Sightseeing Entry

 

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.

By accessing the grounds or buying a Canterbury Cathedral admission ticket, you agree to be bound by our Terms and Conditions of Entry.

 

It is always free to attend a service of worship or come into the Cathedral to pray.

Find out more about worship at the Cathedral.

Opening Times

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.

Opening times are subject to change. Occasionally, areas of the Cathedral may be closed to visiting, due to services, special events or for conservation work to be carried out.

To avoid disappointment, please check opening times and upcoming closures before visiting.

Cathedral Admission Tickets

Group and school visits must be booked separately (See further below).

Concessions are available, with a valid proof of eligibility (See further below).

 

All sightseeing entry includes† :

  • Entry to the Cathedral, Precincts and gardens
  • Exhibitions
  • Mini talks
  • Activity trails
  • Visitor events

† Subject to availability

 

Ticket prices as of January 2025

October-March

£18.00

 

Perfect if you're looking for a quieter visit, but still plenty to discover.

 

Multi-day ticket. Valid for 365 days from booking; re-visit the Cathedral and Precincts as often as you like during that time at no extra cost.

April-September (Excl. weekends in July & August)

£19.50

 

Make the most of the good weather, during our busy season.

 

Multi-day ticket. Valid for 365 days from booking; re-visit the Cathedral and Precincts as often as you like during that time at no extra cost.

Weekends in July & August

£21.00

 

Get more out of your summer visit, with special events and visitor experiences.

 

Multi-day ticket. Valid for 365 days from booking; re-visit the Cathedral and Precincts as often as you like during that time at no extra cost.

 

 

Kids go FREE every day!

Children (aged 17 and under) 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.

 

Concessions

You are required to present a valid proof of eligibility on entry.

 

Pre-book online

Universal Credit Tickets

FREE

Free entry tickets are available to UK residents in receipt of the following:

  • Universal Credit
  • Pension Credit

Universal Credit Ticketholders are required to present proof of eligibility alongside their booking. See full T&Cs

Book Universal Credit Tickets

When booking, please consider if you are able to make a donation to Canterbury Cathedral (£3 suggested donation).

Multi-day ticket. Valid for 365 days from booking; re-visit the Cathedral and Precincts as often as you like during that time at no extra cost.

Application Registration Card (ARC) holders

FREE

Enjoy FREE entry with a valid Application Registration Card (ARC)

Local University 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.

Cathedral Passholders

FREE

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.

Apply for The Cathedral Pass

Friends Cardholders

FREE

Friends of Canterbury Cathedral enjoy free entry, as well as many other membership benefits!

The Friends are the Cathedral’s fan club!

They are a community who work together to preserve the Cathedral, and, with the great gen-erosity of their members, contribute financially to many vital projects.

Other membership benefits include:

  • Full annual programme of Friends' events• New member celebration (which includes a private guided tour)
  • 10% discount at the Cathedral Shop and Cathedral Lodge (some exclusions apply)
  • Exclusive Friends’ Day each summer
  • Monthly Friendly Friday e-newsletters
  • Annual Cathedral magazine - view a sample of The Chronicle
  • Twice-yearly paper mailings
  • Membership badge
  • Exclusive Friends’ Day each summer

Find out more about the Friends

Group visits

 

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.

Find out more

School visits

 

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.

 Find out more

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Event calendar

Have a look at the range of events Canterbury Cathedral has on offer below.

 

What's on

There’s something for everyone – see what exciting events are currently taking place.

See what's on

Service times

Morning Prayer (Matins)   07:30 Monday - Friday, 09:15 Weekends and Bank Holidays

Lunchtime Holy Communion   12:30 (Wednesdays)

Choral Evensong†   17:30 Monday - Wednesday, Friday - Sunday

Said Evening Prayer   17:30 Thursdays

Sunday Sung Eucharist†    11:00

All are welcome and there is no charge to attend a service.

† Live streamed on our YouTube channel.

Services

Online worship

Every day the Cathedral’s services are broadcast on our YouTube channel. It’s perfect for when you are unable to be here in person. 

Explore 

Find us

We can't wait to welcome you to the Cathedral

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 ground and Shop only. the Cathedral church opens at 12.30.

Address

Cathedral House
11 The Precincts
Canterbury
CT1 2EH
United Kingdom
Get directions

Parking 

Parking in the Cathedral grounds is only available for Blue Badge holders, subject to limited availability and prior arrangement. There are several public car parks nearby. 

Find out more

 

Planning a future visit? Remember to check our opening times and upcoming closures.

Exhibitions

FREE EXHIBITION

Eat. Sleep. Pray. Repeat.

Until autumn 2025

In the Viewing Gallery, Cathedral Visitor Centre

Free for all to view - no admission required!

Visit our fascinating new exhibition, which delves into the lives of the medieval monks of Canterbury Cathedral.

Told through their own words, drawings and objects, discover what they did with their day, what they cared about, and why they needed sign language for “pass the soap”!

This family-friendly exhibition is available to view every day, during visiting hours.

You do not need a Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends' Card to view the exhibition.

Current exhibitions

Making History: Church, State and Conflict

Western Crypt

Explore up-close a unique collection of artefacts that tell the complex, and often violent, story of Church-State relations.

Amazing objects on display include the battle shield of Edward The Black Prince, a charter of King Henry II issued five years after the murder of Thomas Becket, and an 11th-Century document with the wax seal of William the Conqueror.

This exhibition is free to view with a Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends' Card. Children aged 17 and under go free (T&Cs apply).

Chalices, Flagons and Patens

Water Tower Corridor

Church practice through the centuries has been full of variety, and this can be seen in the objects used in worship, from simple communion cups to decorated chalices.

This exhibition is free to view with a Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends' Card. Children aged 17 and under go free (T&Cs apply).

Monastic Life

Water Tower

In this exhibition in the Cathedral's newly-restored Water Tower, discover what day-to-day life was like for Canterbury's monks

This exhibition is free to view with a Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends' Card. Children aged 17 and under go free (T&Cs apply).

Book your tickets

 

Tickets start from £19.50 or free if you have a Cathedral Pass or Friends Card.

Other concessions available, with a valid proof of eligibility.

Group visits and school visits must be booked separately; KIDS GO FREE offer does not apply to group or school visits.

Book online for fast-track entry

LIMITED TIME ONLY FREE* ART INSTALLATION

moon landing: an immersive art installation

JUNE 2025

This June, we will be hosting the breathtaking art installation moon landing; a duo work created by British textile artist and designer of woven textiles, Margo Selby, in collaboration with award-winning composer, Helen Caddick.

An immersive artwork comprising a 16-metre hand-woven textile by Margo Selby, and an original musical piece scored for strings by Helen Caddick, inspired by the story of the women who wove the integrated circuits and memory cores which enabled the moon landing.

It is a celebration of the mathematical and technical possibilities of weaving and the crossovers of pattern, tone and rhythm found in both music and woven textiles.

Keep an eye on our website and socials to find out more!

*Included free with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends’ Card. Children aged 17 and under go free (T&Cs apply).

April - June 2025

NEW What's On Guide

 

Discover Holy Week and Easter services and events, FREE* Stone Week activities and family tours for half term, Illuminated Orchestra, and much more!

 

*Included free with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends’ Card. Kids go FREE every day! (T&Cs apply); does not apply to group bookings or school visits.

Image © MEGA Events

View online (PDF)

Talks and Tours

Discover the Cathedral’s history, spaces and secrets with our expert tour guides.

Explore

Visiting with children?

The Cathedral offers a perfect day out for families of all ages, with plenty for your young explorers to discover.

What's on for children

Stay in the loop

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