St. Chad’s Cathedral

The basics

You may spot St. Chad’s Cathedral during guided tours that focus on the Jewellery Quarter, which is around a 15-minute walk away. The cathedral is open daily to visitors, and makes an interesting stop for independent travellers interested in Birmingham’s religious landmarks and architectural highlights. Inside, see its impressive interiors and stained glass windows, dating back to the 19th century, and don’t miss the organ—one of the largest manual organs in the UK.

Things to know before you go

• St. Chad’s Cathedral is accessible to wheelchair users.
• There are bathrooms available on-site, including an accessible bathroom.
• Visitors can pick up souvenirs at the on-site bookshop, typically open Monday through Saturday.

How to get there

If driving to St. Chad’s Cathedral, there are nearby car parks on Shadwell Street or the B4 Car Park Birmingham. Options by public transport include taking the tram to the St Chad’s tram stop, which is two minutes on foot, or catching buses 16A or 16 Platinum to Snow Hill Queensway (Stop SQ2), a 3-minute walk away.

When to get there

St. Chad’s Cathedral is typically open throughout the week, with hours varying slightly—from Monday to Saturday, it is usually open from mid-morning until late afternoon, while on Sundays it closes late morning following Mass. Masses tend to be held in the morning or around midday; it’s best to arrive outside of service times if hoping to view the architecture.

Special events at St. Chad’s Cathedral

There are events throughout the year at St. Chad’s Cathedral. A popular event is the monthly organ recitals, during which visitors can hear different pianists play for around 50 minutes. The recitals typically take place on the first Thursday of every month—you can check the latest dates on the cathedral website.