Heritage Open Days – Bell Ringing Drop in Session
19th September at 10:00 am
Details
Step inside one of Lancashire’s most iconic buildings and learn more about the famous bells at Blackburn Cathedral as part in Heritage Open Days 2026.
Step inside one of Lancashire’s most iconic buildings and learn more about the famous bells at Blackburn Cathedral as part in Heritage Open Days 2026.
About Heritage Open Days
Taking place each September, Heritage Open Days are England’s largest festival of history and culture, offering the opportunity to explore historic buildings, discover hidden stories and experience new places, all free of charge.
Thousands of venues across England open their doors, inviting visitors to see familiar places in a new light and uncover the heritage on their doorstep.
About Blackburn Cathedral
Blackburn Cathedral is one of England’s newest cathedrals, yet one of the country’s oldest places of Christian worship. God has been worshipped on this site for over 1,500 years and this is a chance to learn more about the Cathedral’s bells and hear them in action.
Bell Ringing Drop In Session
This Heritage Open Days free, drop in session offer a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the bells, meet the bellringing team, see items from the archives and even hear about the bells in action.
Why not combine your tour with a visit to the Cathedral café – Checks & Greys? Booking is recommended, please visit Checks & Greys to find out more.
Thank you for your support
We are a charity and rely on guest generosity. We suggest a £5 donation and would be most grateful for any support that you can give which helps to secure the long-term future of your Cathedral so that we can remain open to all, both now and for future generations. If you are a UK tax payer, please use a Gift Aid envelope and leave your donation in the collection box near the West Doors or use one of the card readers around the Cathedral. Thank you for your support.
Session Details
Try ringing handbells and listen to an introductory talk about the bells, learn what’s involved in ringing and take the first steps in learning how to ring a bell yourself – and perhaps see if you could join the team.
Take advantage of a rare opportunity to see and hear the bells in action by climbing the steps of the Bell Tower (open to those aged 8+ and under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult).
The session will take place in the Nave which is via the West Doors at the front of the Cathedral, opposite BBC Radio Lancashire on Darwen Street, BB1 5AA.
There is no charge for this event and there is no need to book in advance.
Please note:
Access to the Bell Tower includes steep steps and confined spaces. Restrictions may apply. You must be in good health to climb the uneven steps of the narrow stone spiral staircase. Sensible footwear must be worn. Children must be aged 8 or over to participate in the tower climb and under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.
