Need information about visiting the Cathedral? See below for all the practicalities.
Practicalities
PRACTICALITIES FOR VISITORS
The Cathedral is generally open between 10am and 4.15pm on weekdays and 2pm and 4.15pm on Sundays. Occasionally, however, the Cathedral has to be closed to tourists for part of the day. Click here for a list of upcoming notices and closures.
Disabled Access
The Cathedral is wheelchair accessible from Tom Gate via a ramp along the upper walkway and into the Cathedral. There is no disabled parking at Christ Church but there are Blue Badge spaces nearby in St Aldate’s, and in Pembroke Square. The Cathedral is fitted with a hearing loop. The system is most effective in the centre and away from the pillars.
Luggage
Christ Church does not have any left luggage facilities. Facilities are available at Oxford’s Visitor Information Centre on Broad Street. Luggage and bags larger than a standard backpack may not be brought on site. Random bag checks are in operation for security reasons.
Parking
Christ Church does not have any public parking. The nearest carparks are Oxpens Carpark, Westgate Carpark, and Gloucester Green Carpark or Redbridge Park & Ride (link).
Photography and recording
Please note that photography and recording are not permitted during services, concerts and other events, without the express permission of the organisers.
Refreshments
Please note that there are not normally any refreshments available at Christ Church. There is a good choice of cafés in St Aldate’s near the Cathedral and throughout the city centre.
Toilets
There is a limited number of toilets in the Cloister at Christ Church, and a wheelchair accessible toilet on Tom Quad. Please ask a Custodian or Verger for directions.
PRACTICALITIES FOR CONCERTS AND EVENTS
Cathedral doors typically open up to 30 minutes before a large scale service, concert, or other event.
Disabled Access
The Cathedral is wheelchair accessible from Tom Gate via a ramp along the upper walkway and into the Cathedral. There is no disabled parking at Christ Church but there are Blue Badge spaces nearby in St Aldate’s, and in Pembroke Square. The Cathedral is fitted with a hearing loop. The system is most effective in the centre and away from the pillars.
Luggage
Christ Church does not have any left luggage facilities. Facilities are available at Oxford’s Visitor Information Centre on Broad Street. Luggage and bags larger than a standard backpack may not be brought on site. Random bag checks are in operation for security reasons.
Parking
Christ Church does not have any public parking. The nearest carparks are Oxpens Carpark, Westgate Carpark, and Gloucester Green Carpark or Redbridge Park & Ride.
Photography and recording
Please note that photography and recording are not permitted during services, concerts and other events, without the express permission of the organisers.
Refreshments
Please note that there are not normally any refreshments available at Christ Church. There is a good choice of cafés in St Aldate’s near the Cathedral and throughout the city centre.
Toilets
There is a limited number of toilets in the Cloister at Christ Church, and a wheelchair accessible toilet on Tom Quad. Please ask a Custodian or Verger for directions.
PRACTICALITIES FOR SERVICES
Cathedral Services begin five minutes later than GMT/BST because the Cathedral keeps the old ‘Oxford Time’ (five minutes west of Greenwich).
Children
Children are always welcome to join us at services. Toys and books are available; please ask a sidesman if required. Baby changing facilities are available in the toilets at the back of the Cathedral and in the Frideswide Room. Please ask for directions.
Disabled Access
The Cathedral is wheelchair accessible from Tom Gate via a ramp along the upper walkway and into the Cathedral. There is no disabled parking at Christ Church but there are Blue Badge spaces nearby in St Aldate’s, and in Pembroke Square. The Cathedral is fitted with a hearing loop. The system is most effective in the centre and away from the pillars.
Holy Communion
If you receive communion in your own church, you are welcome to do so here. If you would prefer a blessing, please take a copy of the order of service with you to the Altar. Gluten-free communion wafers are available; please tell the priest who is administering communion.
Luggage
Christ Church does not have any left luggage facilities. Facilities are available at Oxford’s Visitor Information Centre on Broad Street. Luggage and bags larger than a standard backpack may not be brought on site. Random bag checks are in operation for security reasons.
Mobiles
Please take a moment to ensure your mobile is switched off before the service begins.
Parking
Parking is available for those attending Sunday services via the lane to Christ Church Meadow. The barrier to the car park is raised between 7.30am and 12 noon on Sundays; and on Saturday and Sunday from 5.15pm until 6.15pm. Please note that parking is only available during these times.
Otherwise, the nearest carparks are Oxpens Carpark, Westgate Carpark, and Gloucester Green Carpark or Redbridge Park & Ride.
Photography and recording
Please do not take photographs or video during the service. You are welcome to take photos afterwards. On occasions we take pictures for publicity purposes. Please let us know if you prefer not to have your photo taken.
Refreshments
Between Matins and Choral Eucharist on a Sunday, coffee and tea are served in the Frideswide Room, via the Cloisters.
Please note that otherwise, refreshments are not normally available at Christ Church. There is a good choice of cafés in St Aldate’s near the Cathedral and throughout the city centre.
