Chichester Cathedral, a symbol of life in the city for over nine centuries, becomes a shared treasure when everyone can access it. Improving accessibility isn’t just about enhancing visits - it’s about affirming that our heritage belongs to everyone, fostering a society that values diversity, inclusion, and our shared past. Every investment in access ensures that all visitors can experience the Cathedral’s transformative beauty and spiritual richness.
Access to the Presbytery
One of our current priorities is improving access to the Presbytery, a central hub for worship, art, and reflection. At present, two steep steps mean that visitors with mobility challenges must rely on a temporary ramp, which can be both unsafe and disruptive to the serenity of services.
With guidance from our Cathedral architect, Antony Feltham-King of St Ann’s Gate Architects Ltd, we have developed an elegant solution: a permanent stone ramp with forged metal handrails, designed to blend seamlessly with the historic surroundings. This project will make the Presbytery fully accessible, preserving its cultural and spiritual heritage while welcoming everyone.
The Presbytery project is part of a wider programme to enhance accessibility across the Cathedral and its estate. Recent improvements include the new wooden ramp at the Eastern Cloisters entrance, and further initiatives are in planning to ensure that every visitor, regardless of mobility, can enjoy the Cathedral to the full.
Your support makes this possible. Donations to the Chichester Cathedral Restoration and Development Trust help fund projects like the Presbytery ramp and other accessibility improvements, ensuring that the Cathedral remains a welcoming, inclusive treasure for generations to come.
We have received two donations from local charitable trusts, but further funding is still required, please contact ellen.cheshire@chichestercathedral.org.uk for more information.
Current wheelchair and pushchair access
Support Our Ongoing Work
Projects like this are only possible thanks to the generosity of individuals, trusts and foundations who share our commitment to caring for Chichester Cathedral.
Your gift will help us continue to conserve our historic buildings, improve sustainability, and invest in the Cathedral’s long-term future.
Chichester Cathedral Restoration & Development Trust CIO
Registered Charity No. 1156729
Please note: CAF Donate deducts a processing fee of up to 3.7% from online donations.
Help us make the Cathedral accessible for all