Yes. Group visits must be pre-booked with the Visits team to guarantee availability. Groups who arrive on site without a booking will not be entitled to the group discount.
Planning your visit? Remember to check our closures.
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.
Visit as a group
Pre-book your group visit
- Pre-booked groups benefit from reduced group rates.
- Your Group Leader enjoys free entry.
- Groups may book an ‘entrance only’ or any of our additional options, such as private guided Cathedral or Precincts tours, media guides, or ‘behind the scenes’ talks.
- One of our friendly Visits team will assist you with planning a great visit.
Any Questions? Please contact [email protected] who will be pleased to assist with any queries you might have.
Visit as a group
Guided tours
Our guided tours are the perfect way to discover the Cathedral’s amazing history, spaces, and secrets.
Please note that costs for guided tours, audio and media guides, and any other add-ons, are in addition to the standard entrance fee.
Each guided tour is £5 per person and lasts approximately one hour.
Pre-booked group tours can be arranged Monday-Saturday from 9.30-15.00. Although there is no maximum group size, we try to keep a maximum of 15 people to each guide.
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.
Types of tour
Inside Story
Discover the Cathedral’s history through its soaring architecture, glorious spaces, and the people who made it what it is today, told by our wonderful tour guides.
Also available in German, French, Dutch, Swedish and Russian.
A Walk with British Royalty
As we remember the life of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II - the longest reigning British monarch - join a special guided tour, telling the stories of royals through the ages. Groups can discover monarchs immortalised in stone, wood and stained glass.
Through the Stained Glass Window
From the time of Ethelbert and Bertha to our current King, discover how the Cathedral survived targeted bombing by the Luftwaffe, and the day it turned red. Hear the haunting tale of Ellen Bean and marvel at the work of our modern-day masons.
Please note: This tour takes place outside, groups are advised to dress accordingly.
Cathedral Clerics, Medics and Brewers
What was life like for the Benedictine monks? With archive documents recording a garden here 1,000 years ago, join us as we discover the significance of a medieval herb garden, the treatments for medieval diseases, and how the planets and zodiac influenced parts of the body.
Please note: This tour takes place outside, groups are advised to dress accordingly.
Canterbury’s UNESCO Places
A full-day’s guided tour of Canterbury’s UNESCO World Heritage sites - three holy places which are integral to the history of the re-introduction of Christianity into England in the 6th Century - St Martin’s, the nation’s oldest continually-used church, St Augustine’s Abbey, burial place of Anglo-Saxon kings and the first Archbishops of Canterbury, and Canterbury Cathedral. Light Refreshments are provided. Group size 10.
The St Thomas Becket Story
‘The St Thomas Becket Story’ guided tour
Uncover the full story of St Thomas Becket in Canterbury Cathedral, where echoes of his life and legacy resound.
More to explore
Afternoon visit with Choral Evensong
Our world-famous Cathedral Choir’s Choral Evensong is free for all to attend. Make sure to book an afternoon visit with your group and stay for the service at 17.30.
Private evening tours
For an unforgettable experience, take your group on a private, guided tour of the Cathedral ‘after hours’. You can combine your evening tour with catering options from the Cathedral Lodge to make your evening visit even more special.
- Cost per person: £35.00.
- Minimum group charge: £875.00.
- Catering options are available on request.
Archives and library visit
The Cathedral Archives and Library houses manuscript, archive, and book collections dating back to the 9th century. We provide both general visits or a tour specifically adjusted to the particular interests of your pre-booked group.
Charges for small groups apply, with a discounted rate for student groups. Specialist groups may incur an additional fee to cover time taken for research and additional preparation.
Maximum group size: 30 people.
Tour enhancements
Audio Visual Presentation
Available in multiple languages, our Cathedral film provides a wonderful introduction to life at the Cathedral and sets the scene before your visit.
Cost per person: £1.50
Media Guide
With enhanced content at every step, our media guides allow each member of your group to take their tour, their way, delving deeper into what interests them and gaining insight from our experts.
Cost per person: £5
Christmas at Canterbury Cathedral Talk
One of the most important festivals in the Christian calendar, Christmas has been celebrated in different ways throughout history. This talk will cover customs associated with Christmas in the Middle Ages and highlight some of the Cathedral’s own traditions, such as our four special Christmas trees, our Christmas services and the Cathedral choirs who make Christmas sound magical.
Group Welcome
Book an introductory talk for your group to help them discover more about the history of this magnificent building. A talk lasting 10-15 minutes will be given by one of our Cathedral staff and provides an insightful overview to start your group's journey of discovery around the Cathedral.
Group FAQs
For further enquiries, please contact [email protected]
Do I need to book a ticket to visit?
The Group Leader should enter the Visitor Centre on the Buttermarket to confirm final numbers and pay for the group if you have not prepaid. The group should wait outside. You will then be directed into the Cathedral Precincts.
How long is my visit likely to last?
Your visit is likely to last one to three hours.
Will services of worship be taking place
Services of worship take place outside of visiting hours. Visitor opening times may change at short notice due to funerals, weddings, services or exceptional circumstances. Please check our website prior to your visit.
Yes. Our public toilets are open 09.00-18.30.
Why not add a sandwich lunch or tea and cake option to your group’s visit? We can offer groups of 15-40 an informal catering option in our Welcome Centre, subject to availability. To enquire or to find out more please refer to our Catering Booking Form.
I am bringing a group of pilgrims. Do I need to pay?
If you are bringing more than 4 people on a pilgrimage and intend to visit the interior of the Cathedral during our visiting hours we would ask you to pay our Pilgrim rate of £8.00 per person. This entitles you to general entrance to Canterbury Cathedral for sightseeing and we can also organise a blessing for you or any additional elements to make your visit special.
If you are just entering the Cathedral Precincts to visit the Pilgrim's stone there is no charge.
More to do in Canterbury
Canterbury Market
Every Wednesday and Friday the centre of Canterbury comes alive with a vibrant, traditional market. On the third Saturday of every month you will find a Vegan Market taking place, selling the best vegan produce and treats.
Traditionally running from early November up to Christmas Eve, Canterbury Christmas market fills the area around Whitefriar’s Shopping Centre with the sights, sounds and scents of Christmas. You can pick up gifts, foodie treats and festive tipples galore. Check the Canterbury Christmas Market for the latest dates and information
Shopping
Canterbury boasts an exclusive department store, many high-street names and an array of boutique and independent shops selling everything from handmade pottery, artisan crafts and gifts and tempting home-made fudge.
Characterful shops line the cobbled streets and make Canterbury a great place to shop for a treat or just soak up the atmosphere.
Cafes, restaurants and bars
Whether you are looking for a three-course blow-out or a quick coffee and cake, Canterbury has it all on offer. You can practically eat your way around the world, with cuisines from a wealth of nations on offer, and with well-known names alongside independent, family-run businesses you have plenty to choose from, with choices to suit every pocket.
While some cities only come alive at night, Canterbury is bustling at any time of day, but boasts a special atmosphere once the sun goes down. You can enjoy a tipple in a traditional British pub, visit a sophisticated cocktail bar, have fun in a Tapas bar or even explore a more quirky option like Canterbury’s very own Magic bar.
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.
Stay in the loop
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