Tickets and opening times

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. Please check our website prior to your visit as opening times may be subject to change.

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 grounds and Shop only. The Cathedral church opens at 12.30.

 

 

Adult

£17.00

Our standard visitor ticket is valid for 12 months, meaning you can re-visit the Cathedral as often as you want during that time at no extra cost.

Children (aged 17 and under)

Free

Children 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.

 

Canterbury 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.

English Heritage Members

20% discount on visitor entry

  • Not valid with other promotions or offers.
  • Discount applies to tickets bought on the door at our Visitor Centre only. Discount is not available for online booking. Standard price admission tickets cannot be refunded and exchanged for discounted tickets.
  • Valid until 31 March 2025. T&Cs apply.

Cathedral Pass

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

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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

Daily Eucharist   08:00
Lunchtime Eucharist   12:30 (Wednesdays and Feast Days only)
Daily Choral Evensong or Said Evening Prayer with Organ Meditation*   17:30
Sunday Choral Eucharist*  11:00
All are welcome and there is no charge to attend a service. *Live streamed online.

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

 

Planning your visit? Remember to check our closures.

 

All are welcome to join us for Advent and Christmas at the Cathedral

Remember to check our Christmas Opening Hours

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Services

Regular Worship Times
Our services explained
Access for Services
Special Services
Services FAQs
Worship for Children and Young People
Online worship
Events of Spirituality and Faith
Services and Music List
Pew Sheets
Daily worship lies at the heart of Cathedral life and every day starts with morning prayer (Matins) and ends with evening prayer (Evensong). The Eucharist is also offered daily.

Regular worship times

For more than 1,400 years God has been worshipped in Canterbury Cathedral. There’s history in every chime of our bells, and passion in every note sang by our choir. 


Whether you need a quiet time to reflect, are seeking comfort, or wish to introduce your loved ones to faith, you are warmly invited to join our worship and services at Canterbury Cathedral.

Services explained Online worship

Matins 

07.30 Monday - Friday (in Jesus Chapel)

09.15 Weekends and Bank Holidays (in Jesus Chapel)

  
Daily Holy Communion 08.00  

The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) and Counsel

12:00-13:00 Fridays, in The Holy Innocents Chapel (subject to change around events)

Outside of these times, Chaplains are always available should you want to speak with them.

  
Lunchtime Holy Communion 12.30 Wednesdays  
Daily Choral Evensong or Said Evening Prayer with Organ Meditation*

17.30 Monday - Sunday (except Thursdays)

  
Said Evening Prayer

17.30 - Thursdays, in the Crypt (This service is not live streamed)

A said service of evening prayer from the Book of Common Prayer.

  
Sunday Choral Eucharist* 11.00 Sundays  

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

*Live streamed online.

Advent and Christmas at Canterbury Cathedral

Journeying to Christmas

 

All are welcome to join us for our traditional services and carols, brand new services and events, child-friendly activities, beautiful trees and decorations, and the return of the historic Cathedral Christmas Market (with free access to the Precincts*).

 

* Enjoy free access to the Precincts for the duration of the Christmas Market (15 November - 24 December 2024)

 

Find out more

Image: Visualisation created by R3nder

FREE* exhibition

Cross-Currents

18 October 2024 – 15 February 2025

An installation of hundreds of beautiful, delicate hand-crafted boats embarked on their own journey through the vast architecture of Canterbury Cathedral, each fragile boat symbolizing the transient passage of the life of an individual.

*Included free with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends Card. Children aged 17 and under go free (T&Cs apply). No need to book.

Find out more

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"The Cathedral has always been a place of refuge for me, peaceful and spiritual"

Ruth

Our services explained

Morning Prayer (Matins)

Morning Prayer is a service of prayer and praise to begin the day. A simple, said service which lasts approximately 20 minutes.

Bell Ceremony

Each day Monday - Saturday at 11am, we hold this short Act of Remembrance.

The bell of HMS Canterbury is rung six times, by the Buff's Chapel in the South East Transept of the Cathedral, followed by prayers for all who have died in conflict, and for peace in the world. Then an ex-servicemen or sometimes a serving serviceman, will turn the page in the Book of Life (Buff's Book of Remembrance).

Choral Evensong

Regular evening service Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday (subject to change)

As the day begins with Morning Prayer, the day ends with an evening service of prayer and praise, using the traditional language of the Book of Common Prayer. This is normally sung by the Cathedral Choir and the services lasts about 40 minutes.

When the members of the Cathedral Choir are taking a holiday, Evensong is usually sung by a visiting choir, but occasionally is replaced by Said Evening Prayer. 

