Planning your visit? Remember to check our closures.
All are welcome to join us for Advent and Christmas at the Cathedral
Remember to check our Christmas Opening Hours
Worship, concerts, special events, family-friendly activities, talks, tours, exhibitions and more...
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)
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.
Things to do
The perfect setting
Events at Canterbury Cathedral Lodge
Discover the special events at our stunning onsite hotel - Canterbury Cathedral Lodge.
What's on - Exhibition
Making History: Church State and Conflict
A major new free* exhibition exploring the complex, and often violent, story of Church-State relations through the centuries.
Book your tickets
Tickets start from £17.00 or free if you are a local resident and have a Cathedral Pass.
Visiting with children?
The Cathedral offers a perfect day out for families of all ages, with plenty for your young explorers to discover.
Other highlights
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.
Cathedral grounds
Historic ruins, momentous memorials, and scenic gardens. There’s so much to see within the grounds.
Collections
From remarkable historical objects to fascinating reads in the Archives and Library, Canterbury Cathedral has an abundance of collections to pique your interest.
Make a day of it
World-class heritage
Take time to explore Canterbury’s world-class heritage - wander along ancient city walls, walk cobbled streets and relax in riverside gardens as you enjoy contemporary bars, restaurants and independent, boutique shops.
Learn more here.
St Augustine’s Abbey and St Martin’s Church
Explore all three sites that make up Canterbury’s UNESCO World Heritage Status: St Augustine’s Abbey and St Martin’s Church, in addition to Canterbury Cathedral.
Learn more about the medieval period with a visit to the Eastbridge Pilgrim’s Hospital or the peaceful Franciscan Gardens.
Stay at The Lodge
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.
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.
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