Your visit is likely to last one to three hours.
Planning your visit? Remember to check our closures.
Every visitor is welcomed at Canterbury Cathedral. Whatever your interest, there’s something for everyone. Whether that’s English history, beautiful architecture, music, stained glass windows, royalty, gardens, or monastic life. You can join a guided tour or do your own thing. And if needed, there’s always one of our Guides or Stewards to answer your queries.
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
Tickets and opening times
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. Please check our website prior to your visit as opening times may be subject to change.
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.
Adult
£17.00
Our standard visitor ticket is valid for 12 months, meaning you can re-visit the Cathedral as often as you want during that time at no extra cost.
Children (aged 17 and under)
Free
Children 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.
Canterbury 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.
English Heritage Members
20% discount on visitor entry
- Not valid with other promotions or offers.
- Discount applies to tickets bought on the door at our Visitor Centre only. Discount is not available for online booking. Standard price admission tickets cannot be refunded and exchanged for discounted tickets.
- Valid until 31 March 2025. T&Cs apply.
Cathedral Pass
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.
Getting here & parking
With city parking, and regular train and coach services available, getting here couldn’t be easier.
Facilities
The Cathedral offers a wide range of facilities to ensure that all visitors enjoy an incredible day out.
Talks and tours
Join our new tours and discover the Precincts, picturesque gardens, and magnificent history of Canterbury Cathedral. Each tour costs £5 per person, simply ask a member when you arrive.
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.
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.
A home for the night
The Lodge
Cathedral Lodge offers Canterbury’s best-located accommodation and conference facilities.
Superb, well-equipped bedrooms overlook beautiful gardens with wonderful Cathedral views.
You can also be assured that a tasty breakfast awaits you in the morning.
Cathedral Lodge is the perfect getaway destination for anyone visiting historic Canterbury.
There's so much to see and do in Canterbury
Make a day of it
- Shop along the cobbled streets of Cathedral Quarter, filled with independent shops.
- Visit St Martin’s Church, the oldest church in the country.
- Take a trip to the farmers’ market, The Goods Shed, and find a range of local produce.
- Have a peaceful walk along the River Stour.
- Expand your curiosity at The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge.
- Explore England’s largest surviving medieval tower, Westgate Towers.
- Spend an enjoyable evening at Marlowe Theatre.
And if one day isn’t enough, you can always stay at the Canterbury Cathedral Lodge. It’s situated within the private grounds of the Cathedral and guests enjoy free entry throughout their visit.
FAQs
How long is my visit likely to last?
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 will be open 09.00-18.30 daily.
With every child and vulnerable adult that enters Canterbury Cathedral we have a duty of care and responsibility which we take seriously. We have policies in place to ensure we follow the principles for the whole Church of England. You can find our independent safeguarding audit here.
Can I donate to support the Cathedral?
Yes, we welcome any support of the Cathedral. You can donate online, give at one of the contactless donation stands in the Cathedral, or make a cash donation into one of our collection boxes.
Parking is available for Blue Badge holders only, subject to limited availability. Please use the public car parks within the city.
Do I need to book a ticket to visit?
You can pre-book a Cathedral ticket to fast-track your entry on the day, or tickets can be bought from our Visitor Centre upon arrival.
Will multimedia tours be available?
Yes. Our Media Guide, launched in Spring 2022, has interactive activities, and unique behind-the-scenes material – including interviews with our clergy, craftspeople, and heritage specialists - which allows you to discover the Cathedral’s story like never before. The cost to hire the guide is £5.
Who can I contact with any other questions?
Our Visits team are happy to help with any queries you have. Email them at [email protected].
Stay in the loop
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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.
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