VISITORS to Worcester Cathedral are being welcomed back from next week, as Covid restrictions ease.

From May 17, residents can go into heritage sites once more after they were closed during lockdown.

The Cathedral has put a number of safety measures into place to ensure it adheres to the latest government guidance, including one-way systems, enhanced cleaning regimes, hand sanitising stations and visitors will be required to wear a face covering in indoor areas, unless exempt.

Dean of Worcester, Peter Atkinson, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be able to safely welcome visitors back to the Cathedral from Monday next week.

“I am extremely proud that the Cathedral’s staff and loyal volunteers have weathered an exceptionally hard year, and pay tribute to our visitors, donors and supporters who have helped us to do so.

“I would like to encourage visitors to come and see us, enjoy all the Cathedral has to offer in a COVID secure way and get involved in our full programme of events.

“Please also accept, in advance, our sincere and grateful thanks for any contribution towards the upkeep and longer-term future of the Cathedral you are able to make at this time.”

During the lockdown, the Cathedral has played its part in the fight against Covid-19 by largely moving its regular worship online and also becoming a Covid-19 Lateral Flow test centre in February, assisting in Worcestershire’s bid to drive down infection rates across the county.

The Cathedral will be open to visitors from 10am - 5pm Monday to Saturday (last entry 4.30pm) and from 1-3pm on Sundays (last entry 2.30pm).

There will also be socially distanced tours running at 11am and 2.30pm Monday to Saturday, priced at £7pp and using sanitised headsets and transmitters. No booking is required.

For the latest information on opening times, public worship and visiting, visit www.worcestercathedral.co.uk, call the team on 01905 732900 or email info@worcestercathedral.org.uk.