Vicars' Close and Treasury Block Tour Summer/Autumn 2024

Discover the chain gate that links the cathedral to the legendary Vicars' close. One of our expert guides will walk you through the steps of the vicars choral where you will learn about the origins of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited street.

Peek into the atmospheric close chapel and discover this hidden gem. Why is it there? Who put it there?

You will then climb the beautiful and worn stairs into the medieval vicars’ hall and learn about how the vicars' choral used this most amazing space.

And finally explore the Treasury Block which has never been accessible to the public. See the ancient furniture in this fascinating and beautiful space.

Tours start at the Cathedral Welcome Desk with a 15 minute health and safety briefing, please arrive promptly.

Please note that this tour does involve steps and some enclosed spaces.

Due to the nature of the tour places will be limited to 12 per tour

Visitor Safety Instructions

Terms and Conditions for the safe operation of the Vicars’ Close and Treasury Block Tour

Please read this information carefully as you will be expected to comply with all restrictions and requirements listed below; the Cathedral wishes you to have an enjoyable and safe tour experience and we are grateful for your co-operation.

Before you commence the Vicars Hall and Treasury Block Tour you will be asked to provide your name and age range to assist in the safe operation of the tour.

Your signature will be the acceptance that you have read and understood the visitor safety instructions and terms and conditions. The responsible adult will be asked to sign on behalf of children under the age of 18 on the tour.

Any visitors with a fear of confined spaces or heights and/or in poor health should consider carefully their suitability for the tour.

The tour is not recommended for any of the following visitors:

o Those with breathing difficulties

o Those with heart conditions

o Those with joint problems

o Those with balance problems

o Those with reduced mobility

o Those who are pregnant

o Those who have any other medical condition which could put them at risk, or be worsened by the tour

We request that all asthma sufferers bring their inhalers with them on the tour.

Children and adults must be able to ascend and descend the tour unaided.

The stairs are steep and narrow in places; therefore it is essential you wear suitable clothing and footwear and do not carry handbags or rucksacks or anything with a strap, including cameras. Secure storage will be provided. High heels, flip flops or bare feet will not be admitted on the tour. Sandals must be securely fastened front and back.

The maximum number in a Vicars’ Hall and Treasury Block Tour is 12 and no children under the age of 10 years permitted on the tour. The Guide will divide the group, maximum of 6, to view the Muniment Room, the wooden floor has a specific weight loading, and the Strong Room, this is a very confined space.

Children between the ages of 10 and 18 years must be accompanied by one adult for every two children, unless they are part of an organised youth group when at least two adults must be in attendance.

Smoking and/or using mobile phones for anything other than taking photographs is not permitted during the tour. Visitors must exercise caution when taking photographs.

Once the tour has started there will be no opportunity for a comfort break.

The lead Cathedral Guide is in charge of the tour; anyone not following the Guide’s instructions will be escorted back to the tour start point.

The Cathedral reserves the right to refuse any visitor admittance on the tour if deemed to be in breach of any of the above. This will be for your safety and for the safety of others. The Cathedral’s decision is final and is not subject to appeal.

Host or Publisher Wells Cathedral