WELLS Cathedral is launching an exciting new High Parts Tour which will give visitors the chance to experience behind-the-scenes views of the iconic building from some of its highest points.

The Cathedral is also offering delicious afternoon teas in the atmospheric cloisters as part of a new 'pop up café' experience.

And Wells Voice readers have the chance to combine the two if they win this month's mouthwatering competition. We have teamed up with Wells Cathedral to offer two winners two places each on a High Parts Tour as well as a cream tea.

From May 1, visitors will be given the chance to climb spiral staircases – there are up to 250 steps – to explore the 'high parts' of the building as trained guides provide fascinating insights into the history, architecture and stories of Wells Cathedral.

Tour participants will discover hidden spaces, galleries and chambers including behind the Wells clock, considered to be the second oldest clock mechanism in Britain, and one of only two surviving medieval tracing floors in the country where masons drew designs of areas of the building on the floor.

The route will take in a walk along the singing gallery, discover Wells Cathedral's trumpet holes, explore the south transept roof space and allow participants to marvel at the nave from a very different perspective. Tours will run regularly throughout the week and places can be pre-booked via the Cathedral's website. Visitors will need to ensure they are fit and well enough to take part; the booking process will outline the necessary requirements and restrictions.

Jackie Croft, Administrator and Chapter Clerk at Wells Cathedral, said: "We are really excited to be giving visitors the opportunity to see the hidden spaces of the Cathedral. The new High Parts Tour does not include going up the tower, however the Cathedral has wanted to provide an enjoyable and informative tour route for visitors and there is something to capture the imagination of all. We know it will bring an added dimension to an already memorable visit.

"The Cathedral is grateful to the Friends of Wells Cathedral for their help with providing funds to enable the development of new bannisters and barriers on the route."

Bookings can be made via the Cathedral's website at www.wellscathedral.org.uk/visit/tours, where Terms and Conditions of booking are also available.

The afternoon teas will see dainty sandwich selections, home-made cakes and tea or coffee served in the cloisters on a range of authentic vintage crockery and table linen.

Strawberry tarts filled with crème patissiere have already proved to be a big hit with the Dean of Wells who trialled the new teas recently.

The Dean of Wells enjoys afternoon tea in the cloister at Wells Cathedral

The pop up café will be available from Wednesday, May 2, on Wednesdays to Sundays from 1.30pm-4.30pm until Sunday, September 2. No need to book.

To be in with a chance of winning two places on the High Parts Tour and a cream tea, answer the following question:

What is the name of the floor where Cathedral masons drew designs of areas of the building?

Write your answer, along with your name, telephone number and email address, and take your entry to the Wells Cathedral shop at 16 Market Place, Wells. Entries must be received by Thursday, May 31, 2018. Winners will be chosen at random after this date and will be contacted by a member of the Wells Cathedral Visits team. The winners will also be announced in a future edition of Wells Voice.

The prize must be taken by October 31, 2018. One entry per person. No cash alternative. The usual High Parts Tour booking restrictions will apply including no children under the age of 10 years (see the Cathedral's website for details).