Sightseeing Entry

 

We can’t wait to welcome you to Canterbury Cathedral.

Tickets can be booked online or are available to buy on the day at our Visitor Centre.

By accessing the grounds or buying a Canterbury Cathedral admission ticket, you agree to be bound by our Terms and Conditions of Entry.

 

It is always free to attend a service of worship or come into one of the Cathedral's chapels to pray.

Find out more about worship at the Cathedral.

Opening Times

Monday to Saturday 10.00 - 17.00 (last admission at 16.00)

Sunday 11.30* - 17.00 (last admission at 16.00)
*Between 11.30-12.30, access is available to the Cathedral grounds and Shop only. The Cathedral church opens at 12.30.

Opening times are subject to change. Occasionally, areas of the Cathedral may be closed to visiting, due to services, special events or for conservation work to be carried out.

To avoid disappointment, please check opening times and upcoming closures before visiting.

Cathedral Admission Tickets

Group and school visits must be booked separately (See further below).

Concessions are available, with a valid proof of eligibility (See further below).

 

All sightseeing entry includes† :

  • Entry to the Cathedral, Precincts and gardens
  • Exhibitions
  • Mini talks
  • Activity trails
  • Visitor events

† Subject to availability

 

Ticket prices as of January 2025

October-March

£18.00

 

Perfect if you're looking for a quieter visit, but still plenty to discover.

 

Multi-day ticket. Valid for 365 days from booking; re-visit the Cathedral and Precincts as often as you like during that time at no extra cost.

April-September (Excl. weekends in July & August)

£19.50

 

Make the most of the good weather, during our busy season.

 

Multi-day ticket. Valid for 365 days from booking; re-visit the Cathedral and Precincts as often as you like during that time at no extra cost.

Weekends in July & August

£21.00

 

Get more out of your summer visit, with special events and visitor experiences.

 

Multi-day ticket. Valid for 365 days from booking; re-visit the Cathedral and Precincts as often as you like during that time at no extra cost.

 

 

Kids go FREE every day!

Children (aged 17 and under) go FREE when accompanied by a paying adult. (Max 2 children per paying adult; does not apply to group bookings or school visits). Children must be accompanied at all times.

 

Concessions

You are required to present a valid proof of eligibility on entry.

 

Pre-book online

Universal Credit Tickets

FREE

Free entry tickets are available to UK residents in receipt of the following:

  • Universal Credit
  • Pension Credit

Universal Credit Ticketholders are required to present proof of eligibility alongside their booking. See full T&Cs

Book Universal Credit Tickets

When booking, please consider if you are able to make a donation to Canterbury Cathedral (£3 suggested donation).

Multi-day ticket. Valid for 365 days from booking; re-visit the Cathedral and Precincts as often as you like during that time at no extra cost.

Application Registration Card (ARC) holders

FREE

Enjoy FREE entry with a valid Application Registration Card (ARC)

Local University Students

FREE

Students studying full-time at local universities - Canterbury Christ Church University, University of Kent, University for the Creative Arts - enjoy FREE entry with their student ID.

Cathedral Passholders

FREE

Locals can enjoy unlimited visits for the equivalent of just 10p per month!

You may be eligible for a Cathedral Pass if you:

  • work in the old city of Canterbury
  • live within 4 miles of Bell Harry tower, including within The Precincts
  • are a member of the Cathedral Congregation
  • are immediate family of a Cathedral staff member
  • are a member of any church in the diocese (on the parish electoral roll or equivalent)

Our Cathedral Pass cannot be used in conjunction with other promotions or offers.

Apply for The Cathedral Pass

Friends Cardholders

FREE

Friends of Canterbury Cathedral enjoy free entry, as well as many other membership benefits!

The Friends are the Cathedral’s fan club!

They are a community who work together to preserve the Cathedral, and, with the great gen-erosity of their members, contribute financially to many vital projects.

Other membership benefits include:

  • Full annual programme of Friends' events• New member celebration (which includes a private guided tour)
  • 10% discount at the Cathedral Shop and Cathedral Lodge (some exclusions apply)
  • Exclusive Friends’ Day each summer
  • Monthly Friendly Friday e-newsletters
  • Annual Cathedral magazine - view a sample of The Chronicle
  • Twice-yearly paper mailings
  • Membership badge
  • Exclusive Friends’ Day each summer

Find out more about the Friends

Group visits

 

Visiting Canterbury Cathedral is a great addition to any itinerary. From introductory talks, to expert guided tours, we have a variety of group options available.

Find out more

School visits

 

Have an inspiring day-out filled with an abundance of historical and educational interests. Days can be planned to reflect the interests of students from primary school through to university.

 Find out more

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Event calendar

Have a look at the range of events Canterbury Cathedral has on offer below.

 

What's on

There’s something for everyone – see what exciting events are currently taking place.

See what's on

Service times

Morning Prayer (Matins)   07:30 Monday - Friday, 09:15 Weekends and Bank Holidays

Lunchtime Holy Communion   12:30 (Wednesdays)

Choral Evensong†   17:30 Monday - Wednesday, Friday - Sunday

Said Evening Prayer   17:30 Thursdays

Sunday Sung Eucharist†    11:00

All are welcome and there is no charge to attend a service.

† Live streamed on our YouTube channel.

