St Mary's Cathedral is open every day between 7.15am and 6pm (9pm during the summer months). There is disabled access through the main West Door. There are toilets available for the use of visitors.

There is a shop, staffed between Easter and September, which sells postcards, prints of paintings of the Cathedral and its environs, CDs recorded by the choir and various other small items. The volunteer staff are also more than happy to answer any questions about the history and ongoing life of the Cathedral.

Ministry to Visitors

When the group was formed, the remit was to satisfy a perceived need for a Christian welcome for all the people who visit the Cathedral for whatever reason. Its aim today is no different.

During the summer months the team of Welcomers is available to greet visitors, provide information and chat with anyone who wants a listening ear. Most Welcomers are members of the congregation who commit themselves to a regular period of time each week. New Welcomers attend a preliminary training meeting to familiarise them with the Cathedral's procedures and policies. All Welcomers meet before Easter and usually there is a speaker to increase knowledge of some aspect of the Cathedral, such as its history.

A number of publications serve visitors - Welcome Leaflets in several languages, the Guide Book, the Guides to the Kneelers and the Song School Murals. There are postcards available for sale and a number of other small souvenir items. Embroidered bookmarks and cards and crocheted bookmarks are stitched by a band of embroiderers.

Many groups ask for guided tours of the Cathedral and whenever possible their requirements are met. Currently there are only a few people prepared to lead such tours and this is being addressed at present. Many visitors express their pleasure at the welcome they receive and friendships have been made between Welcomers and visitors.

The Cathedral is open daily throughout the year, and also takes part in "Doors Open Day", an event organised by the Cockburn Association, when many buildings, not normally open to the public, throw open their doors. On such occasions an exhibition of vestments is organised and refreshments are served.

The dedication of the Welcomers to this ministry makes it the success it is. If anyone would like to join or find out more information, please contact the Cathedral Office at office@cathedral.net