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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 Day Ticket

FREE

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

  • Universal Credit
  • Pension Credit

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

Book Universal Credit Day Tickets

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

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

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

Daily Eucharist   08:00
Lunchtime Eucharist   12:30 (Wednesdays and Feast Days only)
Daily Choral Evensong or Said Evening Prayer with Organ Meditation*   17:30
Sunday Choral Eucharist*  11:00
All are welcome and there is no charge to attend a service. *Live streamed online.

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

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

 

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.

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.

Many of our Advent and Christmas services are live streamed on YouTube and available to watch afterwards, if you aren't able to attend in person.

January - March 2025

NEW What's On Guide

New year, new reasons to visit!

Your guide to worship, events, family-friendly activities, and new visitor experiences at Canterbury Cathedral.

Discover February Half Term fun, pancake races in the Precincts, Candlemas christingle making and much more!

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.

Highlighted events

WEEKLY Monday - Saturday 10:30, 12:00 and 14:00 and Sundays 13:00

'The Inside Story' Tour

Discover the story of Canterbury Cathedral through its soaring architecture, beautiful medieval stained glass and the history that helped make and shape the Cathedral.

From the Cathedral’s origins in the 6th century, the tour will encompass 1,400 years of history - with tales of royalty, clergy and everyday craftsmen who made the Cathedral what it is today - set amid a background of wars, political struggle and tales of bravery.

£5 per person, plus Cathedral admission charge.

Book at our Visitor Centre.

DAILY Between 10:00- 16:00, various intervals

FREE* Mini Talks

Listen to a bite-sized exploration of the Cathedral’s history with a free 15-minute Mini Talk, delivered by our knowledgeable team.

A great chance to discover more about the 1,400 years of history of our magnificent Cathedral - from the Black Prince and the turbulent Thomas Becket, to our Historic Graffiti and marvellous Stained Glass.

Take a pew and learn something new!

Talks subject to availability on the day. Ask at our Visitor Centre for times.

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

Life-size Crib

Our beautiful life-size nativity scene will be in place in the Nave until Sunday 26th January.

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

NEW FOR 2025

Time for Silent Prayer

Thursdays* after 17:30 Said Evening Prayer, until 18:15

An opportunity to be still in the midst of the business of life, and rest in the holiness and peace of this sacred place.

This space is for people of all denominations, faiths or none who wish to take some time to rest in the present moment.

An opportunity to be still in the midst of the business of life and rest in the holiness and peace of this sacred place.

If you are drawn to silent prayer, please join us weekly on Thursdays* in the Crypt for an extended time of silent prayer as part of our evening said service.

Whether you stay for 10 minutes or half an hour, this space is for people of all denominations, faiths or none who wish to have some quiet, reflective time, resting in the present moment. 

*Occasional variations. See our monthly Services and Music Lists.

Between 5 - 12 January 2025

Epiphany Services

 

Solemn Evensong of the Epiphany
Sun 5 January 2025, 17:30

 

Sung Eucharist for Epiphany
Mon 6 January 2025, 17:30

 

Epiphany Carol Service
Sun 12 January 2025, 17:30

 

† Live streamed on our YouTube channel

 

If you require additional arrangements to attend please email our Events Office in advance at [email protected]

All requests must be received at least four working days before the service date.

Only certified assistance animals are permitted at services. Other animals will not be allowed access.

Please read essential information here before attending.

Between 15 - 23 February

FREE* Half Term Fun

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

FREE* Gregory and Peti’s Pilgrim Trail
Between 15 - 23 February, during visiting hours

Canterbury Cathedral has been a place of pilgrimage for over a thousand years! Gregory Gargoyle and Peti Pigeon have chosen 10 of their favourite pilgrim highlights for you to discover as you explore the Cathedral.

Find all 10 and return your completed trail sheet to the Cathedral Shop to claim your prize!

FREE* Family Tours
Monday 17 - Friday 21 February, 11:05 & 13:30

Bring your little historians to Canterbury Cathedral to hear stories of Becket and the Black Prince, Monks and Miracles, Tombs and Towers.

These tours are aimed at children aged 6 - 13 but are suitable for the whole family to enjoy!

Family Tours last 45 minutes, and pre-booking is suggested, as spaces are limited.

To book, email [email protected]


AND MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED...