Said Evening Prayer

Our regular Thursday evening service (subject to change)

As the day begins with Morning Prayer, the day ends with an evening service of prayer and praise, using the traditional language of the Book of Common Prayer.

This service takes place in the Cathedral Crypt, comprising of said prayer and lasts about 40 minutes.

Daily Eucharist

In this service, which is also known as Holy Communion, the Lord's Supper, or the Mass we give thanks over bread and wine for all that Jesus had done and continues to do for us and remember the meal Jesus shared with his disciples on the night before he died.

We have a said Eucharist service every day at 08.00 hrs and also at 12.30 hrs on Wednesdays and other special days in the church's calendar. The service lasts approximately 30 minutes.

Sunday Eucharist

On Sundays, we have a Book of Common Prayer Holy Communion at 08.00 hrs and Sung Eucharist at 11.00 hrs.

The Sunday Sung Eucharist is a celebration of Holy Communion with beautiful hymns and songs, a choir, and usually a sermon. The service lasts for about an hour and 15 minutes.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) and Counsel

On Fridays, a priest is available for The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) and Counsel, in The Holy Innocents Chapel, 12:00-13:00 (subject to change around events).

This healing ministry of receiving God's loving forgiveness helps us to make a fresh start in our lives. Through the ministry of the priest we may also receive advice and counsel to help us overcome those sins that draw us away from God.

Sunday Worship for Children and Young People

At our 11:00 Sung Eucharist there are parent-led creche facilities for babies and toddlers and we invite 5–11* year olds to join us for Children’s Church from 10:30, where through story, songs, craft and games we worship together before joining the church family for communion.

Children’s Church is free, but with a suggested donation of £1 per family to contribute to running costs.

*Under 5s are welcome, but must be supervised by an adult.

Worship for Children and Young People

 

Children and young people are a valued part of our worshipping community and there are a variety of ways for them to get involved and for families to find support.

 

Live streaming

Please be aware that our regular services - 17:30 Choral Evensong and 11:00 Sunday Sung Eucharist - as well as many special services are live streamed on our YouTube channel, and these recordings remain available to view afterwards.

Although there are no intentional close ups of members of the congregation, yourself and your children may be seen.

We welcome the gentle noise of young children into our worship, but recognise that in a long service they may also need space to move around or make a little more noise.

Our stewards can advise you on a good place to sit, where you can both see what is happening, but can also move around and escape should children become very restless.

We have a limited range of quiet toys, books and drawing resources which children are also welcome to make use of.

Food and drink are not allowed in the Cathedral, but you are welcome to breast or bottle feed. Please be aware we do not have toilet facilities within the Cathedral itself.

Children's Church runs most Sundays, but please check dates below.

As part of our Sunday morning Eucharist we invite children aged 5-11* to join us for from 10.30am in the Community Studio (see schedule), where through story, songs, craft and games we worship together before joining the rest of the church family in the Cathedral for communion.

Registration and refreshments from 10.30am allow time for children to settle before parents/carers head over to the Cathedral returning to pick up children during the Peace.

Children’s Church is free but with a suggested donation of £1 per family to contribute to our running costs.

*Under 5s are welcome to attend Children’s Church, but must be supervised by an adult at all times.

Schedule:

Sunday 3 November

Sunday 17 November
Sunday 24 November
Sunday 1 December
Sunday 8 December
Sunday 15 December

We encourage young people to play an active part in our worshipping community.

There are opportunities to join the serving team, lead prayers or do readings and to develop as leaders within Children’s Church.

We are currently looking at what else we might offer to support the young people of our Cathedral community so watch this space for more information over the coming months.

Are you aged 18 - 40?

Do you live, work or study in Canterbury?

Are you interested in gathering with others to explore faith in the modern world?

 

If so, join us as we start to build a new monthly worshipping group here at Canterbury Cathedral.

MORE DETAILS TO BE RELEASED SOON

To find out more, please contact Canon Wendy: [email protected]

Online worship

Service live stream times

Daily Choral Evensong or Evening Prayer with Organ Meditation 17:30 (Except Thursdays*)

Sunday Choral Eucharist  11:00

These services are broadcast live on the Cathedral's YouTube channel. To receive notifications when new videos are available, please subscribe to our YouTube channel

Most days we are able to share our worship online but occasionally for operational or pastoral reasons we may not be able to. We publicise any changes via our social media channels and our website.

Occasional services, such as Carol Services, Confirmations, and Ordinations may also be livestreamed.

