St Magnus Cathedral is opening its doors wider than ever this summer with a fresh programme of tours designed to uncover centuries of hidden stories.
From the stones beneath your feet to the stained-glass above, visitors will be guided through the remarkable history of Orkney’s iconic cathedral by those who know it best.
Following a successful trial in 2024, two weekly graveyard tours will return, running on Mondays and Fridays at 2pm.
These tours proved surprisingly popular, with locals sharing family stories that added even more colour to the experience.
Cathedral curator Fran Hollinrake said she was delighted by the community response and touched by the personal connections people brought to the tours.
Each graveyard tour lasts an hour, begins at the south transept, costs £10 per person, and booking is not required.
For the first time, regular guided tours of the ground floor will also be on offer, taking place during the summer on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10am.
These one-hour tours cost £10 per person and offer a deeper appreciation of the architecture and stories hidden in plain sight.
From October, the same tours will shift to Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays to fit the winter rhythm.
Annie Thuesen from the Visitor Services team said being shown around by a guide allows people to see the cathedral in an entirely new light.
The ever-popular Upper Levels tours will continue to run year-round, but spaces remain limited so advance booking remains essential via the Museums website.
These tours offer breathtaking views and an intimate look at the cathedral’s upper spaces, including the bell tower.
This year also brings a new series of monthly themed tours running from April to September.
Led by Fran Hollinrake, each session will delve into lesser-known elements of the cathedral’s story, such as wartime impacts and intricate stained-glass details.
These themed tours are £15 per person and do not require booking, but dates and themes will be announced in advance online.
The first in the series, exploring the symbolism carved into gravestones, will take place at 2pm on Wednesday 2 April.
Nick Hewitt, Culture Team Leader, said the new programme is a way to share the knowledge gained through years of research in a warm, engaging way.
He added that the tours offer something special for everyone, whether you’re visiting for the first time or have lived with the cathedral all your life.
All tour details, including how to book the Upper Levels experience, are available on the Orkney Museums website.
With so many ways to explore its rich past, St Magnus Cathedral is set to become even more central to Orkney’s cultural life this summer.
Details of all the tours can be found here: https://www.orkneymuseums.co.uk/st-magnus-cathedral-tours/
