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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 Day Ticket

FREE

Free day entry tickets are available to UK residents in receipt of the following:

  • Universal Credit
  • Pension Credit

Universal Credit Day Ticket holders are required to present proof of eligibility alongside their booking. See full T&Cs

Book Universal Credit Day Tickets

When booking, please consider if you are able to make a donation to Canterbury Cathedral (£3 suggested donation).

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

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

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

 

Planned closure: 13th - 15th January 2025

The Cathedral, Cathedral Lodge and Shop will be closed from Monday 13th - Wednesday 15th January 2025 for our Cathedral Staff Training Conference.

Morning and Evening Worship will take place as usual, and St Augustine’s Chapel will be available during the day for private prayer. Check service times

 

 

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

Visit England's first Cathedral and discover 1,400 years of history

Visit England's first Cathedral and discover 1,400 years of history

Visit England's first Cathedral and discover 1,400 years of history

Visit England's first Cathedral and discover 1,400 years of history

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.

Many of our Advent and Christmas services are live streamed on YouTube and available to watch afterwards, if you aren't able to attend in person.

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.

January - March 2025

NEW What's On Guide

New year, new reasons to visit!

Your guide to worship, events, family-friendly activities, and new visitor experiences at Canterbury Cathedral.

Discover February Half Term fun, pancake races in the Precincts, Candlemas christingle making and much more!

What will you discover?

We have a range of options to help you make the most of your visit, including:

  • Multimedia guides for hire
  • Guided tours
  • Guidebooks available to purchase

The Cathedral is a work of art that showcases the finest medieval architecture and workmanship.

Soaring towers, intricate carving, awe-inspiring stained glass, and characterful stonework reflect Gothic and Romanesque styles.

The Cathedral is enclosed by tranquil gardens, filled with gorgeous planting.

Alongside are the picturesque ruins of the former monastery and the atmospheric Cloister Garth.

All waiting to be discovered...

With family activities, kids’ trails, discovery guides, free walking trails, and free exhibitions, there’s always plenty to do.

You are also welcome to join our daily Evensong service – continuing the Cathedral’s 1,400-year tradition of worship.

Discover the Cathedral’s amazing inside story on a guided tour.

Departing at regular intervals throughout the day, you can book on to a guided tour when you arrive onsite.

A variety of tours are available.

Book your tickets

Tickets start from £18.00 or free if you have a Cathedral Pass or Friends Card.

Other concessions available.

Explore and discover

With architectural triumphs, spectacular stained glass windows, and magnificent collections – discover all that the Cathedral and its grounds has to offer.

Plan your visit

Everything you need to know to plan your visit - from ticket prices, to opening times, to making the most of your day.

Visiting with children

Where history happens and memories are made.

Make a day of it

Take time to explore the world-class heritage in Canterbury.

Group visits

Visiting Canterbury Cathedral is a great addition to any itinerary.

School visits

Have an inspiring day out filled with an abundance of historical and educational interests. 

Fascinating facts

28

The number of years it took for the Nave to be completed, beginning in 1377. The Nave is one of the most magnificent surviving examples of English Perpendicular Gothic.

235

The height in feet of Bell Harry Tower, the tallest part of the Cathedral.

A masterpiece of medieval design and craftsmanship, it was completed approximately 30 years before Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries.

856

The number of medieval heraldic shields on the ceiling of the Cathedral’s Great Cloisters.

These coats of arms sport a range of symbols and motifs – including a mermaid and gold rabbit! What will you spot?

The Lounge is Open!

The Lounge at Canterbury Cathedral Lodge - our on-site café - is open for food and drinks, between 10:00-16:00.

So, pop in for a cold drink, a tea or coffee, or stay awhile to enjoy lunch, light snacks and a selection of sweet treats!

 

Please note, only assistance dogs are permitted in the Lounge.

Other well-behaved dogs are allowed in the Refectory garden, when open to diners in the spring and summer months (weather permitting), during the café opening hours.

We're dog friendly!

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.

 

Cathedral Lodge Lounge

Only assistance dogs are permitted in the Lounge - our on-site café - during the café opening hours (10am-4pm).

Other well-behaved dogs are allowed in the Refectory garden, when open to diners in the spring and summer months (weather permitting), during the café opening hours.

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.

Lifestyle 430

“I have never lost my feelings of wonder and excitement on arrival. The WOW factor is there, come rain or shine.”

Teresa

Talks, tours and more

Canterbury Cathedral is a great addition to any itinerary.

From introductory talks to expert guided tours, we have a variety of options available.

What's on

Making History: Church State and Conflict

Explore the complex, and often violent, story of Church-State relations through the centuries

Stay in the loop

Sign up to our newsletter and stay up to date with all the latest events, news and offers

By adding my email I confirm my subscription to the newsletter and understand that the email address provided will be held by the Cathedral and the email service company (dotdigital) to use for distributing this newsletter only. For more information please see the Cathedral Privacy Notice.