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 one of the Cathedral's chapels to pray.

Find out more about worship at the Cathedral.

Opening Times

Monday to Saturday 10.00 - 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 your visit? Check our opening times and upcoming closures.

 

Advent and Christmas

Special services and events

 

All our seasonal services are free to attend with retiring collections to help cover our costs.

Our charity partner this Christmas is Catching Lives (Charity No. 1014868), as we seek to raise the profile of their work, and to raise money as they support homeless people in and around Canterbury. Please be generous.

If you require additional arrangements to attend any of our services please email [email protected]

Please read essential information here before attending.

Watch again

Nativity Scene in the Precincts

 

Our beautiful nativity scene will be on display in The Precincts throughout Advent and Christmas, from Advent Sunday (30 November).

The Nativity Scene will remain in place until Epiphany (6 January).

Epiphany Services

 

Sung Eucharist for Epiphany†
Monday 6 January 2026, 17:30

Epiphany Carol Service†
Sunday 11 January 2026, 17:30

 

† Service livestreamed on our YouTube Channel.

Watch live

 

Many of our seasonal services are livestreamed and available to watch later on our YouTube channel.

LIVESTREAMED

Advent Carol Service

Sunday 30 November, 17:30-18:30

This beautiful service at the start of the Advent season brings together music, readings, and the lighting of candles.

 Watch

LIVESTREAMED

St Nicholas Family Service

Sunday 7 December, 17:30-18:15

Join us and over 200 local school children - involved with our Schools Music Outreach Programme - as we celebrate the story of St Nicholas.

This joyful, short service is aimed at children, but is suitable for all ages to enjoy!

 Watch

LIVESTREAMED

Festival of Carols with Nativity

Sunday 14 December, 17:30-18:30

With a range of seasonal music and readings, this service includes a living nativity scene made up of adults and children from our Cathedral community.

 Watch

LIVESTREAMED

Friends’ Carol Service

Monday 15 December, 19:00-20:00

A fundraising event organised by, and in support of, The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral

Hear the Cathedral bells ring out to greet you as you arrive at our FRIENDly traditional service, with readings and music by our Cathedral girl choristers.

 Watch

LIVESTREAMED

Candlelit Reflection with Organ Meditation

Sunday 21 December, 17:30-18:30

A reflective service with scripture and poetry on the last Sunday before Christmas, led by Dean David, featuring organ music.

 Watch

LIVESTREAMED

Cathedral Carol Services

Tuesday 23 & Wednesday 24 December, 17:30-19:00

A major highlight of the Cathedral’s year, our Carol Services feature music by our world-famous Cathedral Choir, and readings to tell the story of the birth of Christ.

 Watch

LIVESTREAMED

Midnight Mass

Wednesday 24 December, 23:00-00:15

This traditional night-time communion service ends at midnight, marking the dawn of Christmas Day and celebrating the joy of when the Angels appeared to the Shepherds.

 Watch

LIVESTREAMED

Christmas Day Services

Thursday 25 December

11:00 Christmas Eucharist

15:00 Evensong with Carols

 Watch

LIVESTREAMED

Memorial Service for the Martyrdom of St Thomas

Monday 29 December, 17:30-18:30

855 years after his death, we recall the story of Archbishop Thomas Becket, reflecting on martyrdom then and now.

 Watch

LIVESTREAMED

Epiphany Services

 

Sung Eucharist for Epiphany
Monday 6 January 2026, 17:30

Epiphany Carol Service
Sunday 11 January 2026, 17:30

 Watch

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