WORCESTER Cathedral is hosting two exciting new events for children and families. this week.

Between Wednesday and Friday visitors will be able to embark on the ‘Following the footsteps’ pilgrimage tour which explores different parts of the cathedral through the animals that can be found in its stonework and stained glass.

Children will complete their own pilgrimage, travelling around the cathedral to learn more about the Bible stories related to each of the animals they can spot.

The tour will be available between 10am and 4pm and will follow a drop-in format with families simply turning-up at the North Door to take part.

Each pilgrimage will last between 30 and 60 minutes. Visitors can also take the opportunity to see artefacts from the tomb of the famous Worcester Pilgrim that are on display in the cathedral’s crypt.

Benjamin Smith, the director of education and learning, said: "This if an interactive and highly engaging way for young people to explore the cathedral from a different perspective and to understand how its architecture and decoration reflect Christian belief."

On Thursday a special family art day will be held in the cathedral based on the theme of Picasso’s Doves.

Families can drop into the cathedral to explore their creative side in a drawing workshop with artist and assistant education officer, Sara Hayward.

Using the dove as a symbol of purity and peace, visitors of all ages will be inspired by Picasso’s work, creating their own dove artwork to take away.

The workshop will take place between 10.30am and 12.30pm and 2pm to 4pm.

Both of these activities are free of charge with a small donation invited to cover the cost of materials.

A selection of other free trails designed for families will also be available throughout the half-term, including the safari trail, a fruit and flower trail, a heraldry trail and a young person’s trail.

The cathedral tower will also be open for families to climb.

For more information contact Benjamin Smith at Worcester Cathedral on 01905 732 919 or e-mail: bensmith@worcestercathedral.org.uk