Liverpool Cathedral’s tower is to re-open for late night viewings, once again giving visitors the chance to experience breathtaking views of the city. 

The tower will open on Thursday evenings until 8pm from March 18th until the end of October – an extended season in response to the huge visitor demand during last autumn’s pilot scheme. 

The tower was able to begin late night openings last year with help from the Heritage Tourism Improvement Scheme, which is funded by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and English Heritage. The scheme has enabled the Cathedral to put lighting through the bell chamber and the top of the tower.  

To celebrate the new season, on opening night only (March 18th) visitors will have the chance to get up close to the highest and heaviest peal of bells in the world. On the same night, visitors will also be able to enter the main cathedral building after normal hours for refreshments.

The Cathedral Tower has become one of the main attractions for visitors to the Cathedral, and there has been a 72% increase in tower visitors since 2006.

Lorraine Rogers, Chief Executive of Liverpool City Region’s Official Tourist Board, The Mersey Partnership (TMP) added, “Liverpool Cathedral dominates our city’s skyline as a place of worship and also architectural beauty. It attracts significant numbers of visitors from all over the world. The Heritage Tourism Improvement Scheme has allowed the Cathedral to offer late night opening and will enable many more visitors to enjoy seeing the highest peal of bells in the world; meeting the bell ringers and taking in the spectacular view of the city and beyond at dusk.”

Nick Brooks-Sykes, Director of Tourism at the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), said: “Historic sites are a big draw for visitors to the Northwest, so it is vital that we make the most of them. By extending opening hours and offering unique experiences like the late night tower openings, we can attract a wider audience to our heritage attractions and ensure that they are playing their part in boosting the region’s visitor economy.” 

Eryl Parry, Director of Enterprise for Liverpool Cathedral added, “These openings provide a great opportunity to catch a sunset across the River with the Welsh hills as a backdrop, or experience the lights beginning to come on around the city. I guarantee that awesome sight will live long in the memory – it is very special. We would like to thank the Heritage Tourism Improvement Scheme for helping us to bring this unique and significant experience to the city.”

Justin Welby, Dean of Liverpool Cathedral added, "We had extremely positive feedback regarding the tower opening last year. People who may not normally have had a chance to engage with the Cathedral during the day commented that it was a fantastic way to experience what the Cathedral has to offer, and in a most spectacular way. Many said that being above the city at night is a wonderful way to take time out from everyday life and just relax. By extending the length of the opening season, we hope that it will make the Cathedral even more accessible to the public as a place of peace and calm."  

Pre-booking is not normally required, but if you plan to come as part of a large party (especially on opening night), please first notify the Cathedral shop (0151 702 7255  shop@liverpoolcathedral.org.uk) to ensure that arrangements can be made for your group. Please see the website www.liverpool.anglican.org for ticket prices.