Chance to climb to Preston's highest point

Those with a head for heights are being given the opportunity to climb to the highest point in Preston.
By Catherine Musgrove
Published 11th Jan 2020, 06:00 BST
Canon Cristofoli outside the churchCanon Cristofoli outside the church
Canon Cristofoli outside the church

Members of St Walburge’s Church in Weston Street are opening the doors to the public for night climbs up to 309ft on Saturday evenings from today until February 8.

Canon Cristofoli (pictured) said: “This is one of the main landmarks in Preston and we realised that not many people had visited and been able to see the sights.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I’ve been up the 172 steps many times and you get a wonderful vision of the city centre, but also out to Morecambe Bay, to the beginning of the Lake District and you can see Blackpool Tower.

The famous spireThe famous spire
The famous spire

“At night it’s quite a different atmosphere, you get the beautiful spectacle of the lights.”

The spire at St Walburge’s is the third tallest in the United Kingdom, and is the tallest on a parish church.

The steeple is made from limestone sleepers and the tower contains a single bell of 1.5 tonnes, which is the heaviest swinging bell in Lancashire.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Canon Cristofoli recommends that the climb, up 172 narrow steps on a spiral staircase, is not for people with a fear of enclosed spaces, or who have mobility problems.

The sessions from run 7.30-8.30pm. Tickets cost £8.50. To book, email: [email protected] or call 07778506832.

Related topics:PrestonBlackpool TowerLake DistrictMorecambe Bay