Step inside one of Lancashire’s most iconic buildings and enjoy a fascinating tour of Blackburn Cathedral as part in Heritage Open Days 2026

About Heritage Open Days

Taking place each September, Heritage Open Days are England’s largest festival of history and culture, offering the opportunity to explore historic buildings, discover hidden stories and experience new places, all free of charge.

Thousands of venues across England open their doors, inviting visitors to see familiar places in a new light and uncover the heritage on their doorstep.

About Blackburn Cathedral

Blackburn Cathedral is one of England’s newest cathedrals, yet one of the country’s oldest places of Christian worship. God has been worshipped on this site for over 1,500 years and this is a wonderful chance to discover how the Cathedral has grown and changed over time.

From its medieval origins to life as a parish church and then becoming a cathedral in 1926, you can learn about the people and events that have shaped the building and community of today.

Free Cathedral Tour

This Heritage Open Days free, guided tour offers a wonderful opportunity to discover those stories.

Whether you're visiting for the first time or have passed through our famous West Doors many times before, you'll gain a deeper appreciation of the building's rich history, stunning architecture and the stories that have shaped Cathedral life over the last century.

Why not combine your tour with a visit to the Cathedral café - Checks & Greys? Booking is recommended, please visit Checks & Greys to find out more.

Thank you for your support

We are a charity and rely on guest generosity. We suggest a £5 donation and would be most grateful for any support that you can give which helps to secure the long-term future of your Cathedral so that we can remain open to all, both now and for future generations. If you are a UK tax payer, please use a Gift Aid envelope and leave your donation in the collection box near the West Doors or use one of the card readers around the Cathedral. Thank you for your support.

Tour Details

Our knowledgeable guides will share fascinating insights as you explore this remarkable building, bringing its history to life through stories and its most interesting features - including some of the country's most significant pieces of modern religious art.

The tour will begin at the main entrance which is via the West Doors at the front of the Cathedral, opposite BBC Radio Lancashire on Darwen Street, BB1 5AA.

There is no charge for this tour, places are strictly limited and must be booked in advance.

Description supplied by the event organiser.