Welcome to Canterbury Cathedral
Where history, faith and community meet.
Book your tickets now
Tickets start from £18.00, or free if you have a Cathedral Pass or Friends Card, and Kids Go Free every day! (T&Cs apply)
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.
"I love the history of the building, and the calming feeling of peace I get when I visit."
Explore England’s First Cathedral
Canterbury Cathedral sits at the heart of English history, with over 1,400 years of stories for you to discover. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Cathedral sits alongside the Giza Pyramids, the Taj Mahal, and Chichen-Itza as a must-visit location of outstanding universal value to humanity.
Whether seeking out dragons and grotesques, marvelling at carved tombs, or exploring our cloisters and green spaces, there’s plenty to do, including a range of events during school holidays. You might even be lucky enough to spot the peregrine falcons that sometimes make the Cathedral their home!
For more than 1,400 years, God has been worshipped in Canterbury Cathedral. With its roots in the Benedictine tradition, our ongoing daily pattern of morning and evening prayer and Eucharist (Holy Communion) continues the prayers of countless generations. All are welcome to come to our services.
The Cathedral is a masterpiece of stained glass, stone and art, and our Archives & Library holds an impressive collection of manuscripts and records dating back to the 8th century. These unique items can be seen during your visit, by appointment, and online.
"There is no lovelier place in the world than Canterbury" - Virginia Woolf. Less than an hour from London, Canterbury is a perfect day out, with something for everyone - from parks and riverside walks, to great shopping experiences, and a diverse choice of cafes, restaurants, pubs and bars.
"My favourite part of the Cathedral is St Gabriel's Chapel, a small intimate space encapsulating its earliest history with secrets not found anywhere else"
Robert
Discover our story
Canterbury Cathedral was established in 597 AD, when Augustine, sent by Pope Gregory the Great to reintroduce Christianity to England, was welcomed to Kent by King Ethelbert and Queen Bertha.
Daily worship has taken place at Canterbury Cathedral for more than 1,400 years - a tradition we continue to this day.
Canterbury Cathedral is a living place of worship, maintained by an exceptional community, which includes friendly Shepherds and Stewards, talented craftspeople, world-class choir, and over 600 volunteers
The Cathedral itself is a treasure trove of sculpture, paintings, and stained glass - but you can discover even more of the Cathedral collections in our Archives and Library, which hold a wealth of manuscripts, charters, illustrated books, maps and other records dating back to the late 8th century.
Support us
Help us keep the story alive for future generations. See how you can get involved in our active community.
Shop
From fun souvenirs to stunning jewellery – check out the Cathedral Shop.
Safeguarding
If you would like to find out more about our commitment to safeguarding or report a concern, please visit the dedicated page.