Group Visits
Your Visiting Group is Welcome
Groups of all kinds are welcome to join us at the cathedral. We ask all groups to book ahead, which allows us to make sure there are no major events or services that would disrupt your visit.
Group visiting times: Tuesday - Friday, 10:00am - 3:00pm. However, many other out-of-hour visits can be easily arranged by approval.
Walking Groups, Photography Groups, Local History Groups, Music Groups and many others have received a warm welcome.
Your group could be next.
Group Visit Frequently Asked Questions
Where is St Mary's Cathedral?
St May's Cathedral, Dalby Way, Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough TS8 0TW
Do We Need to Pre-Book?
Yes. We advise booking well in advance as we can get very busy, especially in the summer months. To book a visit, click here.
Is the Cathedral Accessible?
The public areas of the Cathedral enjoy complete step-free access. There is an accessible toilet facility at the back of the Cathedral. This is a separate, accessible, private and unisex facility. The Cathedral has a T Loop system.
Do We Pay?
We try to be as welcoming as possible. For this reason, short visits of up to two hours are usually free. However, we welcome a donation from your group and suggest ÂŁ5 per person. (Lack of funds should stop no one from visiting).
If you'd like a longer visit or bring one group after another, we may need to charge a small amount.
Your donations to the Cathedral Fund help to maintain our beautiful Cathedral .Â
Will There Be Any Services During Our Visit?
No. Our daily Mass takes place at 9:30am. All other services usually take place during the evening. We try to ensure that when you visit, the Cathedral is yours for the duration of your stay.
Do We Have to be Catholic to Visit a Catholic Cathedral?
No!
How Do We Make a Booking?
Simple, click here to get the ball rolling. Alternatively, call 01642 597750 Tuesday - Friday 9:30am - 3pm.
Will Someone from the Cathedral Team Speak to our Group?
Yes. This is normally possible.You should make sure this is part of what you ask for when making a booking.
Where Can We Park?
Unfortunately, there is no parking at St Mary's Cathedral. Cars may park, free of charge, in the Parkway Centre car park, less than 50 yards from the Cathedral main entrance. Coaches may drop off passengers outside the main entrance before finding another location for parking.
Where Do We Go When We Arrive?
Make your way through the main door, into the Narthex. From there, you will find you way into the main body of the Cathedral Church. Welcome!
Where are the Toilets?
They are at the rear of the main body of the Church, through the double doors, past the hall on your left.
Can We Take Photos?
Yes, we love seeing our visitors share their experiences. We try to make sure only one group visits at a time. So, all you need to do is make sure you are following your own policies. Please do not take photos during prayer time. If you intend to fly drones in the Cathedral, you must liaise with Cathedral staff ahead of your visit to gain special permission.
Can We Use The Shop
Health and Safety
Please ensure that group members are aware that the Cathedral is a large site and that they will need to remember this in order to keep safe during their visit. Remind them to look where they are walking. The Cathedral may be dimly lit.
Visitors need to take care when walking past any lit candles.
Please follow any instructions given by the Cathedral Team.
Group members are responsible for the supervision and safety of the children in their charge at all times.
Things to Remember
St Mary's Cathedral is, first and foremost, a place of worship.
We ask that everyone in the building be respectful always.
Groups causing a disturbance may be asked to leave the Cathedral.
Please ensure that the mobile phones are turned off/on silent.
Please do not eat, drink or chew gum while visiting the Cathedral.
Prayers may be said in the Cathedral, and groups are asked to be quiet or join in.
Children must be supervised at all times, and we request a ratio of one adult for every ten children in the building to ensure adequate supervision.
If you have an accident, please get in touch with a member of the Cathedral Team.
If there is an emergency, please follow the instructions of the Cathedral Team.
Groups should rendezvous outside the Cathedral, directly opposite the main door.