General Information

General Information For Visitors

The Cathedral is very much part of the local community. It is used regularly for local, regional and/or national services and events. Some or all of it may therefore at times be closed for general visiting. Please always contact the Visits Office before visiting to check up-to-date opening times.

Opening Times and Charges

Parts of the Cathedral may be open outside these hours. Contact the Visits Office for up-to-date opening details.

Entry Charge

There is a charge to enter the precincts and the Cathedral unless you are attending a Service. This charge contributes towards the upkeep of the Cathedral and its activities. (Prices from April 2012 in red).

• Adults £9.00 (£9.50) - pre-booked groups £7.50 (£8.00)
• Concessions £8.00 (£8.50) - pre-booked groups £7.50 (£8.00)
• Children (under 18) £6.00 £6.50
• Voucher: free child entrance
  

Enjoy 12 Months Free Entry

UK tax payers may ‘Gift Aid’ their entrance fee which means that we can claim back 25% income tax.

Your Gift Aid till ticket will then allow you free entry for 12 months.

If you are not a UK tax payer, you can still enjoy 12 months free entry. Ask staff at the entrance gate for an ‘Annual Ticket’ form.

Precincts Passes

You may be eligible for free entry to the precincts if you fall under any of the following categories:

• Work in the old city of Canterbury
• Live within 4 miles of the Bell Harry tower
• Member of the Cathedral Congregation
• Cathedral Volunteer
• Electoral roll of a church in the diocese
• Resident within the Precincts

Download Precincts Pass application form.

Visitor Facilities

(For group bookings, please refer to the Group Visits or Schools section).

The Cathedral offers a wide range of facilities to ensure that each visitor enjoys a warm and appropriate welcome. Visitors may like to wander around with the help of one of our guide books or excellent audio tours (available in 7 languages). Or they may like to join a general tour. Tours take place throughout the day, Monday to Friday, 10.30 (except January), 12.00 and 14.30 (14.00 Winter) or Saturday 10.30, 12.00 and 13.00 hrs. Our expert guides make the Cathedral and its rich history come to life.

Facilities For Visitors With Disabilities

The Cathedral is a medieval building, built on three levels which means there are a number of steps to negotiate or alternative routes to take. Please refer to our Access Information or Facilities for Visitors with Disabilities leaflet for detailed information.

Facilities include toilets, ramps, lift, mobilift, wheelchairs, a touch and hearing system, induction loop and large print material. Download our Access Information and/or Facilities for Visitors with Disabilities leaflet for advice and further information.

Several of our guides are trained to provide specialised tours, from BSL tours to tours for visitors with sight impairment or other special needs. Please contact the Visits or Schools Office in advance to arrange assistance.

Hospitality

A seasonal kiosk offers a wide range of snacks, sandwiches and beverages.

Photography

Photography is permitted (except in the Crypt) – but for your own personal use only. Any commercial / stock library photography must be agreed in advance and is subject to a fee.

Clergy Availability

Chaplains are on duty in the Cathedral at certain times. A priest is always available, and any Cathedral official will help to locate him/her.

Parking

Parking is not possible within the precincts except for a very few disabled parking spaces, by prior arrangement. The Cathedral is in the heart of Canterbury and there are several public car parks nearby. Canterbury is also served by three excellent Park & Ride services. For details, visit www.canterbury.gov.uk/parking.

Pilgrimage

Ever since the murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket in the Cathedral in 1170, Canterbury has attracted thousands of pilgrims. This tradition continues to this day, with a wide range of facilities from private Services to specially tailored guided tours. Staff in the Visits Office will be pleased to discuss requirements and make arrangements to make your pilgrimage a special occasion. For more information, please refer to the pilgrimage section.