Visits FAQ

How Do I Book?

Last Updated on Wednesday, 18 August 2010 10:21

Contact Pam Elliott, the Cathedral Education Officer, by telephone or e-mail.  She will be pleased to negotiate a date for your visit and discuss your requirements.  Where possible the Education Officer is happy to meet with you at the Cathedral in order to assist with the planning of your visit. You will receive a letter confirming your visit after it has been booked in the Cathedral diary.
   

How Far Ahead Should I Book?

Last Updated on Wednesday, 18 August 2010 10:22

At least four weeks in advance.  If you have a particular date in mind it is best to give as much advance notice as possible, especially if you would like a visit tailored to your pupils' particular needs.   The Cathedral hosts hundred of functions annually.   It is essential to contact the Cathedral for available dates before arranging transport!

You are, of course, welcome to self-guide a group around the Cathedral but please do telephone first in order to book your visit into the diary.
   

How much will it cost?

Last Updated on Wednesday, 25 August 2010 14:21

Changes to our Educational Group Visit Rates will come into effect from September 2010.
There is now a more consistent and comprehensive policy to help teachers to book a visit that suits their learning and budget requirements. For further details see below:

Educational Group Visit Rates

with effect from September 2010

 

PART DAY VISITS
Trails (60 minutes each) £2 per pupil
Workshops (30-40 minutes each) £2 per pupil
Short, self guided visit Donation of £1 per pupil
FULL DAY VISITS
Extended trail, and 2 workshops £5 per pupil - saving of £1+
Cathedral Experience Days New for 2010<br>Programmed activity days - suitable for larger groups / multiple schools, comprising of a special themed trail and at least 3 workshop sessions.<br>Full details will be available soon on our website. £6 per pupil - saving of £2+
Sacred Neighbours / Place of Peace (joint visits between the Cathedral and Manchester Buddhist Centre for KS2-5) £6 per pupil
Shared Story (joint visit between the Cathedral and Manchester Jewish Museum, available for all Key Stages) £5 per pupil

Please Note

  • Free places are provided for all accompanying adults.
  • Free preliminary visits for visits coordinators, led by the Education Officer are available twice a month.  Please ask for details.
  • For full day visits, a lunch room (when available) is provided free of charge.
  • The Cathedral Visitor Centre (featuring a multimedia exhibition, shop, café and toilets) is free to enter.  We recommend that students visit the shop and toilets in supervised groups of no more than 15, as space is restricted.
  • We do not require payment in advance. You may pay on arrival or within 30 days of the visit by cash or cheque. All cheques should be made payable to Manchester Cathedral.
  • In order to cover our basic costs, a minimum group charge is applied to small groups. 12 students is our minimum group number; you may bring fewer pupils, and will be invoiced for the value of 12 students.
  • Cancellation policy - if a booking is cancelled with less than 7 days notice, the Cathedral Education Department reserves the right to charge for 40% of the total visit cost.
  • We do not wish to preclude any group from experiencing everything that a visit to the Cathedral has to offer. If you anticipate any difficulties then please contact the Cathedral Education Officer to discuss available options.

Why does the Cathedral charge for Educational Visits?

The cathedral costs over £120 per hour to maintain and function and there is no subsidy from national or local government. To ensure that this valuable historic and spiritual building remains available for all, we make a charge to groups and ask for a voluntary donation from individuals who are visiting the cathedral for any purpose other than worship. The money raised from Educational visits is put towards the salary of the Education Officer and cover the costs of educational equipment and resources for schools and families.

   

What support materials are available?

Last Updated on Wednesday, 18 August 2010 10:22

There are a number of educational resource materials to support the study of various aspects of the Cathedral and which are designed to tie in with the wider curriculum.  These are all photocopiable and are continually being developed and added to.  They are individually priced and may be purchased in advance.
   

Where can we eat lunch?

Last Updated on Wednesday, 18 August 2010 10:22

Weather permitting, packed lunches can be eaten on the grassed areas around the Cathedral. In the case of inclement weather, and subject to availability, a lunch room in the Cathedral is available for up to 35 pupils.  Please keep this facility tidy for other users.
   

What other facilities are available?

Last Updated on Wednesday, 18 August 2010 10:22

Within the Visitor Centre there is a Restaurant and a Gift Shop which sells a range of gifts, books and cards.  There is also an interactive, multi-media exhibition which we recommend forms an important element of any visit.  It is essential that teachers supervise groups within the shop and the exhibition area at all times.

Toilet facilities are available within the Visitor Centre and in the Cathedral.
   

On arrival, where do we park?

Last Updated on Wednesday, 18 August 2010 10:22

There is no car park at the Cathedral.  Coaches can pull onto the pavement on Victoria Street, by the Cathedral West doors, for the purpose of allowing pupils to alight.  There is also a car park on Victoria Street, directly opposite the Cathedral.

   

Where do we come on arrival?

Last Updated on Wednesday, 18 August 2010 10:22

Come to the Cathedral South Porch in Cathedral Yard, where you will be met by the Education Officer.  You will then be shown where you can leave bags and coats.
   

Do we need to bring anything with us?

Last Updated on Wednesday, 18 August 2010 10:23

Generally no, although this will depend on the nature of the Trail that you have planned beforehand.  Photography is permitted inside the Cathedral.
   

What is expected of teachers?

Last Updated on Wednesday, 18 August 2010 10:23

Teachers and helpers should stay with their group at all times and experience the Trails and Workshops alongside their pupils.  Unless it has been planned otherwise, they will not necessarily be expected to give any input to these sessions; although extra pairs of hands during practical workshops are always welcome!  At all times during the visit, teachers will, of course, be responsible for the control and supervision of their group.
We ask that all school visits provide a ratio of
1 adult: 10 children.  No pupils are to be left unsupervised in any area at any time.  Please ensure that your pupils understand the need for quiet in a place of worship.