Q & A's

Frequently asked Questions

Show / Hide All

How Do I Book?

The Schools Office in the International Study Centre takes bookings for primary and secondary schools and for Church Youth groups from 9am to 5pm from Monday to Friday, including school holidays. Teachers are welcome to visit and discuss planning.

1. Telephone the Schools department to check availability of day and time 01227 865262
2. A booking form and relevant teacher's notes will be sent to you
3. Complete and return the booking form with full payment or pay on the day

What Can We Do and See?

An “Entrance only” reserves entry at a specific time using the pre-booked entrance at Christchurch Gate. Unbooked groups will be charged a higher rate. Pupils should be divided into small groups with 1 teacher per 10 pupils. The teachers should accompany their pupils at all times. The supervising adults will be given a badge to wear and an information leaflet highlighting the main features of the building.

staff and volunteers, trained on all aspects of Cathedral life and its history are available to assist teachers inside the Cathedral throughout the visit. Teacher information sheets and pupil questionnaires are available as free downloads or on arrival from the Welcome Centre.

Secondary Schools
Guided Tours can be arranged for all ages and abilities. They can relate to most curriculum areas e.g. History, R.E., Art, English/Chaucer. Teachers should specify the focus of their visit on the booking form. Guided tours last between 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes.

Audio-Visual Presentation
This film provides an appropriate introduction to the history and life of the Cathedral. It lasts about 15 minutes and is suitable for children in Year 6 and above.

Primary Schools
The Project Room provides a session of hands-on activities relating to the building of the cathedral and the monks who lived there. Pupils will have the chance to work independently and collaboratively on a range of activities including: carving on stone; building arches; writing with quill pens; brass rubbing. Each session lasts about 45 minutes- 1 hour.

Costume Trails
These are “role-play” experiences in which the pupils can dress up as characters related to the history of the Cathedral and visit specific sites in costume as part of a guided tour. Topics include “St. Augustine”, “Medieval monks”, “Thomas Becket”, “Pilgrimage” and “Tudor times”. Each trail lasts 45 minutes – 1 hour.

How Much Does It Cost?

Allow approximately £5 per pupil for your visit, but the final cost will depend on the activities booked. Entrance prices are reviewed annually and so please contact the schools department for the correct cost of your visit.

How Big Can Groups Be?

For guided tours, costume trails and the project room, pupils should be in groups of no more than 20.

How Do I Pay?

Please return your payment in full with the booking form, or pay on the day by cash, credit card or cheque. Payment in arrears will attract an administration fee

Where Does Our Coach Drop Us Off?

The bus station - map. After drop-off, the coach will have to park on the coach park, which is a 10 minute from the Cathedral. For more information, visit www.canterbury.gov.uk/parking.

Where Do We Park?

Unfortunately there are no facilities for parking in the Precincts. There are car parks around the city. The Schools department will be happy to help. Also visit www.canterbury.gov.uk/parking.

What If We Are Delayed?

Please telephone us on 01227 865262 . Guides are booked for specific tour times and they will wait for 15 minutes.

What If We Have to Cancel?

24 hours notice is required for a refund.

Can We Bring Children With Special Needs?

We welcome visits from Special Schools and children with special needs. A leaflet explaining our facilities is available from the Schools Department. Please let us know if you will be bringing wheelchairs. It may be possible to arrange parking for Special School minibuses in the Precincts if booked in advance.

Where Do We Go When We Get There?

Please go to the Welcome Centre.

Who Will Take Us Around and / or Show Us Where To Go?

A Shepherd in a blue jersey will show you where to go.

What About Lunch?

You can buy some food at our lunch stop just outside the Shop in the summer, or you can bring your own. A room for up to 50 pupils is available - there is a charge per head of £1.00 per pupil for each block of 30 minutes. Use the booking form to reserve your slot.

What Do We Need To Bring With Us?

Writing materials if using a trail sheet. Sensible shoes.

Do You Provide Worksheets?

Yes. We offer trail sheets for all age ranges.

What Is Expected Of Teachers?

To remain with their group at all times.

Can We Buy Some Souvenirs?

There is a small shop in the Cathedral, and the main shop is as you leave.

Where Can We Go To The Loo?

There are free public toilets. It is the responsibility of the accompanying teacher/adult/supervisor to accompany the children in their care to the toilet.

Where Can I Find Your Risk Assessment?

Contact the Schools Office.

How Do We Give You Feedback From Our Visit?

We would like to improve our service and we welcome your comments about your visit. Please download the appropriate evaluation form and either email or post it back to us. 

Primary School Evaluation Form
Secondary School Evaluation Form