From special services, tours and talks, to unique exhibitions, music concerts and visitor events, there's always lots to discover at Canterbury Cathedral.
Discover FREE* family-friendly fun this half term!
Various events 14 - 22 February
Join us to discover the history behind Shrove Tuesday, commonly known as ‘Pancake Day’, with pancake races in the Precincts, and enjoy fun themed activities and crafts inspired by the Cathedral’s new Stained Glass Exhibition - Smashed, Bombed, Lost - Recovered!
*Included free with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends’ Card. Kids go FREE every day! (T&Cs apply); does not apply to group bookings or school visits.
Highlighted events
Please note, all talks, tours and special events have a max. capacity; pre-booking may be essential or otherwise recommended where possible. Please arrive early, as talks/tours/events will start promptly; if you arrive late, you may not be able to join the talk/tour/event. Please read individual talk/tour/event information and T&Cs before booking/attending.
Only assistance dogs are permitted at services, talks, tours and special events (unless otherwise stated). Please note, in some locations, dogs of any kind are not permitted, so please check full information and T&Cs before booking/attending.
If you have any questions, please contact our Visits Team at [email protected]
FREE TO VIEW EXHIBITION
Smashed, Bombed, Lost - Recovered
Tales of Canterbury’s Stained Glass
Until Autumn 2026
Viewing Gallery, Visitor Centre
Over the centuries, Canterbury Cathedral’s stained glass has been damaged by war and vandalism, or lost through iconoclasm, neglect or theft.
What remains of those victims of violence can be inspiring - some glass was returned to the Cathedral, some repaired or re-purposed in surprising ways.
This history of damage, restoration and resilience now inspires stained glass by a young Ukrainian artist, Yelizaveta Smirnova, which reacts to the current global crisis.
This family-friendly exhibition is available to view every day during visiting hours.
You do not need a Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends’ card to view this exhibition.
FREE* Mini Talks
DAILY Between 10:00-16:00, various intervals
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. Kids go FREE every day! (T&Cs apply); does not apply to group bookings or school visits.
'The Inside Story' Tour
WEEKLY Monday - Saturday 10:30, 12:00 and 14:00 and Sundays 13:00
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 on the day of your visit, or email [email protected] to reserve your space.
Reflective Guided Pilgrimages
WEEKLY on a Thursday (please check dates), 16:30-17:00
Join us after visiting hours for a short guided pilgrimage around the Cathedral, stopping at places of significance for reflection and prayer.
Torin Brown, our Pilgrim Officer, will lead a pilgrimage around the outside of the Cathedral, visiting places of symbolism and structures of meaning, to reflect upon our lives and our world. It is a pilgrimage of prayerful intent.
We will walk in silence between reflections of meaning, in an exercise of mindfulness, and in preparation for the evening service.
All are welcome to join us afterwards for our evening service at 17:30, followed by a blessing for those who wish to attend.
Free to attend; but donations gratefully received.
NEW DATES ADDED FOR 2026
Taizé Lunchtime Prayer
Mondays, during choir term time (see dates), 12:30-13:00 in the Crypt
The worship of Taizé is based on simple repetitive chants, the reading of scripture and silence.
All are welcome to come and experience this way of praying as we connect with God and one another through sound and silence.
No Taizé on 16 February - half term
In person only.
Free to attend; but donations gratefully accepted.
ONLINE BOOK GROUP
The Rule of St Benedict (480-547)
Eight sessions over 9 weeks (between 6 January – 3 March 2026)
on Tuesdays, 20:00-21:00 GMT via Zoom
With its deep scriptural roots and gentle realism, the Rule of St Benedict has remained foundational both for monastic life and also for the spirituality of lay Christians in every age and culture for fifteen centuries.
Join Canon Emma online via Zoom to reflect and discuss this seminal Christian text which provides advice and guidance on how to live out our Christian faith in the everyday.
The group is free, but donations are gratefully received.
Booking essential - Book your space to be sent a Zoom link.
CHILDREN'S CHURCH
Candlemas Christingle Making
Sunday 1 February, 10:30-12:15 in the Community Studio
As part of our Candlemas celebrations, we will be making Christingles at Children’s Church, to be blessed at the end of the main Sunday Eucharist service at 11:00.
Children’s Church is open to those aged 0-11*. This particular activity is aimed at those aged 5-11.
Children’s Church is free, but with a suggested donation of £1 per family to contribute to running costs.
