Access information

The Cathedral is located in the centre of Canterbury, and the main step-free entrance into the Cathedral Precincts (grounds) is via Christ Church Gate in The Buttermarket.

Although flat, The Buttermarket and several of the public roads and access routes to the Cathedral Precincts (grounds) are cobbled.

Visitors to Canterbury can use the ‘Shopmobility’ scheme based at Gravel Walk in Whitefriars (Tel +44 (0) 1227 459889).

For advice or information on visiting the city, please see the Visit Canterbury website or email [email protected]

Onsite parking

Parking within the Cathedral grounds is only available for Blue Badge holders, subject to limited availability and by prior arrangement. Please contact our Visits team via [email protected] or +44 (0) 1227 865279 to check availability.

There are several nearby public car parks in the city centre. There is also a park and ride scheme, with buses running regularly from the outskirts of Canterbury. For more information, visit the Canterbury City Council website.

There are no toilets within the Cathedral building itself.

An accessible toilet is at the south east end of the Cathedral Precincts, 135 metres from our Visitor Centre. Access is level concrete with no steps.

• It is a unisex toilet and there is no need for a key.
• The door opens outwards and locks by a twist lock.
• The dimensions of the cubicle are 1.5m x 2.5m (4ft 11in x 8ft 2in). There is not sufficient space to the side of the toilet for a wheelchair and sideways transfer.
• There is a monitored pull cord distress alarm call system positioned next to the toilet.
• The hand dryer is 88 cm (2ft 10in) from the ground.
• The basin is 76 cm (2ft 6in) from the ground and has lever taps.
• The toilet seat is 48cm (1ft 6in) above floor level.
• There are grab rails, wall-mounted and drop-down rails.

There is a separate baby change facility in the toilet block.

The Cathedral has many steps throughout the building and most are very old and uneven. Where possible - but not everywhere - steps have white markings and/or handrails are provided. All doors into the Cathedral are heavy.

The Trinity Chapel at the top of the Quire is the only area not accessible for wheelchair users. A touch-screen computer (at wheelchair level) with text and images gives details of the tombs and stained glass windows in the Chapel.

Free wheelchair loans

Our Visitor Centre has a small number of wheelchairs available for free loan to visitors for use within the Cathedral and Precincts.

Lifts

There is a lift by the Dean’s Steps on the north east side of the Cathedral to enable step-free access to the Quire. The dimensions are 1.04m x 1.34m (3ft 4in x 4 ft 4in). There are no braille or tactile markings.

The lift in our Visitor Centre provides step-free access between our Welcome foyer, Viewing Gallery and Shop.

Ramps

There is a permanent ramp into the Crypt from the north door, and a ramp at the east end of the Precincts into the Memorial Garden.

Occasionally, temporary ramps may be in place within the Cathedral or Precincts for maintenance work. These should not be used by the public, and are not fit for wheelchairs or buggies.

Nave

Level access into the Nave is through the North Door, which has heavy, double doors of 1.44m (4ft 8in) wide.

Quire

There is a lift by the Dean’s Steps on the north east side of the Cathedral to enable step-free access to the Quire. The dimensions are 1.04m x 1.34m (3ft 4in x 4 ft 4in). There are no braille or tactile markings.

The Cloister and Chapter House

Step-free access to the Cloister and Chapter House is via the east end of the Cathedral. The route is mainly levelled concrete and paving, though it is partly cobbled near the monastic ruins leading to the Dark Entry. The path is moderately sloped at the far eastern end.

The Crypt

Step-free entry into the Crypt is on the north side of the Cathedral via a heavy door of 1.2 m wide (3ft 11in) and a wide ramp with handrails and moderate slope.

The Precincts

There are picnic areas which are mainly on levelled grass. There are also benches throughout the site.

Dogs

Visitors can bring their well-behaved four-legged friends into the Cathedral building and grounds.

• Dogs must be on a short lead at all times.
• Owners must clean up after their dogs.
• Unfortunately, dogs aren’t able to accompany their owners on a guided tour or mini talk.
• Only assistance dogs are permitted at services.
• Dog bins are available.
• Water bowls are available at the Cathedral Visitor Centre and refreshments Kiosk.

Guided tours

Specialised tours - including BSL tours and tours for people with a visual impairment – can be arranged in advance through our Visits Office. Please contact our team via 01227 762862 or [email protected].

Touch and Hearing

A ‘Touch and Hearing’ model is available inside the main entrance into the Cathedral. Please ask for assistance at the Welcome or Audio Desk.

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.

Our staff and volunteers are available at all times to offer free assistance.

Cathedral volunteers wear a yellow sash, whilst our staff can be identified by their blue Cathedral lanyards and passes, or by their blue tops with the Cathedral Chapter logo.

Our chaplains and virgers - dressed in black cassocks – and our uniformed Cathedral Constables are also available should you need assistance.

We offer outstanding accommodation within the Cathedral grounds – including rooms especially adapted for guests with mobility problems (level 3) - at The Canterbury Cathedral Lodge.

Find out more at www.canterburycathedrallodge.org