Services

Online worship

Every day the Cathedral’s services are broadcast on our YouTube channel. It’s perfect for when you are unable to be here in person. 

Explore 

Find us

We can't wait to welcome you to the Cathedral

Monday to Saturday 09.00 - 17.00 (last admission at 16.00)
Sunday 11.30 - 17.00 (last admission at 16.00)

Between 11.30-12.30, access is available to the Cathedral ground and Shop only. the Cathedral church opens at 12.30.

Address

Cathedral House
11 The Precincts
Canterbury
CT1 2EH
United Kingdom
Get directions

Parking 

Parking in the Cathedral grounds is only available for Blue Badge holders, subject to limited availability and prior arrangement. There are several public car parks nearby. 

Find out more

 

NOTICE 11.07.25 - Due to emergency electrical works being conducted by UK Power Networks, there is currently no access through Christ Church Gate.

During general visiting hours, access to the Precincts will be via the Cathedral Visitor Centre:

10am-5pm Friday, Saturday & Monday-Wednesday
12pm-5pm Sunday

The Precincts will not be open for visiting outside of general visiting hours.

Access for services will be via Postern Gate - except for the 11am Sunday Eucharist, which will be accessible through the Visitor Centre from 10am.

Thank you for your understanding.

 

 

Planning your visit? Check our opening times and upcoming closures.

July - August 2025

NEW What's On Guide

Summer at the Cathedral ☀️

Discover England's First Cathedral, join us for FREE* make and do activities, musical workshops and family tours, plus storytelling, outdoor theatre performances and much more...

Pick up a printed copy of our What's On Guide from our Visitor Centre.

*Included free with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends’ Card. Children aged 17 and under go free (T&Cs apply); does not apply to group bookings or school visits.

View online (PDF)

Lifestyle 086

"I love the history of the building, and the calming feeling of peace I get when I visit."

Explore England’s First Cathedral

Canterbury Cathedral sits at the heart of English history, with over 1,400 years of stories for you to discover.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Cathedral sits alongside the Giza Pyramids, the Taj Mahal, and Chichen-Itza as a must-visit location of outstanding universal value to humanity.

Find out more about the Cathedral through the ages. 

Whether seeking out dragons and grotesques, marvelling at carved tombs, or exploring our cloisters and green spaces, there’s plenty to do, including a range of events during school holidays.

You might even be lucky enough to spot the peregrine falcons that sometimes make the Cathedral their home!

Plan your visit to the Cathedral. 

For more than 1,400 years, God has been worshipped in Canterbury Cathedral.

With its roots in the Benedictine tradition, our ongoing daily pattern of morning and evening prayer and Eucharist (Holy Communion) continues the prayers of countless generations.

All are welcome to come to our services.

Find out more about worship at Canterbury Cathedral. 

The Cathedral is a masterpiece of stained glass, stone and art, and our Archives & Library holds an impressive collection of manuscripts and records dating back to the 8th century.

These unique items can be seen during your visit, by appointment, and online.

Find out more about our collections. 

"There is no lovelier place in the world than Canterbury" - Virginia Woolf.

Less than an hour from London, Canterbury is a perfect day out, with something for everyone - from parks and riverside walks, to great shopping experiences, and a diverse choice of cafes, restaurants, pubs and bars.

Find out what else there is to do in Canterbury. 

Book your tickets

 

Tickets start from £19.50 or free if you have a Cathedral Pass or Friends Card.

Other concessions available, with a valid proof of eligibility.

Group visits and school visits must be booked separately; KIDS GO FREE offer does not apply to group or school visits.

Book online for fast-track entry

Lifestyle 259

"My favourite part of the Cathedral is St Gabriel's Chapel, a small intimate space encapsulating its earliest history with secrets not found anywhere else"

Robert

Discover our story

Canterbury Cathedral was established in 597 AD, when Augustine, sent by Pope Gregory the Great to reintroduce Christianity to England, was welcomed to Kent by King Ethelbert and Queen Bertha.

Discover the history.

Daily worship has taken place at Canterbury Cathedral for more than 1,400 years - a tradition we continue to this day. 

Join our services in-person or online.

Canterbury Cathedral is a living place of worship, maintained by an exceptional community, which includes friendly Shepherds and Stewards, talented craftspeople, world-class choir, and over 600 volunteers

Who you'll meet when you visit us. 

The Cathedral itself is a treasure trove of sculpture, paintings, and stained glass - but you can discover even more of the Cathedral collections in our Archives and Library, which hold a wealth of manuscripts, charters, illustrated books, maps and other records dating back to the late 8th century.

Discover our collections. 

What's on

Making History: Church, State and Conflict

A major new free* exhibition exploring the complex, and often violent, story of Church-State relations through the centuries.

Explore our exhibitions

Support us

Help us keep the story alive for future generations. See how you can get involved in our active community.

Get involved. 

Shop

From fun souvenirs to stunning jewellery – check out the Cathedral Shop.

Discover. 

Stay in the loop

Sign up to our newsletter and stay up to date with all the latest events, news and offers

By adding my email I confirm my subscription to the newsletter and understand that the email address provided will be held by the Cathedral and the email service company (dotdigital) to use for distributing this newsletter only. For more information please see the Cathedral Privacy Notice.