Visit Us
Information for non-ringers

We welcome visits by anyone who is interested in finding out more about ringing. See below for details of how to arrange a visit. If you are interested in learning to ring, then also have a look at the Learn to Ring page for some additional information.

A visit includes a trip to the ‘ringing room’ (where the bells are rung from) and if possible the ‘bell chamber’ (where the bells are hung). For safety reasons, tower visits do not include a trip to the roof. There will be explanations and demonstrations of how the bells are rung.

Restrictions due to the pandemic

The number of people allowed in the tower is currently restricted to a maximum of ten, so anyone planning to visit is strongly advised to contact us first, or you might be denied access. All visitors must follow our procedures for ringing in the pandemic.

Individuals or small groups

Small numbers of visitors can be accommodated during the Monday evening practices or during Sunday service ringing (although there may not be as much time to explain what is going on during service ringing).

Please check the calendar on the What's On page before setting out to ensure that the ringing is going ahead.

While not essential, it is also better to contact us before your visit. This will allow us to plan some time to show you what is going on, and to have a trip to see the bells.

Larger groups

For groups of more than four, please contact us to arrange a visit at a suitable time. For large groups such as school or club trips we may be able to organise a special event with presentations and demonstrations.

Visitor safety

There are a few guidelines to help ensure everyone’s safety. You will be given a leaflet with details, or you can go to this page for details.

Visitors aged under 18 should be accompanied by a parent or other responsible adult. If this is not possible, then a parent should contact us before the visit so that we can ensure that suitable safeguarding arrangements are in place. See our safeguarding page for more information.

Getting to the tower

See the Getting Here page for details of how to get to the church, nearby parking, and how to get in if the tower is locked.

Frequently asked questions:

Will I get dirty?

The ringing room is clean, with painted walls and a carpet. The stairs and the bell chamber can be slightly dusty. You don’t need overalls, but we would not advise wearing your Sunday best either!

Is it noisy?

The bells are not particularly noisy in the ringing room. You will find them to be fairly loud if they are ringing while you are on the stairs, but not dangerously so. Once you reach the ringing room, just go in and close the door. A single bell may be rung for a very short time during your visit to the bell chamber. Earplugs are available.

Can children visit the tower?

Yes, as long as they are accompanied by a responsible adult at all times and they are able to climb the tower steps - it would not be safe for someone to carry them.

Is there disabled access?

Unfortunately the tower was not built with this in mind. Access is only possible via the spiral staircase. In particular, note that access to the tower requires visitors to climb 47 steps up a spiral staircase to reach the ringing room. There are a further 23 steps to reach the bells.

Can I learn to ring?

Possibly. If after your visit you think that you would like to learn, then talk to us so that we can decide if it is for you. It is not a commitment to be undertaken lightly. While basic bell handling can be learned fairly quickly, becoming a competent change ringer takes regular practice over several years, and requires support from a lot of ringers.

Is there a charge for visiting the tower?

No, although you are welcome to leave a donation towards the tower running costs if you wish.