St. Walburge's Church is inviting people to climb Preston's highest point when it opens its spire in January ⛪
A winter sunset just beyond St Walburge’s church’s distinctive spire Pic: Tony Worrall
St. Walburge’s Church is inviting people to climb Preston’s highest point when it opens its spire in January.Visitors will be able to ascend the 309 foot high spire, which is the third tallest in the UK, and the tallest on a parish church. The tower contains a single bell of 31 cwt cast by Mears and Stainbank of Whitechapel, which is the heaviest swinging bell in Lancashire.
On a clear day visitors to the top of the spire can view Preston and the surrounding countryside as far as Blackpool.The spire will be open to climb from 4pm to 8pm on Saturday 7, Saturday 14 and Saturday 21 January.Every 45 minutes, a group of up to 15 people will climb the 172 steps. Tours of the church will be offered and refreshments will be served in the hall.All proceeds will go towards maintenance of the church and in particular the restoration of the rose window.