Frequently Asked Questions

How can we prepare for the visit?
A booking confirmation form, guidance notes, timetable, risk assessment guidance and visit programme notes will be sent to you prior to your visit. An invoice and an evaluation sheet will be sent to you after your visit. Please allow at least 14 days for confirmation of the visit as there is an extensive booking procedure! We recommend that a representative visit the Cathedral ahead of the school visit to prepare a school risk assessment and to familiarise themselves with the building and area.

How long is a visit and how much does a visit cost?
Time and charges vary, please check individual programme information. Cheques should be made payable to 'Leicester Cathedral'. An invoice will be sent after your visit.

Does the school need to bring anything?
You may like to take photographs at certain points during the visit for future use back in the classroom. It is for the school to decide if pupils are allowed to bring cameras to use at nominated points in the visit. All materials for the programmes are provided.

What should the students wear?
We ask that visitors dress appropriately (as they would dress for school), no need to wear hats or remove footwear. In addition, please remember that it can be cool inside the Cathedral even on a warm day. We suggest that students do not carry too much with them.

Where can we eat?
A room is booked for you in St. Martins House (next door to the cathedral) where you may eat lunch. You are welcome to eat in the Cathedral precinct when the weather is fine.

Are there toilets?
There are 3 in the cathedral (including disabled) and a number in St. Martins House.

What about children with special needs and disabled access?
We welcome children with a range of special needs - physical, learning, emotional, sensory. Please alert us when you book and we will discuss how we can make the visit most effective. There is a wheelchair ramp at the entrance (Vaughan Porch) of the cathedral. Further ramps are situated around the building to allow access to the different floor levels of the North Transcept and St. Dunstan’s Chapel

Do we need to book if we are going to lead the visit ourselves?
We ask all groups to book well in advance. The Cathedral can get very busy and your enjoyment may be spoilt by too many groups or activities in the building at the same time. Once you have booked, we can warn you of any unexpected closures, special services or any other factor that might affect your visit. Please bring sufficient adults to ensure that you can keep students in small, closely supervised groups.

How do we get there and where can we park?
We have a contract with Confidence Coaches, Leicester, so there is the option for us to book the transport for you (see Booking Form for details). There is parking at the NCP car park, St. Nicholas Circle. Coaches can set down and collect groups near the Peacock Lane, Southgates junction and St. Nicholas Place. Special schools or wheelchair users can be dropped off outside the cathedral precinct, as this is suitable for smaller vehicles such as minibuses.