*Under 5s must be accompanied by a parent/carer.
A FRIENDLY EVENT
The Friends' Coffee Concert
Tuesday 3 February, 10:30-11:30 in the Clagett Auditorium
Your chance to be entertained by the Cathedral’s Choral Scholars whilst enjoying coffee and pastries.
This informal concert will showcase the progress and repertoire of the Scholars who joined the Cathedral in September 2025.
Expect a warm welcome and a mixed musical medley on a chilly Tuesday morning!
Tickets: £10 Friends of Canterbury Cathedral, £15 non-members. Includes tea and coffee.
This event is organised by and in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Registered Charity No 1210093).
NEW DATES ADDED
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.
Hear the story of Thomas Becket, our most famous Archbishop, and see the site of his murder and feast your eyes on some of our oldest stained glass windows.
Explore the Quire and a ‘Cadaver tomb’, contrast medieval and dramatic modern windows and find out why there is a cannonball in an Archbishop’s tomb!
Dates:
- Thursdays 5 & 19 February, between 14:15-16:00
- Thursdays 5 & 19 March, between 14:15-16:00
- Thursday 2 April, between 14:15-16:00
£5 per person, plus Cathedral admission charge.
EXCLUSIVE TOUR
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:
- Thursday 5 February, 14:00-14:45
- Thursday 12 March, 14:00-14:45
- Thursday 16 April, 14:00-14:45
- Thursday 14 May, 14:00-14:45
- Thursday 18 June, 14:00-14:45
£8 per person. Cathedral admission not included.
Pre-booking required. Not suitable for under 12s.
LAST TICKETS REMAINING
00s Silent Disco
Friday 6 & Saturday 7 February 2026
Incredible Silent Discos returns to Canterbury Cathedral, and this time they're playing the decade defining hits of the 00s FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER!
Expect some of the UK's best DJs playing all your favourite 00s tunes in the stunning, illuminated surroundings of Canterbury Cathedral.
- Friday 6 February, 19:00-23:00 - LAST FEW TICKETS LEFT
- Saturday 7 February, 18:30-21:00 *SOLD OUT *
- Saturday 7 February, 21:30-00:00 *SOLD OUT *
This is strictly a 18+ event. Valid photographic I.D. may be requested on entry.
MONTHLY
FRIENDly Singing for Wellbeing
St Paul’s Church Hall, Canterbury, CT1 1NH
ALL welcome – rusty singers included!
Turn up for a cuppa and a biscuit, followed by sociable singing to put a smile on your face, led by Jamie Rogers, Assistant Director of Music, and our Choral Scholars.
Please join us between 14:00-15:00 on the following Mondays:
- 9 February
- 9 March
- 11 May
- 8 June
Plus more dates scheduled
Free to attend but donations welcomed.
All welcome. No need to book.
Organised by and in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Charity No 1210093).
A FRIENDLY TALK
Life in a Changing City – Canterbury 1825-1910
Tuesday 10 February 2026, 10:30-11:30 in the Clagett Auditorium
A boy born in 1825, who survived into the 20th Century, would have lived through a time of major technological change: the coming of railways, gas and electric lighting, telephones and cinemas, bicycles, cars, and even an aeroplane.
This talk explores how these developments would have impacted on his life, and how the city changed before his eyes.
Speaker Doreen Rosman taught history at the University of Kent. Her publications include, Canterbury: A History since 1500, the story of a city and its people.
£10 Friends of Canterbury Cathedral; £15 non-members. Includes tea and coffee on arrival.
This event is organised by and in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Registered Charity No 1210093).
Canterbury Cathedral and the University of Kent present
Faith, Culture, and the Arts
Provocation and Invitation: Engaging Theologically with ‘Hear Us’ at Canterbury Cathedral.
Wednesday 11 February, 11:00-13:00
Speaker: Rev Jon Marlow
Venue: Cathedral Community Studio, CT1 2EH
The University of Kent and Canterbury Cathedral present a new regular seminar on Faith, Culture, and the Arts, to explore key themes of theology, culture, spirituality, the arts, and social justice in an accessible and inclusive setting.
Free to attend. All welcome. Lunch and refreshments provided.
Organised by the Michael Ramsey Chair in Theology, Professor of Faith, Culture and the Arts, Jonathan Arnold.
