Blackburn Cathedral
Blackburn Cathedral
4.5
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
8:15 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
8:15 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
8:15 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
8:15 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
8:15 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
About
Blackburn Cathedral is one of England's newest cathedrals, yet it is one of the country's oldest places of Christian worship. For many centuries, this has been the Parish Church of Blackburn dedicated to St. Mary the Virgin. It continues as a place of prayer and worship and is now at the centre of the Diocese which takes in almost the whole of Lancashire.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
204 reviews
Excellent
137
Very good
49
Average
12
Poor
4
Terrible
2
Paul M
Blackburn, UK10 contributions
Aug 2022
Checks and Geys in Blackburn cathedral serves the best bacon butties in Lancashire in my experience. The range of food on offer inclduing fabulous all day breakfasts. A particulr feature is the welcome of the staff who are personab le and eager to please. This is a well run place where you can enjoy simply a coffee or a full meal for a competive price. We can heartily reccomend it.You will not be disappointed.
Written September 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
J P M
Lytham St Anne's, UK38 contributions
Aug 2023 • Solo
I attended the Sunday 1030 Eucharist. The attendance was about typical for an English cathedral (in my limited experience, at least) and the average age possibly a little lower than I have seen elsewhere. Happily there were no guitars; the service was fairly high church, as I prefer. The Cathedral itself is unique in my experience. It is absolutely beautifully decorated inside with lots of white and lots of light. The service sheet was exemplary in every way, with music for all the hymns and chants. The choir of Shrewsbury Abbey was there on a guest visit and they sang their parts of the service exquisitely. I was there at least in part to hear the famous Blackburn Cathedral organ (Walker/Wood) and was not disappointed. It played quietly and beautifully at the start of the service but had plenty of opportunity to open up and then then its power was overwhelmingly impressive. Hearing one side come in whilst the other was blaring was thrilling (the two parts are on separate sides of the cathedral); the ‘stereo’ effect was another joy of this organ. Anyone who enjoys hearing our greatest cathedral instruments should hear this one. There was toilets easily accessible near the café which was already doing a good trade. The entire complex was in immaculate condition. The polished marble floor was lovely too. It may be my ageing ears but from well back in the nave the sharpness of focus of the organ and choir - both placed at the far side of the crossing - was slightly lost. When I go again, and I will, I will sit further forward. Good, relevant sermon.
Written August 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Manfred B
136 contributions
Sep 2022
We visited Blackburn Cathedral during our stay in Lancashire and we were not disappointed.
The cathedral had many interesting features such as the unusual altar and the Octagonal Lantern Tower with stained glass windows above it, the organs, the stainless glass windows, the healing of the nations sculpture on the outside of the East Wall (viewed from Cathedral Square), etc.
We very much enjoyed visiting this Cathedral and followed our visit up with a nice cup of coffee in the Checks & Greys Cafe, which we accessed from the Cathedral.
The cathedral had many interesting features such as the unusual altar and the Octagonal Lantern Tower with stained glass windows above it, the organs, the stainless glass windows, the healing of the nations sculpture on the outside of the East Wall (viewed from Cathedral Square), etc.
We very much enjoyed visiting this Cathedral and followed our visit up with a nice cup of coffee in the Checks & Greys Cafe, which we accessed from the Cathedral.
Written October 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robin_K
Accrington, UK2,882 contributions
Jul 2022
The last place I expected to be impressed was Blackburn Cathedral, sat smack in the middle of the town centre.
The gardens and grounds are surprisingly peaceful and the intererior is much larger than I expected, with some imaginative artistic creations, particularly above the altar. It definitely captured my imagination and I would like to explore further
The gardens and grounds are surprisingly peaceful and the intererior is much larger than I expected, with some imaginative artistic creations, particularly above the altar. It definitely captured my imagination and I would like to explore further
Written July 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ann W
1 contribution
Mar 2022
Visited 9 March 2022. First visit to Blackburn, I came primarily to visit the Cathedral. It did not disappoint. The first thing I saw when I walked in was the effects of the sunlight reflecting on the beautiful stained glass in the roof lantern. Stunning. Cathedral is very light and bright with some lovely features, The Worker Christ, the Crown of Thrones and lovely decorative ceilings. A wonderful recital was taking place and the excellent acoustic's enhanced the experience. Enjoyed lunch in the cafe. Staff very welcoming.
