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 the Cathedral to pray.

Find out more about worship at the Cathedral.

Opening Times

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.

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

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 a future visit? Remember to check our opening times and upcoming closures.

Holy Week and Easter

Living Hope

All are invited to join us for our services and events at Canterbury Cathedral, as together we celebrate this festival of hope.

Holy Week Retreat Special services Easter Holiday Activities Easter Day Lunch at the Lodge

NON-RESIDENTIAL

Holy Week Retreat at Canterbury Cathedral

led by Canon Emma

Wednesday 16 April - Easter Day (Sunday 20 April)

Immerse yourself in the hope of the Easter story at Canterbury Cathedral; through worship, reflections, Bible study and silence.

Join us in this transformational time, for a special programme of events.

Booking essential; limited spaces.

£150 per person for full retreat; or £50 per person per day.

This is a non-residential retreat; accommodation is not included.

 

To find out more and book, please contact [email protected]

Special services

 

All welcome.

A service of Said Evening Prayer will also take place each day Monday 14 - Saturday 19 April, at 16:00 in the Crypt - in person only.

 

† Live streamed on our YouTube channel

Palm Sunday

13 April

 

10:45 Blessing of the Palms and Procession

Gather at the Yeomanry Memorial in Canterbury (opposite Nationwide), where we will bless the Palms and informally process to the Cathedral. For those unable to walk, please go straight to the Cathedral and blessed Palms will be brought to you.

11:00 Palm Sunday Eucharist †

17:30 Palm Sunday Evensong †

 

† Live streamed on our YouTube channel

Holy Week Reflections: Living with Hope †

Monday 14 - Wednesday 16 April, 17:30 in the Quire

 

Join Dean David and the choir each evening for a Holy Week reflection based on our Lent and Easter theme of ‘Hope’.

Maundy Thursday

17 April

 

11:00 Chrism Eucharist with Renewal of Vows and blessing of Oils †

16:00 Said Evening Prayer

19:30 Liturgy of Maundy Thursday, with Foot Washing and Vigil

Good Friday

18 April

 

10:00 Good Friday Family Service

12:00-13:30 The Cross of Hope - Meditations led by Dean David

13:45-15:00 The Liturgy of the Cross, concluding in the Precincts

16:00 Said Evening Prayer

Holy Saturday

19 April

 

16:00 Said Evening Prayer

19:30 Vigil and first Eucharist of Easter

Easter Day

Sun 20 April

 

08:10 Sung Eucharist - Broadcast live on BBC Radio 4.

Doors open at 07:30. All must be seated by 07:45; due to broadcast requirements, late comers cannot be admitted.

11:00 Easter Day Eucharist † with Bishop Rose

17:30 Solemn Evensong †

Easter Holiday Activities

 

*Included free with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends’ Card. Children aged 17 and under go free (T&Cs apply).

 

FREE* Easter Holiday Drop-in Crafts

Mon 7 - Wed 9 & Mon 14 - Wed 16 April, 11:00-15:00 - by the Compass Rose in the Cathedral

Join us for free* mindful crafts for all ages!

Make a woven paper-plate flower or a ‘tie-dye’ effect paper cross. Take them home for Easter decorations or contribute to a collaborative, community piece that will be displayed in our Cathedral Visitor Centre.

FREE* Family Tours

Mon 7 - Fri 11 & Mon 14 - Wed 16 April, 11:05 & 13:30

Bring your little historians to Canterbury Cathedral to hear stories of Becket and the Black Prince, Monks and Miracles, Tombs and Towers.

These tours are aimed at children aged 6 -13 but are suitable for the whole family to enjoy!

Family Tours last 45 minutes, and pre-booking is suggested as spaces are limited.

To book, email [email protected]

FREE* Easter Holiday Music Workshops

Thurs 10 & Fri 11 April, 10:00-11:00 & 14:00-15:00 - in the Chapter House

Join us for a free* musical workshop this Easter holiday!

Discover the fun and magic of music, in a historic setting; with singing, percussion and games - accompanied by fluffy (toy) chicks and bunnies!

Perfect for children aged 4-11 (and their grown ups!).

No need to book.

FREE* Gregory and Peti’s Easter Trail

Easter Monday (21 April), during visiting hours

Follow the trail map to discover the real meaning of Easter as you explore different parts of the Cathedral, and learn why this festival is the most important celebration in the Christian calendar.

Return your completed trail sheet to the Cathedral Shop to claim your (chocolate) prize!

*Included free with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends’ Card. Children aged 17 and under go free (T&Cs apply).

SPECIAL EVENTS AT THE LODGE

Easter Day Lunch

Sunday 20 April – bookings available 12:30-15:30

Come and enjoy a delicious three-course À la carte lunch with all the family in our bright Refectory Restaurant, with the incredible backdrop of Canterbury Cathedral.

£40 per adult; £22 per child under 14 years

Under 4’s eat for free

All events at Canterbury Cathedral Lodge have limited availability and must be pre-booked.

Full pre-payment will be taken at the time of booking and is non-refundable, unless we are able to re-sell places booked.

Book now

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