We are open daily and it is free to come in for general visiting during our opening hours.
Visitors are welcome to explore the cathedral, light a candle or simply take some time to reflect.
Safety and security
Birmingham Cathedral is a place of sanctuary. To ensure the safety of visitors and the wider cathedral community safe, we work closely with Colmore Bid security and local police. Aggressive or abusive behaviour towards anyone in or around the cathedral will not be tolerated.
Closures and private or ticketed events
There may be times when we are closed for private or ticketed events. Please check our website calendar for specific opening times, where any closures and events will be noted. If you are attending a ticketed or special event there may be some changes to the toilet and refreshment provisions outlined below for general visiting. Please see details of your booking or the event for more details.
Photography
Visitors are welcome to take photos and videos inside and outside the cathedral for their own personal use during general visiting time.
We ask that no photos, videos or recordings are taken during any services or when the choir is in the nave. This is to provide privacy to worshippers and ensure the safety and wellbeing of our choristers. Anyone found taking photos, videos or any other recordings during these times will be asked to stop.
We do not allow tripods inside the cathedral. If you would like to use the cathedral for commercial or broadcast purposes, please contact our events team at events@birminghamcathedral.com for permission. Our building and surrounding grounds can be hired for such purposes. If you attempt professional filming on our premesis or in Cathedral Square without prior permission you may be asked to stop.
Accessibility
We aim to be as accessible and inclusive as possible. Below is a summary of what you can expect when you visit us.
If you require further information, please email our team at enquiries@birminghamcathedral.com.
Cathedral staff and volunteers
A member of staff or a welcome volunteer will be available if you need any assistance during your visit.
Parking
We do not have parking on-site. There are a number of nearby car parks with designated disabled parking. The closest car park is the Birmingham Snow Hill station car park, where blue badge holders can park for free.
Step-free access
The nave has level access. A ramp is available for access into the chancel. If this is not in place during your visit, this can be put in place by our Verger team if required.
There is no step-free access to our galleries. There is no general access to our galleries unless they are being used for a particularly busy service or a ticketed event.
Assistance dogs
Guide dogs, hearing dogs and assistance dogs are all welcome in the cathedral. We do not allow other dogs into our building.
Toilets
There are no public toilets available during general visiting hours.
An accessible toilet is available at ground level during services and events. There are also toilets accessible via steps only that can be used during these times.
Hearing loop
There is a hearing loop installed in the cathedral
Sightlines
If you require a clear view of speakers during services for the purposes of lip reading, or another reason, you are advised to find a seat near the front and centre of the nave. Some seating at in the side aisles may have a restricted view due to the arches and columns in our building.
Large print booklets
We provide large print orders of service which are available from our welcome desk for the relevant services.
Joining a service
All are welcome to join us at any time during our services. If you arrive part way through, please enter quietly to minimise disruption to worshippers. If you wish to arrive early to a service and find a space to settle then you are very welcome. For some services, a member of our welcome team or a Church Warden may be available to assist you.
Rehearsals often take place before our choral services, and these may still be taking place when you arrive.
Explore the area
Birmingham Cathedral is centrally located, within walking distance of many city centre attractions.
Discover more things to do in Birmingham.
You can also check out momondo’s Birmingham Guide for more places to visit.
