44 (0)1244 341 110
Web: http://www.chestercathedral.com


The Cathedral Church of Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary at Chester is a living symbol of continuous progress combined with constancy of purpose. For the worship and service of God have been offered on its site for over one thousand years; yet, over the centuries, no less than three different buildings have sheltered these primary tasks. The story of Chester Cathedral can be traced back to the time of the Saxon Minster, which in 907 housed the remains of St Werburgh. During the period from 1092 to 1540 the Benedictine Abbey of St Werburgh flourished on the same ground. The story continues with the foundation of a Cathedral for Chester Diocese by Henry VIII in 1541, and on to the present day. As a result, the current building contains materials belonging to every Christian century since the tenth.

Chester Cathedral is a remarkable building, both historically and architecturally - it is much more than just a repository of the past. It is a living church, encompassing many activities within its dynamic and diverse ministery.

Prayer and worship form the heart-beat of Chester Cathedral's life today, as they did in the Saxon, Norman and Medieval periods. The Benedictine monks of Chester were committed to the so-called opus Dei, the work of God. This involved attendance at seven offices, each day, beginning with Matins just after midnight, running through to Compline in the evening. Today the discipline of prayer continues, with regular daily services of Holy Communion, and Matins and Evensong. In addition, many people find peace and solace by coming into the Cathedral, and by using one of the Chapels for private prayer and contemplation. Others find support by talking over their problems with resident clergy or one of the duty Chaplains.

The music department in Chester is very strong, and the excellence of the choir in the superb setting of this Cathedral makes Choral Evensong, in particular, incomparable. There is no choir school at Chester, so the choristers are drawn from a number of local schools.

General Information:

  • Audio tour for adults and children included in admission charge
  • Guided tours available
  • Dining in the 13th Century Refectory Cafe
  • Cathedral Shop

Chester Cathedral is also a unique venue for group and corporate hospitality, charity receptions, candlelight tours, exclusive dinners in wonderful historic surroundings and much more.



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Opening Times
(2008 times)
Open to visitors Monday - Saturday 9.00am - 5.00pm, Sunday 1.00pm - 5.00pm.

There are times when special services or events can prevent visitors from entering the Cathedral - if you are planning a special visit, please call ahead.

Admission Charges
(2008 prices)
Adult £4.00; Senior Citizen £3.00; Children (5-16) £1.50; Family Ticket £10.00.
There is no charge for those attending an act of worship.

Directions
Show map of Chester Cathedral...

Chester Cathedral Postcode for SatNav: CH1 2HU

Nearby Attractions
Chester Racecourse (< 1 Mile)*
Tudor Kings and Queens ruled England when horse racing began on The Roodee. There is no more historic racecourse in the land.
Cheshire Military Museum (< 1 Mile)*
An interesting, innovative and attractive museum in a Grade I Listed Building on the very edge of the Castle in Chester. It is always developing new ideas to interpret the stories of the men of four famous regiments connected with Cheshire.
Chester Zoo (2 Miles)*
Chester Zoo is the UK's no 1 charity Zoo. Packed with 7,000 rare, exotic and endangered animals in 110 acres of award-winning gardens, Chester Zoo is a fantastic and stimulating day out for all ages.
more nearby attractions...
* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

Nearby Hotels
The Chester Grosvenor and Spa (< 1 Mile)*
This impressive, black and white timbered Grade II listed building in the centre of the historic city of Chester holds a stylish, contemporary hotel dedicated to excellence.
Macdonald New Blossoms Hotel (< 1 Mile)*
The Macdonald New Blossoms Hotel, located in the heart of the city of Chester, just off the main shopping street, and only a short walk from Chester's famous race course, provides you with the perfect place to stay and experience the hustle and bustle ...
Mill Hotel & Spa Destination (< 1 Mile)*
In the heart of Chester’s city centre, with a superb waterside location, the hotel offers free parking, free internet access and superb leisure facilities, including an 18-metre swimming pool.
more nearby hotels...
* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

Nearby Self Catering
Commonhall Apartments (< 1 Mile)*
Commonhall Apartments are lovingly restored unique 1 and 2 bed apartments, with all the modern conveniences yet all the character and charm of a 400 year old bulding.
Chester Walls View (< 1 Mile)*
Brooklands Nook is located in a desirable Georgian Grade 2 Listed building. It is a quite stunning ground floor apartment for rent on a self catering basis.
River Cottage (1 Mile)*
River Cottage is a former fisherman's cottage situated in the oldest street in the historic city of Chester.
Your property could be here
Advertising your self catering property or holiday cottage on AboutBritain.com will get you noticed by thousands of potential guests every day.
more nearby self catering...
* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

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