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Talks and tours
FREE EXHIBITION
Celebrations and Ceremonies: City, Cathedral and Crown
✨ LAST CHANCE TO VIEW ✨ Ending March
In the Viewing Gallery
Free for all to view - no admission required!
Join us in the Viewing Gallery, in the Cathedral Visitor Centre and discover objects that bring to life stories from the history of Canterbury and the Cathedral, and their royal connections.
Marvel at the wonderful William Burges Crozier (the staff carried by a bishop), which features St George - patron saint of England - and the Dragon.
See the ancient ‘burghmote horn’ of the City of Canterbury, which is still blown on special occasions; and the magnificent ceremonial sword, dating from 1608.
This exhibition features striking and rarely seen items dating from the medieval period onwards. Admire their fine craftsmanship and find out how they were used in celebrations and ceremonies.
This family-friendly exhibition is available to view every day, during visiting hours.
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. Children aged 17 and under go free (T&Cs apply).
Image © MEGA Events
*POPULAR TOUR - BOOK NOW*
Stained Glass Studio Tours
Thursday 20 March, 11:00-12:30
Friday 20 June, 14:00-15:30
Our Cathedral Studios workshop is dedicated to the preservation and conservation of Stained Glass Heritage.
Visit the studio, meet one of our conservators and learn more about their work specialising in the conservation, restoration and protection of stained glass from the 12th Century to the 20th Century.
£25 per person. Cathedral admission not included.
Talks and tours
Our free* 15-minute Mini Talks offer a a bite-sized exploration of the Cathedral’s history, and guided tours are the perfect way to discover the Cathedral’s amazing history, spaces, and secrets.
We also host a range of paid talks, and run various free* themed talks, tours and open days through the year.
*Included free with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends’ Card. Children aged 17 and under go free (T&Cs apply).
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).
SPECIAL THEMED TALKS
FREE* Mini Talks
‘The Order of St Benedict’
Friday 21 March, various times
The Cathedral grounds were once home to a Benedictine Monastery, whose monks shaped this historic site for centuries.
The monks who lived in the monastery followed strict rules laid out in a book called the Rule of St Benedict, and met every day in the Chapter House to read from it.
St Benedict had developed this way of living in the 6th Century, and the Rule told the monks to live simply and to work for God, to welcome strangers and give food to the poor.
On the anniversary St Benedict's death - 21 March, 547 - we are holding special themed Mini Talks, inspired by the Rule of St Benedict, and the lives of those monks at Canterbury Cathedral.
11:10 - Benedict (of Monks and Men)
12:50 - The Rise of St Benedict
Talks subject to availability on the day.
*Included free with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends’ Card. Children aged 17 and under go free (T&Cs apply).
Dates in March - June
Gentle Tours
Join us for our step-free tours, delivered at a gentle pace, in a smaller group; split into two parts, with a comfort break.
Dates:
- Thursday 20 March, between 14:15-16:00
- Thursdays 3 & 17 April, between 14:15-16:00
- Thursdays 1, 15 & 29 May, between 14:15-16:00
- Thursdays 12 & 26 June, between 14:15-16:00
£5 per person, plus Cathedral admission charge.
Please note: There is no discount available if you only wish to join one part of the tour.
Dates in March, May & June
‘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.
Dates:
- Wednesdays 19 & 26 March, 11:15-12:30
- Wednesdays 7, 14, 21 & 28 May, 11:15-12:30
- Wednesdays 4, 11, 18, 25 June, 11:15-12:30
£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.
Dates in March - June
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:
- Fridays 14, 21 & 28 March, 11:15-12:30
- Fridays 4, 11 & 25 April, 11:15-12:30
- Fridays 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 May, 11:15-12:30
- Fridays 6, 13, 20, 27 June, 11:15-12:30
£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.
Dates in March - June
Historic Graffiti Tour
On this tour, members of the Cathedral’s Historic Graffiti Team will shine a light on a selection of the historic graffiti that can be found throughout the Cathedral.
Focusing on the Eastern Crypt, Quire and Trinity Chapel, a selection of different types of historic graffiti from different periods will be revealed; along with the very different motivations in the past for making marks on walls.
Dates:
- Thursday 13 March, 13:15-14:15
- Thursday 10 April, 13:15-14:15
- Thursday 15 May , 13:15-14:15
- Thursday 26 June, 13:15-14:15
£5 per person, plus Cathedral admission charge.
Dates in March - June (New dates added regularly)
American Connections Tour
Discover the strong bond that Canterbury Cathedral has with the United States.
This is the story of centuries of friendship across the Atlantic.
Dates:
- Cesar Chavez Day: Mon 31 March, 11:15-12:30
- Fri 11 April, 11:15-12:30
- Thurs 24 April, 11:15-12:30
- Victory in Europe (VE) Day: Thurs 8 May, 11:15-12:30
- Memorial Day: Mon 26 May, 11:15-12:30
- Juneteenth National Independence Day: Thurs 19 June, 11:15-12:30
- Fri 27 June, 11:15-12:30
£5 per person, plus Cathedral admission charge.
Dates in March - June
Canterbury Cathedral Library Tours
Our Cathedral Library collection includes books from the early decades of printing onwards, including books from some of the earliest European printing presses.
Join a guided tour to learn more about the Library and to explore some of the collection close-up.
Dates:
- Thurs 27 March, 14:00-15:00
- Thurs 10 April, 14:00-15:00
- Thurs 15 May, 14:00-15:00
- Thurs 12 June, 14:00-15:00
- Thurs 26 June, 14:00-15:00
£8 per person, plus admission charge.
Dates in March & June
Stained Glass Studio Tours
Our Cathedral Studios workshop is dedicated to the preservation and conservation of Stained Glass Heritage.