Explore our online worship

Access for Services

The Cathedral is a medieval building on several levels and arrangements vary depending on the area used or the format of the service. Our Music Lists and Events Calendar includes details of the service locations.

Large print copies of Orders of Service are usually available; please ask the Virgers or Stewards on arrival.

Advance notice is preferred so that we can best accommodate you, especially for special events, but staff and service stewards will always do their best to make suitable arrangements for anyone attending a service or event.

To help us plan seating arrangements in advance, please contact us:

Tel: +44(0)1227 762862 (Cathedral House Reception) during normal office hours.
Email: [email protected].


Contact the Visits Office for up-to-date service information:
Tel: +44 (0) 1227 865279
Email: [email protected]

 

Ticketed concerts, services and other events

Please inform the box office of any accessibility requirements prior, so that seating arrangements can be arranged. For example, if attending in a wheelchair or bringing a pram, seats can be removed to accommodate, and grouped seating can be allocated.

Help during services of worship

Holy Communion

If you are unable to go up to the altar for Communion during a service, please speak with one of our stewards before the service starts. They will be happy to make arrangements for you.

 

Large-print service sheets

Large-print service sheets are available from our virgers or Stewards on request.

 

Induction Loop

An Induction Loop for people who are hard of hearing has been installed in the Nave, Quire and Crypt for use during services. Hearing aid users should adjust their aid to T.

Send a prayer

If you are unable to attend the Cathedral in person, we invite you to email your prayers for inclusion in our daily worship via [email protected]

Send a Prayer

Special Services

 

 

NEW Tea Time Carols

Tuesdays (26 November-17 December), 16:00-16:30

Join our Cathedral clergy each week for storytelling and songs at the Crib, as we mark our journey to Christmas.

Aimed at young children, parents, and carers, but all those young of heart are very welcome to attend.

‘Journeying to Christmas’ Reflections

Fridays (29 November - 20 December), 12:30-13.00 in the Nave

Seasonal reflections from Dean David including music, poetry and prayer.

Advent Carol Service †

Sun 1 December, 17:30-18:30

This beautiful service at the start of the Advent season brings together music, readings, and the lighting of candles.

St Nicholas Family Service †

Sun 8 December, 17:30-18:15

Join us and over 200 local school children - involved with our Schools Music Outreach Programme - as we celebrate the story of St Nicholas.

This joyful, short service is aimed at children, but is suitable for all ages to enjoy!

Festival of Carols with Living Nativity †

Sun 15 December, 17:30-18:30

With a range of seasonal music and readings, this service includes a living nativity scene made up of adults and children from our Cathedral congregation.

Be a part of our 'Living Nativity'

At this year's popular Festival of Carols service, we invite children and parents/carers to take part in our 'Living Nativity' by dressing up as an angel, shepherd or magi (one of the Three Kings/Wise Men).

Please read full information and register to take part here.

Friends’ Carol Service †

Wed 18 December, 19:00 in the Nave

Hear the Cathedral bells ring out to greet you as you arrive at our Friendly traditional Service.

If you require additional arrangements to attend the service, please email [email protected]

 

Cathedral Carol Services †

Mon 23 December, 17:30-19:00
Tues 24 December, 17:30-19:00

A major highlight of the Cathedral’s year, our Carol Services feature music by our world-famous Cathedral Choir, and readings to tell the story of the birth of Christ.

This is a popular service; queues likely. Doors open at 16:30.

Both Carol Services are un-ticketed.

If you require additional arrangements to attend please email [email protected]

Evening Prayer with Congregational Carols

Fri 20 December, 17:30-18:15 in the Crypt

Candlelit Reflection with Organ Meditation †

Sun 22 December, 17:30-18:30

A reflective service with scripture and poetry on the last Sunday before Christmas, led by Dean David, with La Nativité du Seigneur (The Birth of the Saviour) by Olivier Messiaen, played on organ by Jamie Rogers, Assistant Director of Music.

Cathedral Carol Services †

Mon 23 December, 17:30-19:00
Tues 24 December, 17:30-19:00

A major highlight of the Cathedral’s year, our Carol Services feature music by our world-famous Cathedral Choir, and readings to tell the story of the birth of Christ.

This is a popular service; queues likely. Doors open at 16:30.

Both Carol Services are un-ticketed.

If you require additional arrangements to attend please email [email protected]

Family Crib Service

Tues 24 December, 10:00-10:45

A short, joyful service for children and families tells the story of the birth of Jesus, with music from the Cathedral Choral Scholars and the singing of traditional Christmas Carols.

