Hidden Spaces (Tower) Tour: Bells in Action (special event)
Scale the dizzy heights of Tewkesbury Abbey tower (over 200 steps) for a rare and unforgettable experience — whilst the Abbey’s bells are being rung from within the tower itself.
This special one-off tour offers a unique opportunity to explore hidden spaces such as the Lantern Chamber and Upper Nave walkway while the bells are in full voice — something very few visitors ever experience.
Please note:
This is a working tower environment during live bell ringing. It will be extremely loud, and at times you will not be able to hear your guide or fellow visitors. Clear communication during parts of the tour will be limited. You will not be able to see the bells or the ringers.
This experience may not be suitable for everyone. Visitors should be comfortable with:
- Very high noise levels
- Steep, narrow staircases and confined spaces
- Periods where verbal guidance cannot be heard
Hearing protection will be advised – visitors to provide their own if required.
During the peregrine falcon nesting season (April to July), access to the exterior summit is restricted.
Children over the age of 8 may attend; 8–16 year olds must be accompanied by an adult (1:1 ratio). We strongly recommend careful consideration before booking for younger visitors due to the noise levels.
Tickets for this special event are limited and expected to sell quickly. Advance booking is highly recommended.
Important Information
AGE RESTRICTIONS
Children over the age of 8 may go on a tower tour 8-16 years olds must be accompanied by an adult on 1:1 ratio
Meeting point for tower tours - by the welcome desk in the entrance to the Abbey.
PRACTICALITIES There are over 200 steps to the top of the Tower and then you have to come back down. Therefore this tour may not suitable for those who are elderly, infirm, disabled, pregnant, suffer from heart or respiratory disorders or from any other medical conditions which could be affected by the climb. It is your decision about whether the tour is suitable for you. The tour will proceed at the speed of the slowest person and there will be one short pause en route. It is advisable that flat sensible shoes be worn on the tour as there are narrow spiral staircases with narrow treads and uneven floors. narrow and tight spaces.The tour will travel though areas with low level lighting which are narrow therefore anyone suffering from severe claustrophobia may wish to consider this before joining a tour. If you have any questions or worries about the tour please speak to a guide before you leave ground level.
Ticket options
Scale the dizzy heights of Tewkesbury Abbey tower (over 200 steps) for a rare and unforgettable experience — whilst the Abbey’s bells are being rung from within the tower itself.
This special one-off tour offers a unique opportunity to explore hidden spaces such as the Lantern Chamber and Upper Nave walkway while the bells are in full voice — something very few visitors ever experience.
Please note:
This is a working tower environment during live bell ringing. It will be extremely loud, and at times you will not be able to hear your guide or fellow visitors. Clear communication during parts of the tour will be limited. You will not be able to see the bells or the ringers.
This experience may not be suitable for everyone. Visitors should be comfortable with:
- Very high noise levels
- Steep, narrow staircases and confined spaces
- Periods where verbal guidance cannot be heard
Hearing protection will be advised – visitors to provide their own if required.
During the peregrine falcon nesting season (April to July), access to the exterior summit is restricted.
Children over the age of 8 may attend; 8–16 year olds must be accompanied by an adult (1:1 ratio). We strongly recommend careful consideration before booking for younger visitors due to the noise levels.
Tickets for this special event are limited and expected to sell quickly. Advance booking is highly recommended.
Important Information
AGE RESTRICTIONS
Children over the age of 8 may go on a tower tour 8-16 years olds must be accompanied by an adult on 1:1 ratio
Meeting point for tower tours - by the welcome desk in the entrance to the Abbey.
PRACTICALITIES There are over 200 steps to the top of the Tower and then you have to come back down. Therefore this tour may not suitable for those who are elderly, infirm, disabled, pregnant, suffer from heart or respiratory disorders or from any other medical conditions which could be affected by the climb. It is your decision about whether the tour is suitable for you. The tour will proceed at the speed of the slowest person and there will be one short pause en route. It is advisable that flat sensible shoes be worn on the tour as there are narrow spiral staircases with narrow treads and uneven floors. narrow and tight spaces.The tour will travel though areas with low level lighting which are narrow therefore anyone suffering from severe claustrophobia may wish to consider this before joining a tour. If you have any questions or worries about the tour please speak to a guide before you leave ground level.
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