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 and may have to wait to enter the Cathedral during busy periods.
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.
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. Uncover the hidden stories behind t he murder of St Thomas Becket, the arrival of St Augustine in 597 and even how Canterbury Cathedral was saved by brave firewatchers during the Blitz.
Also available in German, French, Dutch, Italian, Swedish and Japanese (subject to availability).
The Crown and the Cathedral
From King Ethelbert, the first British king to convert to Christianity to Henry II’s disputes with Thomas Becket, which resulted in a shocking murder, monarchs have left their mark on the Cathedral in many ways.
Hear these stories and more as we discover monarchs immortalised in stone, wood and stained glass which adorn the Cathedral’s walls, including the special statues of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip which were unveiled in 2015.
Through the Stained Glass Window
Discover the history and range of stained glass found at Canterbury Cathedral, covering windows from medieval to modern. You will discover richly-detailed Bible-story windows, explore the famous Miracle Windows, telling tales of miracles associated with Thomas Becket's martyrdom and, of course, see the oldest windows in Canterbury's collection, and the oldest in England. You will also be introduced to 20th Century stained glass telling stories of loss and reconciliation and meet a host of famous faces immortalised in glass along the way.
Monks and Medicine: the Benedictine Monastery
What was life like for the Benedictine monks who lived on site during the middle ages? With archive documents recording a garden here 1,000 years ago, join us as we discover the significance of a medieval herb garden, the role of the Great Cloister, 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
St Thomas Becket, the Archbishop who dared to challenge a king and in turn sparked centuries of pilgrimage.
Uncover the full story of St Thomas Becket in Canterbury Cathedral, the very place where echoes of his life and legacy resound. Discover the place where Thomas Becket was martyred, the site where his first tomb was laid out and the Trinity Chapel-home to Becket's lavish shrine, destroyed under Henry VIII. See stories of miracles, associated with Thomas's tomb, retold in glass and hear tales of pilgrimage and how Canterbury Cathedral celebrated a saint.
Canterbury Cathedral's American Connections
Discover the strong bond that Canterbury Cathedral has with the United States. Throughout history, Canterbury’s inhabitants have gone on to shape American history, and in turn Americans have made their mark on Canterbury Cathedral.
Hear stories of the people who have shaped the history of the United States and learn how glass and stone from Canterbury Cathedral adorns their churches. This is the story of centuries of friendship across the Atlantic.
Women at Canterbury Cathedral
Canterbury’s story is not just written by monks and monarchs - uncover the lives of the remarkable queens and noblewomen who have played their part and contributed in their way to the fabric of this majestic building.
You will also learn about more humble artists and makers who have also helped shape Canterbury Cathedral and whose contributions can be seen today.
Christmas at the Cathedral
Christmas has been celebrated in different ways throughout history and is depicted in different forms around the Cathedral. This tour will cover customs associated with Christmas in the Middle Ages, such as appointing a Boy Bishop, St Nicholas' feast day, and tell how the Puritans’ attempts to cancel Christmas resulted in Canterbury’s Plum Pudding Riots of 1647. We also highlight some of the Cathedral’s own traditions, such as the four special Christmas trees, its Christmas services and the Cathedral choirs who make Christmas sound magical.
More to explore
Corona Tower Climb Tours
Built in the 12th century to contain the relic of the skull of St Thomas Becket, the Corona Chapel is unusual in its design and shape. Explore this usually private chapel before climbing 95 steps to emerge at the top of the tower itself. Offering amazing views across the city from all directions, this tour allows you the unique opportunity to see Canterbury differently!
Safety and group size restrictions apply. Over 16s Only. Ask us for more details.
Group rate £10.00 per person
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 or tour with your group and stay for the service at 17.30.
Please note that on Thursdays Choral Evensong is replaced with Said Evening Prayer with Silent Prayer.
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: £37.00.
- Minimum group charge: £925.00.
- Catering options are available on request.
Archives and Library
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.
Mini Talks
Mini talks lasting around 20 minutes are available to book on a variety of subjects, from a general introduction to the cathedral through to in-depth talks about Thomas Becket, the Black Prince, St Augustine and many more! A mini talk is a great way to give your group a bit of background knowledge or to allow them to delve deeper into their favourite subject. Contact the Visits team to find out more!
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 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.
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