FREE Informal Organ Recital
with Robin Walker
The King’s School, Canterbury
Friday 13 February 2026, 18:15 in the Quire - after 17:30 Evensong
One in our series of informal organ recitals, featuring the Cathedral’s resident organists and guests.
Free and un-ticketed, with a retiring collection.
See recital programme and organist biography
Valentine’s Four-course Dinner with Pianist
Saturday 14 February - bookings available at 18:30, 19:00 and 19:30
Treat your loved one to an exclusive four-course fine dining dinner in the Refectory Restaurant.
All guests receive a complimentary glass of Prosecco, and a local Pianist will be playing throughout the evening.
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.
See menu on the Canterbury Cathedral Lodge website.
Lumos presents
A Tchaikovsky & Dvořák Candlelight Experience In Canterbury
Saturday 14 February - performances at 19:00-20:00 & 21:00-22:00
Once again, Canterbury Cathedral will be transformed into a breathtaking sea of candlelight, for a concert experience by Lumos that is nothing short of magical.
Surrounded by candlelight, world-class musicians will perform movements from Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker (including March and Sugar Plum Fairy) Swan Lake and Romeo & Juliet; Dvořák's Terzetto in C Major; and more!
Tickets range £25-£50
Pray with the Labyrinth
Saturday 21 February, 10:00-16:00 in the Eastern Crypt
An opportunity to meet and know yourself, meet the divine or sacred, and relate to others.
Pray and be mindful as you take a meditative walk in our Eastern Crypt, using a medieval maze pattern.
There will also be a tactile handheld labyrinth available for those with limited mobility/vision.
As with worship and services, those coming to take part in this spiritual experience do not need to pay admission.
A FRIENDLY RECITAL
Winter’s Journey
Tuesday 24 February 2026, 14:00-15:00 in the Eastern Crypt
We are delighted to welcome the return of the Rev’d Dr Jonathan Arnold, Executive Director of the Social Justice Network and Lay Clerk, and Jamie Rogers, Assistant Director of Music, who will perform Schubert’s song cycle, Winter’s Journey.
The songs, which will be in the original German, will be interspersed with readings of their English translations by our Canon Missioner, the Rev’d Dr Emma Pennington.
£10 Friends of Canterbury Cathedral; £15 non-members. Includes tea and coffee on arrival.
This event is organised by and in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Registered Charity No 1210093).
NEW FOR 2026
FREE* Wednesday Lunchtime Organ Recitals
Performed by our Assistant Director of Music, Jamie Rogers, this new series will be centred solely around the music of J.S Bach and his influences.
- 25 February
- 22 April
- 20 May
All at 13:15 in the Quire. Un-ticketed.
*Included free with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends’ Card. Kids go FREE every day! (T&Cs apply); does not apply to group bookings or school visits.
NEW DATES ADDED
Historic Graffiti Tour
Dates in February - June
On this tour, members of the Cathedral’s Historic Graffiti Team will shine a light on a selection of the fascinating 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.
£5 per person, plus Cathedral admission charge.
EXCLUSIVE EVENT
Organ Open Evening
Friday 27 February 2026, 18:30 in the Quire
Learn all about our Cathedral organ at our FREE Open Evening!
This will include an introduction to the Cathedral’s organ (refurbished by Harrison & Harrison in 2020) and demonstration by Assistant Director of Music, Jamie Rogers, followed by a chance for keen organists to play - time allowing - a short piece of their choice.
This event is free to attend and un-ticketed.
If you would like to play the organ at the Open Evening, you must enquire via email in advance. Spaces to play are limited and fill up fast.
EXCLUSIVE ONSITE PARTNERSHIP CLASS
RSN Day Class: Dove of Peace and Huguenot Chapel Experience
Friday 6 March, 10:00-16:00 in the Community Studio
Embroider a beautiful Dove of Peace, designed by the Royal School of Needlework Embroidery Studio, inspired by the Huguenot Dove found on stonework within the Huguenot Chapel at Canterbury Cathedral.
The event includes an exclusive opportunity to visit the Huguenot Chapel, given to the refugee French Protestant Huguenots by Queen Elizabeth I more than 400 years ago.
This exclusive partnership class is part of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral’s unique association with the Royal School of Needlework, dating back to the 1930s.
- SOLD OUT - Waitlist only
The class cost is £175 per student and includes all materials and necessary equipment to complete the project.
