Visitors Information
Whether you are a change-ringer, a member of the public, or interested in learning to ring, we welcome you to visit us at our towers. The Society's headquarters are at Wellington Cathedral of St Paul, where most of our regular ringing takes place. All ringing at Old St Paul's is by arrangement, and the John David Mini Ring and Handbells are housed at the Cathedral.
Wellington Cathedral of St Paul
We regularly open the bell tower at Wellington Cathedral to the public. Do come along to watch the ringing take place, visit the bells in the belfry, and learn about the fascinating art of change-ringing. We have a lift, so the tower is easily accessible to all without needing to climb over 100 steps!
Guided tours are also available by arrangement outside our regular opening hours. To arrange a visit, please don't hesitate to contact us, visit our website, or inquire at the cathedral office. Be sure to explore the rest of the building while you're there!
Before your visit, please note that ringing times may vary or be cancelled due to insufficient ringers, and on short notice. Please always check the diary on the date of your visit.
See the bells ringing:
Tuesdays, 19:30 ~ 21:00 (Currently by arrangement only. Please contact us)
Saturdays, 10:30 ~ 12:00
Sundays, 9:00 ~ 10:00
15:00 ~ 16:00
Click here to see the full cathedral ringing schedule (includes public holidays and special occasions)
Entry is by Donation.
Cathedral Opening hours:
Monday - Friday 8:00 ~ 17:30
Saturday Varies.
Sunday 8:00 ~ 17:30
Old St Paul's
Open every day from 10:00 to 16:00. Whilst all ringing here is by arrangement, the main entrance is through the tower! So do pop along to Old St Paul's and look up at the ceiling as you walk in - we ring the bells from the ground floor, so it is easy to see the ropes and the bells above you. Check our diary to see when we are ringing at Old St Paul's.
If you are a change-ringer and can ring rounds competently, you are very welcome to ring with us. Before your visit, we recommend you check the diary or contact us to confirm your visit. Please see 'How to find Us' for tower entry arrangements.
Wellington Cathedral of St Paul
Practice Night
Tuesdays, 19:30 ~ 21:00
Market Ringing
Saturdays, 9:30 ~ 12:00 (first hour usually QP attempt - check ahead)
Service Ringing
Sundays, 9:00 ~ 10:00
Sundays, 15:00 ~ 16:00 (sometimes QP attempt - check ahead)
Click here to see the full cathedral ringing schedule (includes public holidays and special occasions)
Old St Paul's
By arrangement/ special services only.
John David Mini Ring/ Handbells
Please get in touch with us if you would like to ring the John David Mini Ring/ Handbells. We can usually arrange grabs before or after ringing sessions. We sometimes use the Mini ring on Saturday mornings.
Wellington Cathedral of St Paul
2 Hill Street, Thorndon 6011
On Sundays, you can enter the cathedral through the main doors at the south end of the building (closest to parliament), then go along the right-hand aisle to the foot of the tower and take the lift to the 3rd floor. Alternatively, you can enter the tower from the street by walking along Molesworth Street and entering at the foot of the tower through the double doors, if they are open.
On Saturdays, the cathedral is not always open. If this is the case, please arrive at the Bishop's Door 10 minutes before ringing begins. Please make yourself known to any ringers who arrive.
For Tuesday practice nights, you must be at The Bishop's Door at around 19:15 to access the cathedral. The location of the Bishop's Door is shown on the map below. Walk up Molesworth Street, past the tower, until you see a large wooden door. Please make yourself known to any ringers who arrive.
Old St Paul's
34 Mulgrave Street, Pipitea 6011
Ground floor ringing room. If the main door at the bottom of the tower is shut or locked, please use the side entrance, which is usually open during ringing.
The location of the Bishop's door is denoted by the purple marker.
Wellington Cathedral of St Paul
There is parking available along Molesworth Street and on Hill Street outside the Loaves & Fishes Hall. Charges apply between 6:00 and 19:00 on weekdays, as the carparks are leased out to Wilsons Parking during those times. Cathedral parking is free at all other times, including public holidays.
Old St Paul's
Parking is available on the church grounds and in limited street parking areas.
