More than 16,000 people have reached the heights of Chester’s tourist trail.
Since opening in April 2014, the tour of Chester Cathedral’s tower has seen thousands of people tread the ancient steps of history leading to the highest accessible point in the city.
Cathedral at Height Tower Tours were officially opened by His Royal Highness Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall in September 2014 and Chester photographer Mark Carline has released his fantastic perspective from the tourist trail.
Visitors have included actor George Takei, who Trek-ed up the cathedral tower and onto the final frontier.
In August last year Extreme Cellists undertook a ‘Bordering on Madness’ tour where the three cellists hauled their instruments up the winding staircase of 216 steps and performed on the tower roof.
Also in August, 25 town criers from 10 countries, all taking part in the World Town Crier Tournament Championship, ascended the staircase to shout from the rooftop news about the newly opened tour.
There are two tower tours available - one lasts an hour and the other is half an hour. Visitors make their way into the bell ringing chamber, see the medieval bell frame and proceed out onto the top of the tower, with expert tower stewards.
In the 60 minute tour, visitors visit the internal galleries, which look down at the inside of the building, before exploring the roof space above a vaulted ceiling.
During school holidays Cathedral at Height offers a Kids Go Free promotion where under 14s attend the tour free of charge (one child per paying adult).
Plans for Christmas include minced pies and mulled wine at the top while taking in the serene view.