Midnight Mass

Tues 24 December, 23:00-00:10

This traditional night-time communion service ends at midnight, marking the dawn of Christmas Day and celebrating the joy of when the Angels appeared to the Shepherds.

Christmas Day

Wednesday 25 December

09:15 Said Morning Prayer

11:00 Christmas Eucharist †

15:00 Evensong with Carols †

Memorial Service for the Martyrdom of St Thomas†

Sun 29 December, 17:30-18:30

854 years after his death, we recall the story of Archbishop Thomas Becket, reflecting on martyrdom then and now.

Preacher: Fr. Robert McCulloch, Rome

Between 5 - 12 January 2024

Epiphany Services

 

Solemn Evensong of the Epiphany †
Sun 5 January 2025, 17:30

 

Sung Eucharist for Epiphany †
Mon 6 January 2025, 17:30

 

Epiphany Carol Service †
Sun 12 January 2025, 17:30

 

† Live streamed on our YouTube channel

Events of Spirituality and Faith

WATCH SESSION INTRODUCTIONS

Online Book Group: Revelations of Divine Love by Julian of Norwich

 

This online book group has now concluded, but you are most welcome to watch Canon Emma's introductions in your own time as you read this wonderful and truly inspiring work of spiritual insight.

This group took place on Tuesdays (21 May - 30 July), 20:00 - 21:00 BST, via Zoom.

 Find out more

St David's Episcopal Church in Austin, Texas presents

'Canterbury Tales: The Changing Landscape of Christian Faith in the World': A Conversation with Dean David

Sunday 13 October at 10am ‎(UTC-5)‎ - 4pm in the UK‎

THIS EVENT HAS ALREADY TAKEN PLACE

Dean David joined St David's Episcopal Church in Austin, Texas via Zoom for 'Canterbury Tales: The Changing Landscape of Christian Faith in the World' - a conversation moderated by Fr. Chuck Treadwell.

This was part of St David's Fall Holy Conversations Nitro Theology Series, where they come together to engage in theological topics.

This talk will be made available as a podcast soon after the event; which you can find here.

Online Book Group: The Book of Margery Kempe (c.1436-8)

SESSION RECORDINGS AVAILABLE

This book group has now concluded, but you can still watch the session recordings to read and reflect on the text in your own time.

Known as the earliest autobiography written in the English language, The Book of Margery Kempe (c.1436-8) describes the dramatic transformation of its heroine from failed business woman and lustful young wife to devout and chaste pilgrim.

We joined Canon Emma online via Zoom, to reflect and discuss this extraordinary account of a medieval wife, mother and mystic.

 Find out more

Mondays (until 16 December), 12:30-13:00 in the Crypt

Taizé Lunchtime Prayer

The worship of Taizé is based on simple repetitive chants, the reading of scripture and silence.

All our welcome to come and experience this way of praying as we connect with God and one another through sound and silence.

In person only.

This event is free, but donations are kindly accepted.

 Find out more

Thursdays over 4 weeks (28 November-19 December) 20:00-21:00, via Zoom

Journeys of Healing through Advent: Poetry and Scripture

Dr Tim Naish, our Canon Librarian, will lead a reflection each evening on a poem and passage of scripture, with an opportunity for questioning and group discussion.

The group is free, but any donation you may wish to make to the mission and ministry of the Cathedral will be warmly received.

Booking essential - Book to be sent a zoom link. It will be the same link for every week.

 Find out more

‘Journeying to Christmas’ Reflections

Fridays (29 November - 20 December), 12:30-13.00 in the Nave

Seasonal reflections from Dean David including music, poetry and prayer.

Keeping you safe

Did you know that Canterbury Cathedral has its own Constabulary?

Our officers are here 24/7 to protect this special site, and to ensure the safety of all who come to visit and worship at the Cathedral.

Services FAQs

No.

Yes. All baptised Christians are welcome to receive Holy Communion.

Yes.

Yes. There are a number of stands within the Cathedral where you can light a candle.

With every child and vulnerable adult that enters Canterbury Cathedral we have a duty of care and responsibility which we take seriously. We have policies in place to ensure we follow the principles for the whole Church of England. You can find our independent safeguarding audit here.

Yes, we welcome any support of the Cathedral. You can donate online, give at one of the contactless donation stands in the Cathedral, or make a cash donation into one of our collection boxes.

Parking in the Cathedral grounds is only available for Blue Badge holders, subject to limited availability and prior arrangement. Please use the public car parks within the city.

Services and Music List

Our Services and Music List gives details of the music performed at Cathedral services, as well as names of choirs, preachers and where the service will take place.

Stay in the loop

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