Planning your visit? Remember to check our closures.
With architectural triumphs, spectacular stained glass windows, and magnificent collections – discover all that the Cathedral and its grounds has to offer.
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.
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)
Image: Visualisation created by R3nder
Book your tickets
Tickets start from £17.00 or free if you are a local resident and have a Cathedral Pass.
Things to see
Architecture
The impressive architecture of Canterbury Cathedral has been crafted through hundreds of years of building and rebuilding.
Stained glass
From miracles to murders, the 1200m2 of stained glass brings to life the rich, and sometimes gruesome, history of the Cathedral.
Historic Graffiti
Historic graffiti across the walls of the Cathedral voices the beliefs, work, hopes and fears of those who built, lived, worshipped and visited this special place over the last 900 years.
Collections
From remarkable historical objects to fascinating reads in the Archives and Library, Canterbury Cathedral has an abundance of collections to pique your interest.
Cathedral grounds
Historic ruins, momentous memorials, and scenic gardens. There’s so much to see within the grounds.
Guided tours
Our guided tours are the perfect way to discover the Cathedral’s amazing history, spaces, and secrets.
WEEKLY Monday - Saturday 10:30, 12:00 and 14:00 and Sundays 13:00
'The Inside Story' Tour
Discover the story of Canterbury Cathedral through its soaring architecture, beautiful medieval stained glass and the history that helped make and shape the Cathedral.
Only £5 per person, plus admission charge. Book at our Visitor Centre.
New dates added regularly
Stained Glass Windows Tour
Did you know that some stained-glass windows at Canterbury Cathedral are amongst the oldest in the world? Join us on a guided tour, offering an introduction to the history and range of stained glass found at the Cathedral, from medieval to modern.
£5 per person, plus admission charge.
New dates added regularly
Historic Graffiti Tour
Historic graffiti across the walls of the Cathedral voices the beliefs, work, hopes and fears of those who built, lived, worshipped and visited this special place over the last 900 years.
On this tour, the Cathedral’s Historic Graffiti Team shine a light on a selection of the historic graffiti that can be found throughout the Cathedral.
£5 per person, plus admission charge.
New dates added regularly
Precincts and Gardens Tour
Explore the Cathedral Precincts to find traces of the lives of the monks who were the site’s early inhabitants and discover our beautiful public gardens while learning how these spaces, created over centuries, are still used and tended by our gardening team today.
£5 per person, plus admission charge.
New dates added regularly
Cathedral Precincts Tour
Discover how the Cathedral was first built and altered over time.
Uncover Romanesque architecture and Gothic-style craftsmanship that make the outside of the Cathedral just as fascinating as the inside.
Hear why the Cathedral Crypt is above-ground and how the feet of Stephen Langton, a major influencer of the Magna Carta, are out in the cold.
Learn about the previous inhabitants of the Precincts, the Benedictine Monks of Christ Church Priory, who walked these Precincts for centuries.
£5 per person, plus admission charge.
New dates added regularly
Canterbury Cathedral Library Tours
Our Cathedral Library collection includes books from the early decades of printing onwards, including books from some of the earliest European printing presses.
The Howley-Harrison Library was rebuilt over the Infirmary Cloister in 1665 and recently restored to its splendid 19th century décor. It is the largest individual collection in the Library, made up of approximately 16,000 books and pamphlets.
Join a guided tour to learn more about the Library and to explore some of the collection close-up.
£8 per person, plus admission charge.
New dates to be announced for 2025
Canterbury’s UNESCO Sites tour: Foundations of Faith
Discover more about the introduction of Roman Christianity to Britain on this unique fully-guided tour experience which takes you through the heartland of historic Canterbury.
Delve deeper into history with a guided tour at each location, and enjoy a sandwich lunch in beautiful gardens overlooking Canterbury Cathedral - all included.
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.
Stay with us
The Lodge
Make your trip an unforgettable experience by staying in our first-class accommodation, the Cathedral Lodge.
This stunning accommodation includes entry to the Cathedral and is located in the best possible place in the city – on the Cathedral grounds.
What's on
Exhibitions
Uncover artefacts, history, and art through our selection of intriguing exhibitions.
Other highlights
The War Horse
Discover the 20-foot War Horse - nicknamed Joey – built by students and staff from Canterbury College to commemorate the centenary of the end of the First World War.
Medieval herbs
Nestled amongst the ruins of the former monastic dormitory, our re-imagined medicinal herb garden has over 80 plants, and is a beautiful spot to take some time out.
Wildlife
The Cathedral grounds are teeming with flora and fauna – you might even spot a stag beetle or peregrine falcon.
Much of our recent planting is intended to provide interest beyond the flowering period, with plants displaying interesting foliage or spectacular seeds heads.
Shop with us
Cathedral shop
From souvenirs to stunning jewellery, take a look at the spectacular range of products in the Cathedral Shop, located near the Christ Church Gate. Every sale is greatly appreciated and goes towards supporting the Cathedral.
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.
Was this page useful?
There seems to have been an error while submitting your feedback
Thank you for submitting your feedback