Blackburn Cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral Church of Saint Mary the Virgin with Saint Paul, is an Anglican (Church of England) cathedral situated in the heart of Blackburn town centre, in Lancashire, England. The cathedral site has been home to a church for over a thousand years.

Morning:  Blackburn Cathedral

There will be a guided tour of the cathedral, concentrating on the architecture, paintings and the stained glass windows. 

Tea/coffee, is not available on arrival, due to the size of our group but there will be a lunch of soup, sandwiches, cakes, tea/coffee.

Afternoon:  Blackburn Museum & Gallery

There will be a guided tour of Blackburn Museum & Gallery.  It is a short walk from the Cathedral (approx. 8 minutes) weather permitting, and/or the coach will be available.  

As one of the first purpose built free museums to open outside of London in 1874, Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery houses a rich and fascinating collection covering fine art, decorative art, Egyptology, coins, manuscripts, natural history, social history and South Asia.  There are over 1000 Japanese prints, 5000 examples of coins and money, 500 books and manuscripts and largest icon collection outside London.

The cost of the trip is £38.00  per person.  This includes travel (including driver’s tip), guided tours and lunch.

Please make cheques payable to Oldham & District u3a

Please hand your cheques in at the next monthly meeting or send your cheques as soon as possible to:

Paul Dennis, 15 Roundhill Way, Oldham, OL4 2JR

Please indicate your preferred pickup point on the back of your cheque.  Pickup points are Athens Way, Lees (ALDI) or Oldham College.  Pickup times to be confirmed.

The tour leader is Norma Robson.  If you wish to go on this tour, please contact Norma  by phone or email.      
Email:  robson_i@sky.com                Mobile : 07845389090

Please take care when entering and leaving the coach and when walking around the venues.  Keep a note of the Tour Leaders phone number in case of difficulties whilst on the trip.  Suitable footwear and clothing should be worn.   Please inform the group leader if you have any needs that have to be taken into account before going on the trip.