Yes. It’s best to book as far in advance as possible to avoid disappointment as we get extremely busy, especially in summer. Un-booked groups are also charged more.
Planning your visit? Remember to check our closures.
Have an inspiring day-out filled with an abundance of historical and educational interests. Days can be planned to reflect the interests of students from primary school through to university.
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.
School visits
How to book
Visits can be adapted for different year groups. It is also possible to book a self-led ‘entrance only’ visit.
To make an initial enquiry, please email [email protected] or telephone 01227 865262.
To make a provisional booking, please complete the online booking form below.
Facilities are often booked up months in advance, so please contact us as soon as possible.
Visits to suit every school
Primary Schools
Canterbury Cathedral offers curriculum-linked primary school visits. Children will enjoy a costume trail or guided tour, as they see the places and hear the stories that bring their chosen topic to life.
Secondary Schools & A Levels
Explore the extensive history of Canterbury Cathedral on one of our curriculum-linked Secondary visits. Include a session in the Cathedral Archives and Library, discovering items from our collections, relevant to your learning objectives.
A-Level students can get stuck into the world of Canterbury Cathedral with a bespoke visit, tailored to their specific requirements. We can also provide an informative opportunity for students to speak to a member of the clergy.
Overseas schools
Canterbury Cathedral is often described as England in stone, and as such, is ideal for overseas students. An audio-visual presentation on the history and life of the Cathedral provides an interesting introduction to a visit. This is available in several languages (English, French, German and Dutch).
There are also media guides available in several languages and guided tours can be in English, French, German, or Italian. Please be aware that our guides are volunteers and demand is extremely high so it is advised to book these facilities in advance.
Support for students
Further and higher education
The Cathedral is a rich resource for students in subjects such as architecture, conservation, art, literature, music and religion. We offer tailored lectures, special interest guided tours, and ‘behind the scenes’ visits to conservation areas, and the Cathedral Archives and Library.
Please contact the Visits Office to make an initial enquiry.
Which pilgrim are you?
Try our new medieval pilgrimage interactive experience to select your own path, explore significant artefacts from the time and experience the sights and sounds of medieval Canterbury.
The choices you make will lead you to become a pilgrim from either the earliest years of pilgrimage to Canterbury in the decades immediately following the martyrdom of Thomas Becket, or one of Chaucer’s pilgrims who visited centuries later.
Primary schools
Secondary schools
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.
FAQs
We have a lunch room in the Schools Department which is mostly reserved for primary schools. There are plenty of places in the Precincts where you can enjoy a packed lunch.
The closest toilets to the Schools Department are situated 50 metres away in the Cathedral grounds.
Where do we go when we arrive?
Please report to the Visitor Centre on arrival.
Do you have a risk assessment we can use?
Yes, we have comprehensive risk assessments for the Cathedral Building, Precincts, and the project room. You are welcome to use these when completing your own risk assessment for your visit.
The Cathedral Shop stocks a wide range of gifts including plenty of items at pocket money prices. Alternatively schools can pre-book ‘goody bags’, which include a notepad, pen and a pencil, costing £2.50 each.
Let us know if you are going to be later than scheduled. Guides are booked for specific times and may only be able to wait for 15 minutes. If you inform us of your delay, we are more likely to be able to rearrange your activities so you still have an enjoyable visit.
Once you have entered the Precincts you are welcome to stay as long as you like. We suggest that you allow at least one hour for an ‘entrance only’ visit, or 90 minutes if you have booked tours.
School visit booking form
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