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Blackburn Cathedral

Type:Cathedral / Minster

Cathedral Offices, Cathedral Close, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB1 5AA

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 205 reviews205 reviews

Tel: 01254 277430

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Blackburn Cathedral

Blackburn Cathedral, one of England’s newest cathedrals, is also one of the oldest places of Christian worship. For many centuries this has been the Parish Church of Blackburn, dedicated to St. Mary the Virgin, and continues as a place of daily prayer and worship. It is the mother church of the Diocese which covers almost the whole of Lancashire and is a place where hospitable love of God is celebrated.

 

On your visit, please feel free to look around any part of the Cathedral. See the sun stream through the 56 different panes of coloured glass in the lantern tower with its aluminium spire. Come and listen to the world class Walker organ at one of the cathedral’s ambitious concerts or accompanying one of the seven choirs which broadcast regularly for the BBC.

Transport yourself back to the bell-ringers of over 350 years ago as you listen to the peal of the 10 bells which were cast by Messrs John Taylor of Loughborough in 1949 and still rung in the “full circle” style today. In the north transept the 15th century misericords remind us of the days when these “mercy seats” provided some level of comfort for the those who had to stand for long periods of prayer.

All this time travel certainly works up an appetite so it’s time to stop for a bite to eat in the uniquely atmospheric surroundings of Cafe Northcote. When refreshed, take your time in the gift shop where you can purchase postcards to send home or souvenirs to remember your visit to this fine example of religious heritage.

• The cathedral is open half an hour before the act of worship each day and closes after Evening Prayer or Evensong.

• Blackburn Cathedral still retains its status as a parish church.

• Although the current building was completed in 1967, the site has been home to a church for over 1,000 years and the church, which was built in 1826 now forms the cathedral's nave.

• A brief leaflet of welcome to the cathedral and a leaflet introducing The Journey are available at the rear of the Nave.

• Group visits are welcome and are available in the following areas: The history of Blackburn Parish Church and Cathedral; The religious meaning of the building and its furnishings; Works of art and objects of interest or curiosity in the building; Meditative tour of The Journey - a set of fifteen life-size paintings by Penny Warden and one of the most important artistic commissions made by any cathedral in recent years which retell and evoke the story of the end of Christ’s life.  

 

Book Tickets

Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Free AdmissionFree

Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.

Opening Times

Sunday service (1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024)
DayTimes
Sunday10:30 - 11:30
Sunday service (1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024)
DayTimes
Sunday09:30 - 10:30
Open (1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024)
DayTimes
Monday - Saturday10:00 - 14:00

* The Cathedral is open from Monday to Friday for Morning and Evening Prayer (entry by side door).

Events

Wednesday, 20th March 2024 - Wednesday, 20th March 2024

Sunday, 24th March 2024 - Sunday, 24th March 2024

Wednesday, 27th March 2024 - Wednesday, 27th March 2024

Blackburn Cathedral Organ Recital Series
more info

Wednesday, 27th March 2024 - Wednesday, 27th March 2024

Uncovered Treasures: Bairstow in Blackburn
more info

Monday, 1st April 2024 - Monday, 1st April 2024

Monday, 6th May 2024 - Monday, 6th May 2024

Monday, 27th May 2024 - Monday, 27th May 2024

Monday, 26th August 2024 - Monday, 26th August 2024

Bank Holiday Celebrity Series at Blackburn Cathedral
more info

Saturday, 4th May 2024 - Saturday, 4th May 2024

Fleetwood MacFleetwood Mac by CandlelightFeaturing a cast of West End Singers and a live band, join us for a ‘landslide’ concert, jam packed with Fleetwood Mac hits as you have never heard them before! Blackburn Cathedral at 7.30pm Various ticket prices
more info

Friday, 31st May 2024 - Friday, 31st May 2024

Queen by CandlelightQueen by CandlelightFeaturing a cast of West End Singers accompanied by and epic live rock band, experience Queen as you have never heard them before. Blackburn Cathedral at 7.30pm Various ticket prices
more info

Friday, 14th June 2024 - Friday, 14th June 2024

Beauty and the Beast
more info

Awards

  • Sub-Regional AwardsPartner of Visit Lancashire Partner of Visit Lancashire 2018
  • Sub-Regional AwardsMarque of Excellence for Multi-Faith Tourism Marque of Excellence for Multi-Faith Tourism 2009
  • Sub-Regional AwardsLancashire Tourism Awards Winner 2018 - Cultural Venue/Organisation Award Lancashire Tourism Awards Winner 2018 - Cultural Venue/Organisation Award 2018

Directions

Road Directions

Centrally located on the A666 Darwen Street. There are plenty of car parks in the town centre that are only a short walk to the cathedral. There are limited short stay parking places on the street in front of the cathedral. If you require a disabled parking space please contact the cathedral. 

Public Transport Directions

Blackburn Cathedral is located next to Blackburn bus and railway stations.

Contact Blackburn Visitor Centre for details of public transport 01254 688 040.

Alternatively, for information out of normal office hours contact Travelines 0871 200 2233 or National Rail 08457 484 950.

 

Facilities

Other

  • Concessionary Admission Charges
  • Educational Visits Accepted
  • Event Venue
  • Guide Dogs Permitted
  • Guided Tours Available for Groups
  • Guided Tours Available for Individuals
  • On-Site café/restaurant
  • Open All Year
  • Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors

Catering

  • Café

Establishment Features

  • Conference Facilities
  • Disabled Access/Toilets

Parking & Transport

  • Car Parking
  • Close to rail network
  • Coaches Welcome

Provider Preferences

  • In town/city centre

Specialist Features

  • Aim to Attract Conferences & Business meetings

Venue Facilities

  • WiFi available

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

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