Guided Tours for Groups

Bradford Cathedral is the oldest building in Bradford and Christians have worshipped on this hill near the “broad ford”, from which Bradford takes its name, for almost 1,400 years. The oldest part of this building, the third church built on the site, was completed in 1458, but stones from an earlier church were used in its construction and there are also a few visible fragments dating from Anglo-Saxon times.

A tour of Bradford Cathedral will include: the intricately carved font canopy and the pre-Reformation rood steps; the cathedra- the bishop’s seat- from which the building takes its name; the stained glass windows and altar frontal designed by William Morris & Co., with designs by Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Edward Burne-Jones and others in the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood; information about the Cathedral’s role in the Battle of the Steeple and other skirmishes during the English Civil War, when woolsacks were hung from the Tower, to preserve the building from Royalist attack and destruction.

You will also be able to look closely at the stunning World War One “Story” Window, the magnificent West Window and a range of interesting monuments dating from the 1600s onwards and displaying the social history of Bradford.

Bradford Cathedral offers group tours on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, subject to availability of dates and guides. As well as a general tour, there is the option of the addition of a short talk on the history of church architecture or on the Bradford Cathedral textiles. Booking is essential and can be made by contacting education@bradfordcathedral.org in the first instance or by phone on: 01274 777720.

Visit charges: Bradford Cathedral welcomes all groups and aims to be accessible to all, regardless of financial circumstances. There is no fixed charge for visits, but donations are invited from those who are able to afford it. We rely on the generosity of our visitors and friends, and we are grateful for all monies donated.

Groups are most welcome to extend their visit by joining us for Choral Evensong at 5.30pm on Mondays and Tuesdays during term time.