Visit the studio, meet one of our conservators and learn more about their specialist work in the conservation, restoration and protection of our historic stained glass.
Dates:
- Thursday 20 March, 11:00-12:30
- Friday 20 June, 14:00-15:30
£25 per person. Cathedral admission not included.
Pre-booking required; not suitable for under 18s.
SPECIAL EVENTS AT THE LODGE
Hidden Views Tour & Tea
Mon 21 April - Two sessions: 13:30-15:30 or 15:15-17:15
View the Deanery and Archdeaconry from within their gardens, and learn more about the history of these buildings from these usually inaccessible perspectives.
The tour will be followed by a full afternoon tea in the Deanery, with the option to add a glass of Prosecco.
This includes an opportunity to be amongst the first to enjoy the newly renovated event spaces in the Deanery.
£45 per person; or £50 with glass of prosecco included
All events at Canterbury Cathedral Lodge have limited availability and must be pre-booked.
Full pre-payment will be taken at the time of booking and is non-refundable, unless we are able to re-sell places booked.
Fridays 11, 18 & 25 April, 11:15-12:30
Spring Precincts & Gardens Tour
Walk Canterbury Cathedral’s spring gardens with one of our gardening team just as the daffodils, alliums and spring grasses burst into life!
Discover the history of the Cathedral’s outdoor spaces and how they are cared for today. Explore the Cathedral grounds, once home to a Benedictine Monastery whose monks shaped the Cathedral site for centuries. Spot Bee Boles and learn where Cathedral Canons used to play bowls. Hear why the Cathedral Crypt is above ground and how the feet of Stephen Langton, a major influencer of Magna Carta, are out in the cold.
£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.
Tudors and Stuarts Weekend 2025
Fri 25 - Sun 27 April, various timings and locations
The Centre for Kent History and Heritage’s annual Canterbury History Weekend returns for its 10th year!
A diverse programme of lectures and guided visits showcase recent research on the period of the ‘Tudors & Stuarts’, making it readily accessible to a wide audience.
Among the exciting internationally-recognised scholars and well-known, popular historians who will be in attendance are Alison Weir, Glenn Richardson, Clare Jackson, Steven Gunn, and Jackie Eales. They will cover topics across the period featuring several Tudor and Stuart monarchs and the problems faced by them and their subjects across a turbulent period in British history.
Tickets: £10 per event; £8 per event when buying 10 or more tickets; £2 student tickets available for some lectures
This weekend event is organised by the CCCU Centre for Kent History and Heritage in conjunction with Canterbury Cathedral Archives & Library, which will provide two tours.
SEASONAL TOUR
'Climb the Corona' Tour
Dates in May & June
The Corona Chapel was built in the 12th century to house the crown - ‘corona’ in Latin - of St Thomas Becket’s skull, which had been sliced off during his murder and was revered as a saintly relic.
Explore the Chapel, usually closed to the public, before climbing the 95 steps to the top of the Corona Tower itself!
Dates:
- Wednesdays 7, 14, 21 & 28 May, 14:15-15:15
- Fridays 9, 16, 23 & 30 May, 14:15-15:15
- Fridays 6, 13, 20 & 27 June, 14:15-15:15
- Wednesdays 11, 18 & 25 June, 14:15-15:15
£12 per person. Cathedral admission not included.
This is a popular tour; pre-booking suggested. Over 16s only.
Read full tour information and restrictions before booking. You will be required to sign a disclaimer, to confirm you have understood and will abide by the tour guidelines/restrictions.
EXCLUSIVE TOUR
Private Evening Cathedral Tours
Dates in May - October
There is nothing more atmospheric than visiting Canterbury Cathedral as evening falls outside, once the crowds have gone home, and you are able to enjoy the serenity and beauty of this special place all to yourself.
Discover the Cathedral when it is closed to the public, on an exclusive guided tour taken ‘out of hours’ led by one of our expert guides, who will share many fascinating stories with you.
This is your opportunity to explore parts of the building which are not normally open to the public, while learning about the history and architecture of this magnificent building as you make your way around.
This tour is perfect for history lovers and those seeking a unique way to enjoy the Cathedral - book your exclusive evening tour now and look forward to an truly special experience.
Dates:
- Fri 23 May, 18:30-20:00
- Fri 20 June, 18:30-20:00
- Fri 18 July, 18:30-20:00
- Fri 15 August, 18:30-20:00
- Fri 12 September, 18:30-20:00
- Fri 3 October, 18:30-20:00
£40 per person. Pre-booking required.
Various dates throughout the year
FREE* Family Tours
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!
Keep an eye on our Event Calendar and socials for future tour dates
*Included free with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends’ Card. Children aged 17 and under go free (T&Cs apply).
Dates in July & August
Canterbury’s UNESCO Sites tour: Foundations of Faith
These full day tours run 09:30-16:30
Discover more about the introduction of Roman Christianity to Britain on this unique fully-guided tour experience which takes you through the heartland of historic Canterbury.
Delve deeper into history with a guided tour at each location, and enjoy a sandwich lunch in beautiful gardens overlooking Canterbury Cathedral - all included.
Dates:
- Friday 11 July
- Tuesday 29 July
- Friday 1 August
- Thursday 14 August
£59.95 per person
Enhance your visit
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).
Media Guide
With enhanced content at every step, our media guides allow each member of your group to take their tour, their way, delving deeper into what interests them and gaining insight from our experts.
£5 per person
Book your tickets
Tickets start from £18.00 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.
Exhibitions
Making History: Church, State and Conflict
Cathedral 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.
Stories Set in Stone
Viewing Gallery
Including exhibits from the 9th Century to the present day, this exhibit tells the story of how stone is carved and explores how techniques and styles of working in stone have changed over the centuries.
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.
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
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.
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.
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