Sightseeing Entry

This family-friendly outdoor theatre experience offers a unique blend of engaging entertainment and relaxation in the natural setting of the Deanery Garden.

This experience encourages picnicking and casual seating arrangements, so please bring a blanket and some snacks. Alternatively, light refreshments will be available to purchase.

Address: The Deanery Garden, Canterbury Cathedral, The Precincts, Canterbury CT1 2EH

Event Timings

The Deanery Garden welcomes visitors one hour prior to the start of the performance. It is required for all attendees to take their seats a quarter of an hour before the commencement of the first act.

Please be aware that this is a very popular event and our team will be working hard to admit visitors as punctually as possible, as such we ask that visitors be patient and work with our stewards, so that everybody can enjoy the event.

Photography

Audience members are politely asked not to take photos or videos of the performance or of the Deanery Garden.

Late Arrivals

To preserve the atmosphere of the performance and the viewing experience, attendees arriving over 15 minutes after the performance has begun will regrettably be denied entry.

Accessible Access

We will endeavour to ensure all ticket holders enjoy their experience to the best of our abilities.

The Deanery Garden has a step free access route, and stewards will be able to guide you to this route when you enter the grounds.

Please note that in consideration of the health and safety regulations, only service dogs with valid accreditation are allowed on the premises.

Refunds and Exchanges

Please be advised that once a purchase is made, we are unable to offer refunds or exchanges.

All sales are final, and your acquisition of a ticket for our open-air events signifies your acceptance of this policy and your comprehension of the inherent risks involved in such purchases.

Parking

There is no dedicated parking for this event and car parks in Canterbury will be busy.

Blue badge spaces are available within the Cathedral grounds, but these are subject to limited availability and advance booking.

We encourage visitors to walk or use public transport where possible.

Please leave plenty of time to find parking.

Security

For the safety and security of all attendees, the event organisers reserve the right to conduct random bag checks at any time.

By entering the event premises, visitors consent to such searches and agree to cooperate with security personnel. Refusal to comply may result in denial of entry or removal from the event.

These measures are in place to ensure a safe environment for everyone and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation in advance.

Smoking

Smoking and the use of e-cigarettes are prohibited within the Deanery Garden. For those wishing to smoke, please speak to a steward who will direct you to the allocated smoking zones.

Behaviour

The Deanery Garden is a place of tranquillity and respect.

To ensure enjoyment for all visitors, we strictly prohibit disorderly behaviour within the garden's premises. Disorderly conduct includes, but is not limited to, excessive noise, disruptive behaviour, damage to property, and disrespect towards other visitors or staff. Should a visitor engage in such behavior, they will be approached by a member of our staff and politely asked to leave the premises.

We appreciate your cooperation in maintaining the serene atmosphere of the Deanery Garden.

Where will I enter and exit?

Entry will be through the Christ Church Gate, located in the Buttermarket. You will need to show your theatre tickets here to enter the Cathedral grounds and will then be directed to the queue outside the Deanery Garden. Tickets will be checked twice to ensure you have the correct show.

Exit out of the Deanery Garden is back the way you entered.

What do I need to show when I arrive?

When you purchase your theatre ticket, you will be sent an email confirmation, which serves as your ticket. Please bring this with you – either on your phone or as a print out – and show it to Cathedral staff when you arrive.

We advise that you take a screenshot of your ticket on your phone, so that you don’t have to worry about internet signal when arriving.

Be sure to check the date of your tickets/email confirmation to ensure you do not attend the wrong production.

Can I arrive earlier or later than the production start time?

Early entry is permitted an hour before the show begins. To preserve the atmosphere of the performance and the viewing experience, attendees arriving over 15 minutes after the performance has started will regrettably be denied entry.

The Deanery Garden closes 30 minutes after the performance finishes.

I have purchased the wrong ticket, can I exchange it?

While we cannot offer a refund, we may be able to offer an exchange depending on your specific situation

We encourage you to contact our Visits Office to discuss any issues you may have, and we'll do our best to assist you. [email protected]

Is the ticket price the same for all ages?

Yes, the ticket price is £17.00 per person. However, under 3’s go free.

Does my theatre ticket allow me entry into the Cathedral?

No, your theatre ticket will only allow you access into the Deanery Garden for the theatre production.

You will need a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket or Cathedral Pass to explore inside the Cathedral. Please see ticketing information and opening times here.

Will I have to queue?

Queues are likely for this event, but we will do our best to get everyone admitted quickly and as safely as possible. When you arrive, please join the relevant queue, or as directed by staff.

Please dress for the weather. Due to the architecture of the Cathedral, sensible shoes are also advised.

What happens if it rains?

In the event of rain, our outdoor summer events will continue as planned, embracing the unpredictability of nature.

We do not cancel shows in advance due to weather forecasts, as conditions can improve unexpectedly. Should inclement weather occur, we may pause and resume the performance up to three times or delay the start by an hour.

Decisions regarding show alterations are made close to the performance time. While we aim to carry out each event, we do not offer refunds for shows affected by weather. However, we prioritize safety; severe conditions like heavy rain or lightning may lead us to suspend the event, with the possibility of resuming if conditions improve.

If continuation is deemed unsafe, the decision to cancel will be made in collaboration with the venue and theatre management, and only then will a refund be considered.

For more detail, please see Immersion Theatre's Bad Weather Policy.

Do you have toilets?

Yes. These are located in the Cathedral grounds towards the south-east end of the Lodge car park, opposite the War Horse statue.

Are dogs allowed?

Only assistance dogs are permitted within the event.

If you have any questions about this event, your booking or the venue, please get in touch at [email protected]  or by calling 01227 865279.