Peterborough Cathedral prepares to re-open to visitors

Staff at Peterborough Cathedral are busy preparing to re-open to visitors following the easing of the restrictions owing to the COVID pandemic.
By Stephen Briggs
Published 10th May 2021, 13:49 BST
Updated 10th May 2021, 14:35 BST
Peterborough CathedralPeterborough Cathedral
Peterborough Cathedral

From Monday May 17, visitors to the Cathedral will once again be able to explore those areas of the building which have been closed for safety reasons during the recent lockdown. Opening hours will also be extended to 10am until 4pm from Monday to Friday, 10am until 5pm on Saturdays (except 22nd May) and noon until 3pm on Sundays.

This means that visitors will be able to have a close-up view of the tomb of Henry VIII’s first wife Katherine of Aragon and the former grave of Mary, Queen of Scots. The historic transepts, the legendary chapel of St Oswald and the building’s 15th century clock - one of the oldest working time-pieces in the country - can also be accessed.

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Very Revd Chris Dalliston, Dean of Peterborough said: “This place of prayer, pilgrimage, events, tours and hospitality is historic but it is also a modern and crucial focus for this city and the chance to re-open it more fully is a great joy

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“But we know that, as the restrictions caused by the COVID pandemic are lifted, our excitement must be combined with caution as we ensure the safety of those who come to visit.”

In line with government regulations, and in order to maintain the public safety, the Cathedral requests that all visitors wear face coverings (except those who are exempt). They will also be required to sanitise their hands upon entry and exit, as well as maintain social distancing and follow a one-way system within the building.

The Cathedral’s events programme is also resuming, with Lou Lou’s Vintage Fair taking place on Saturday 22nd May, open from 11am until 5pm (but only for those attending to browse and shop rather than general visiting). Paid-for guided tours, including tours of the upper levels, will start again from Bank Holiday Monday, 31st May. Check the Cathedral website for times and tickets.

Sundays, the restaurant located within the Cathedral’s Precincts, is due to re-open on Thursday 3rd June and will be open throughout that month from Thursdays to Sundays, between 9.30am and 4pm.

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