Wells Cathedral has announced changes to its admission guidelines with free passes for parishioners in the Diocese of Bath and Wells and local people, and a new entry charge for tourists.
Wells Cathedral will remain free to enter for worship, prayer, and to light a candle. Free passes are also available for parishioners in the diocese. Anyone who is on the parish electoral roll (or Cathedral Community Roll) is eligible to apply for a Wells Cathedral Parish Pass. The Parish Passes will be issued to parishioners listed on a Parish’s Electoral Roll or Cathedral Community Roll, living in the Diocese of Bath and Wells. Each parishioner needs to apply for an individual pass. Information about the Parish Pass and how to apply for it is available from the Wells passes section of the Wells Cathedral website.
Entry will also be free to those living within the parish boundaries of the City of Wells, under 18s, accompanying carers of paying adults with a suggested donation of £8. The new adult tourist admission charge will be £14 for 12 months re-entry.
The changes will be introduced from April 22nd 2024 and the monies will go towards the care and mission of the Grade 1 Wells Cathedral and to keep its doors open for future generations.
The Venerable Anne Gell, Acting Dean said: “At Wells Cathedral we are committed to offering people a warm welcome and inspiring creative encounter with God through being open every day, through daily services, the arts and other special events.
“We need adequate income to ensure that this beautiful cathedral is here for everyone as a beacon of hope and light and a support for our community, not only today but for generations to come.
“All money that is raised is ploughed back into the cathedral to fund worship and mission, care and restoration of the fabric, visitor operations, hospitality and outreach,’ she added.
It costs £4,500 each day to run the Grade 1 listed cathedral, known as “the most poetic of English Cathedrals “. And, like all Church of England cathedrals, Wells receives limited funding from the church and government and relies on donations, legacies and grants as well as the income it can generate for itself.
The new charges will be introduced from 22 April 2024. Anyone eligible for free entry which includes parishioners at other churches across the diocese can apply for a pass. Under 18’s don’t need a pass. Application forms will be available on the Wells Cathedral website at www.wellscathedral.org.uk