Highly recommend a visit to this gem of a cathedral.
Highly recommend a visit to this gem of a cathedral.
Written March 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FiftyFifty5050
Montgomery, UK921 contributions
Oct 2021
We were en route to somewhere else entirely when we turned a corner and came across the cathedral, a peaceful spot in the city.
This is such a beautiful building, simple and unpretentious - very little stained glass or decorative finishes but that is what enhances it's loveliness - lots of clear light streaming through into the large nave, no dark pews but light coloured modern chairs, with plain columns holding up the ceiling, which just has ribbons of colour.
A tower, which looks like a modern addition, has richly coloured glass in it's high windows and the light coming through casts rainbows of colour onto the walls above the altar and choir stalls, which have been brought forward; with a small 'Jesus' chapel at the very back of the cathedral.
In most cases the small chapel would be named the Lady chapel but, with the cathedral being dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the chapel has been given the name Jesus chapel. It is behind a screen, quiet and discreet for individual prayer.
The space felt warm and welcoming and set quite apart from life outside.
Well worth a visit.
This is such a beautiful building, simple and unpretentious - very little stained glass or decorative finishes but that is what enhances it's loveliness - lots of clear light streaming through into the large nave, no dark pews but light coloured modern chairs, with plain columns holding up the ceiling, which just has ribbons of colour.
A tower, which looks like a modern addition, has richly coloured glass in it's high windows and the light coming through casts rainbows of colour onto the walls above the altar and choir stalls, which have been brought forward; with a small 'Jesus' chapel at the very back of the cathedral.
In most cases the small chapel would be named the Lady chapel but, with the cathedral being dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the chapel has been given the name Jesus chapel. It is behind a screen, quiet and discreet for individual prayer.
The space felt warm and welcoming and set quite apart from life outside.
Well worth a visit.
Written October 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Philippa W
34 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
A lovely cathedral, very beautiful and interesting, very peaceful and welcoming. Sunday morning service was lovely - clergy, congregation and stewards were so welcoming, there's a good children's corner. There's a children's prayer trail too for out of service time.
Written August 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
clickers3
Derby, UK89 contributions
Oct 2022 • Solo
A really lovely building to be inside. Entering I was given a free mini guide to its history which was interesting. There are a few information boards about different features around the building. Worth making a detour for IMHO and I'd suggest first choice to visit if you have any spare time in Blackburn city centre.
Written October 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
waldorf53
Lytham St Anne's, UK1,378 contributions
Feb 2020
Well this was a surprise, a lovely cathedral that seemed to combine the old and modern, it was bright and airy, possibly my favourite cathedral for the design.
The people there were very welcoming and friendly, even the bishop stopped to chat.
Excellent.
The people there were very welcoming and friendly, even the bishop stopped to chat.
Excellent.
Written March 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris H
Nottingham, UK24 contributions
Feb 2020
Visited Blackburn Cathedral to attend the Collation and Installation of the Ven. David Picken as Archdeacon of Lancaster and visited again the next day to look around. A beautifully designed building with stunning Windows and ornanentation, particularly the crown of thorns. An imaginative use of space within the building and comfortable seating. A building well worth a visit.
Written February 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cinsia2013
Manchester, United Kingdom
What’s the entrance fee for Blackburn cathedral?
Written November 8, 2018
Hi. We don't have an entrance fee to visit us but we do have a donation box where donations can be made. We hold various events throughout the year and at various times. Please check our website for what is on as some events are chargeable and will avoid any disappointment if you are visiting and we have an event taking place. Thanks
Written November 8, 2018
rita m
Kyrenia, Cyprus
Is there a restaurant or café onsite? can you purchase vouchers..
Written February 3, 2017
We visited Eastzeast Punjabi Restaurant which is in King George’s hall. Fantastic restaurant
Written November 1, 2018
Is there accomodation near the cathedral, with parking.
Written March 15, 2015
Hi, yes.....There is a hotel right next door to the cathedral, and the parking for the hotel is just across the road from the hotel.
Written December 31, 2017
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