Tower Experience
The Tower Experience
A 'must see' in the cathedral is the panoramic view that visitors can get from the top of our famous Vestey Tower. The single, massive Vestey Tower, named after its benefactors, the Vestey family, finally replaced the original twin-tower concept for the cathedral after going through several design iterations & has a floor to top height of 101m/(331ft). This is one of the most engaging and amazing aspects of this magnificent building for young and old alike, never failing to astound and impress any visitor from any part of the world. The top tower platform is normally accessible to the public by 2 consecutive lifts followed by 108 stairs.
How many people does it take to change a light bulb?
Well, in our case – more than one! This becomes clearer as you leave the 1st lift on your journey through the tower, and walk along the corridor to the 2nd lift. There you will observe the upper surface of the roof section of the vaultings. Look for the mechanism that allows the great central chandeliers (19cwt each) to be lowered to the cathedral floor (over 170ft/52m) - just to change the bulbs!
On exiting the 2nd stage lift, you emerge inside the bell tower itself from where you begin your ascent up the 108 steps. Look down into the cavernous chamber of the tower as you climb the stairs and see the highest (219ft/67m) and heaviest (31 tons) ringing peal of church bells in the world. Great George, (centre bell, only rung at Christmas, Easter and occasions of national importance), weighs in at approx 14.5 tons with the remainder of the peal collectively weighing approx 16.5 tons between them.
Emerging onto the main roof section of the tower (over 300 ft/101m above ground floor level and over 500ft/160m above sea level) you will be amazed as you gaze out at the panoramic views across the great city of Liverpool as it spreads out before you like a giant jigsaw of buildings, roads, parks and other landmarks.
(PS: Don’t forget your camera – or your binoculars if you have some!)
Look northwards along the River Mersey coastline beyond the towering St John’s Beacon in the city centre (houses the local radio station), and across the city rooftops towards the mouth of the Mersey and the open sea; there, you may see the Fylde coast jutting out in the distance. (Can you pick out Blackpool Tower and the Big Dipper?) Gaze over to the west beyond the Wirral for the beauty of the Welsh Hills, while to the east the vast contours of the Pennines rise in the distance, standing as a distant backdrop against the outline of the city limits.
Sweep around towards the south-east of the city, taking in the uniqueness of the circular Metropolitan Church of Christ the King just half a mile away at the other end of the appropriately named Hope Street and then onwards, observing the extraordinary amount of ‘green’ areas in such a bustling and vibrant city showing many parks, gardens and golf courses. Watch how the city line sweeps upwards to the naturally formed ‘Childwall Ridge’ as it is known locally, a large 'green' area rich in prime residential development, and then follow the river line southwards towards Runcorn Bridge, the local gateway to the beautiful county of Cheshire.
After you have enjoyed these amazing views and, as you descend from your trip, a must-see for all visitors is the Elizabeth Hoare Embroidery Gallery (entrance fee to the Gallery is included in the tower ticket price)
OPENING HOURS
Tower Experience
Monday – Saturday 10am – 5.00pm (last ticket issued 4.30pm) (March-end to Oct)
Reduced opening hours @ 10am - 4pm (last ticket 3.30pm) during shorter days (winter) (Late Oct - March end)
Tower open normal hours as above on main Bank Holidays
Limited Sunday opening subject to services - a full list of potential dates is available in the cathedral
12 noon – 2.30pm
From time to time there are changes to opening hours because of special events and services in the Cathedral. Please call the Cathedral Shop if you have any enquiries.
COMBINE YOUR VISIT TO THE TOWER
Why not combine your visit to the Tower with our recently opened The Great Space Film and Audio Tour of the Cathedral? Purchase great value combination tickets from the Cathedral Shop or the Sale Desk.CONTACT
From time to time there are changes to opening hours because of special events and services in the Cathedral. Please call the Cathedral Shop if you have any enquiries.Cathedral Shop 0151 702 7255
TICKET PRICES
Tickets are purchased in the Cathedral Shop or at the Sale Desk adjacent to the shop on the main floor of the Cathedral. Tower only - Standard Fare £4.25, Concessions (Children of school age, OAP, Students) £3.00, Family Ticket (up to 2 x adults + 3 children max) £10.00 - excellent value!!! Ticket price for the tower is also included in the cost of the 'Combined' tickets, where you can enjoy not only the Tower, but also the dramatic film of the cathedral plus the opportunity to enjoy the audio tour - see The Great Space section for the Combined Ticket price list.
GROUP BOOKINGS
We welcome group bookings! A group tour incorporating the Tower Experience, The Great Space Film and Audio Tour or a guided tour by one of experienced cathedral Guides can be combined with a number of different catering packages, but booking is essential.For adult bookings go to Group Visits
For a truly memorable experience, why not book your group onto our special Cathedral Heights Tour? Click on this page to find out about a guided tour by our Staff to not only the Tower, but the parts of the Cathedral that others do not reach or see (often nicknamed The Heineken Tour' for obvious reasons! The bell chambers and for the most daring – the Corona Gallery …