Friday 21 & Saturday 22 February 2025 in the Canterbury Cathedral Nave

80s, 90s &00s Silent Disco

presented by Silent Discos in Incredible Places

*SELLING FAST*

After several sold out shows in Canterbury Cathedral, An 80s, 90s & 00s Silent Disco like no other is back by popular demand.

Expect some of the UK's best DJs playing all your favourite tunes in the stunning, illuminated surroundings of Canterbury Cathedral.

Friday 21 February 2025

  • Session 1:6:30PM - 9:00PM *SOLD OUT*
  • Session 2: 9:30PM - 12:00AM  *SOLD OUT*

Saturday 22 February 2025

  • Session 1: 6:30PM - 9:00PM *SOLD OUT*
  • Session 2: 9:30PM - 12:00AM *SOLD OUT*

This is strictly a 18+ event.

Starting early March 2025 - running for 6 weeks

Lent Groups

As part of our Lent and Easter season, we shall be exploring the theme of ‘Hope in Hard Places’ using study material from the charity Embrace the Middle East.

Starting at the beginning of March and running for the six weeks of Lent, this is an opportunity to gather with others in a small group, online or in person.

Further details will be announced through our weekly pew sheet, available at www.canterbury-cathedral.org/worship

Embrace the Middle East are a Christian development charity, who partner with Christians in the Middle East as they work to transform lives and restore the dignity of the most excluded and marginalised communities.

Find out more at https://embraceme.org

Wednesday 5 March 2025

Ash Wednesday

8:00 Holy Communion with Ashing

12:30 Eucharist with Ashing

17:30 Choral Eucharist with Ashing and Homily †

 

† Live streamed on our YouTube channel

Dates in March 2025

Stained Glass Windows Tour

Did you know that some stained-glass windows at Canterbury Cathedral are amongst the oldest in the world?

Join us on a guided tour, offering an introduction to the history and range of stained glass found at the Cathedral, from medieval to modern.

Discover richly-detailed Bible-story windows, explore Miracle Windows and see the oldest stained glass in England. You will be introduced to 20th Century glass reflecting stories of hope, and meet a host of famous faces immortalised in glass along the way.

Dates:

  • Thursday 6 March, 11:15-12:15
  • Fridays 14, 21 & 28 March, 11:15-12:15

£5 per person, plus Cathedral admission charge.

Book at our Visitor Centre on the day of your visit, or email [email protected] to reserve your space.

SPECIAL THEMED TALKS & TOURS

International Women’s Day

Saturday 8 March 2025

‘Women of Canterbury Cathedral’ FREE* Mini Talks
Between 10:00-15:30, various intervals

Enjoy special 15-minute bite-sized talks, delivered by our knowledgeable team.

From Queen Bertha, to Joan of Kent, and many more, learn about the women who have been pivotal throughout the Cathedral’s 1,400-year history.

Ask at our Visitor Centre on the day of your visit.

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

‘Women at Canterbury Cathedral’ Tour
International Women’s Day: Sat 8 March, 11:15-12:30

Uncover the lives of the queens, noblewomen, humble artists and makers who have helped shape the Cathedral.

£5 per person, plus Cathedral admission charge.

Book at our Visitor Centre on the day of your visit, or email [email protected] to reserve your space.

Wednesdays 12, 19 & 26 March, 11:15-12:30

‘The St Thomas Becket Story’ Tour

Uncover the full story of St Thomas Becket in the Cathedral, where echoes of his life and legacy resound.

Explore the places in the Cathedral associated with the life and death of the renowned saint and martyr, from the location of his shocking murder in 1170; to the site of his first tomb, where over 700 miracles were reported; and discover how the story was re-told in stained glass.

£5 per person, plus Cathedral admission charge.

Book at our Visitor Centre on the day of your visit, or email [email protected] to reserve your space.

Saturday 22 March 2025, 11:00-15:00 in the Community Studio

FREE* Mothering Sunday Themed RSN Family Drop-in Workshop

Pop into our Community Studio and sow a beautiful motif, with Royal School of Needlework Tutor, Helen Stevens, to display in your home or to give as a special gift - just in time for Mothering Sunday!

This free* event is proudly presented in partnership with The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral.

Drop-in activity; no need to book.

Both children and adults welcome. Suitable for ages 4+ (parents/carers may need to assist younger children)

Kindly supported by The Worshipful Company of Broderers.

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

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