Special Schools
We organise a multi-sensory tour around the cathedral,
involving touching different textures and materials;
hearing a variety of sounds – organ, singing,
clock (and the amazing silence in a large space);
smelling fragrant floral displays, incense and candles;
and enjoying the visual diversity of light, colour,
art, architecture, carvings, stained glass and the
display at the clock! This has been enjoyed by pupils
with complex learning difficulties.
The majority of craft activities are suitable with
differentiation.
Pupils with hearing loss and visual impairments are
welcomed and guided in a very small group.
Helpful Advice
All groups must pre-book their visit. Please give
at least two weeks notice. There are no Guided tours
during the Cathedral’s Quiet Hour, between 12
noon and 1pm from April to October. We suggest you
allow additional time for follow-up activities such
as a short act of worship, visiting Vicars’
Close or worksheets. Please send a copy of any worksheet
you intend to use, so that it can be given to the
guide. Worksheets are not encouraged during a guided
tour, and unguided groups using a school-produced
activity sheet must remain in a supervised group.
Packed lunches
can be eaten in the Camery Garden or on Cathedral
Green. If it is wet, lunches may be eaten in the East
Cloister. Groups on programmed visits have use of the Education Room.
Arrival
There is a designated coach setting down point in
Sadler Street, just off Cathedral Green. The teacher
in charge is asked to register at the Information
Desk while the rest of the party remain outside or
sit quietly at the back of the Nave. Group entrance
is through the door on the left.
Security
Bags cannot be left unattended in the Cathedral. Secure
storage is available, and can be accessed once during
the visit.
Whilst taking all reasonable measures to ensure the
safety and security of pupils, we are unable to accept
responsibility for any accident or misadventure throughout
the duration of the visit. All participants are advised
that they should check their insurance.
Gift shop
Due to size restrictions of the shop we recommend
groups of 10-15 pupils accompanied by an adult. Our
service of pre-ordered souvenir bags has proved immensely
popular, thus avoiding the stresses of shopping. These
are supplied for £1.50 and contain:
• A Wells Cathedral pencil
• A Wells Cathedral eraser
• A postcard of the West Front
• A notecard to colour in
• A wordsearch puzzle
• Wells Cathedral card or Christmas cards
The bags are supplied in a box for the teacher at
the end of the visit, thereby avoiding the trauma
of lost gifts!