A FRIENDLY TALK
A Turn to Nature – the Natural World of Growing Things in the Architecture and Artefacts of Canterbury Cathedral
Tuesday 10 March 2026, 10:30-11:30 in the Clagett Auditorium
We are delighted to welcome back Canon Christopher Irvine, former Canon Librarian at Canterbury and now Honorary Teaching Fellow at St Augustine's College of Theology, to speak to us.
In this illustrated talk, Canon Irvine will lead us on a visual journey of discovery and show us how and why the world of nature is brought into our Cathedral through stone carving, wooden sculpture, and, surprisingly, even stained glass!
£10 Friends of Canterbury Cathedral; £15 non-members. Includes tea and coffee on arrival.
This event is organised by and in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Registered Charity No 1210093).
SPECIAL EVENT AT THE LODGE
Mothering Sunday Lunch
Sunday 15 March - bookings available between 13:00-15:00.
Celebrate Mother’s Day at Canterbury Cathedral Lodge and give your Mum a day to remember.
Enjoy a delicious three-course À la Carte lunch in our Refectory Restaurant. All Mum’s receive a complimentary glass of Prosecco too!
This is the perfect treat to round off your Sunday in Canterbury.
£45 per adult; £21 per child under 14; Under 4’s eat free
Booking essential.
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.
See menu on the Canterbury Cathedral Lodge website.
A FRIENDLY TALK
Catherine the Great
Friday 20 March 2026, 10:30-11:30 in the Clagett Auditorium
In this talk given by Patricia Erskine-Hill, attendees will find out more about this extraordinary woman who asserted her power over Russia.
Catherine II (Empress of Russia from 1762-1796) influenced the arts, established the first state-funded higher education institute for women in Europe, built new cities and towns, and brought recognition to Russia as one of the great powers of Europe.
£10 Friends of Canterbury Cathedral; £15 non-members. Includes tea and coffee on arrival.
This event is organised by and in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Registered Charity No 1210093).
BOOK NOW
Holy Week Retreat: The People of the Passion
Wednesday 1 April – Sunday 5 April
Join our clergy for Holy Week at Canterbury Cathedral, and experience a deeper appreciation of the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus of Nazareth.
Using Bible passages and art we will be reflecting on the different people that were involved in the Passion and Easter narratives and ponder how their faith was both tested and strengthened by these events.
£150 per person - Includes a full programme of special activities, as well as refreshments, and sandwich and soup lunch on Saturday.
Accommodation is also available at an additional cost
NEW EXCLUSIVE TOUR
Behind the Scenes: Book and Paper Conservation in Action
Tuesday 21 April, 14:00-15:30 in the Conservation Studio
A rare chance to see behind the scenes of the Archives and Library, in our conservation and bookbinding studio.
Learn about the skills and techniques required to repair fragile paper, parchment, bindings and seals, and view some fine and rare examples of bindings from our collections.
£25 per person. Cathedral admission not included.
Pre-booking required; not suitable for under 18s.
Regrettably, due to the location, this tour is not wheelchair accessible, and is not suitable for those with limited mobility.
A FRIENDLY TALK
Divine Light - The Stained Glass of England’s Cathedrals
Wednesday 22 April 2026, 14:30-15:30 in the Clagett Auditorium
Stained-glass windows combine light and colour with imagery and sophisticated design to illuminate interior spaces, communicate religious and other messages, and perhaps offer us a glimpse of heaven.
Inspired by the book she has compiled entitled Divine Light, Dr Janet Gough OBE will speak about this stunning and enlightening subject.
£10 Friends of Canterbury Cathedral; £15 non-members. Includes tea and coffee on arrival.
This event is organised by and in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Registered Charity No 1210093).
A FRIENDLY TALK
Rome-ing Again
Tuesday 28 April 2026, 10:30-11:30 in the Clagett Auditorium
Join John Williams as he once more wanders along the highways and lesser-known byways of early Christian Rome, delving into its outstanding archaeology and art history.
A Trustee of The Friends for eight years to September 2025, Dr Williams was for a long time County Archaeologist and Head of Heritage Conservation at Kent County Council.
£10 Friends of Canterbury Cathedral; £15 non-members. Includes tea and coffee on arrival.
This event is organised by and in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Registered Charity No 1210093).
A FRIENDLY CONCERT
The Central Band of the Royal British Legion
Saturday 30 May 2026, 18:00-19:00 in the Nave
Join us in The Nave of Canterbury Cathedral as we welcome the return of The Central Band of The Royal British Legion for a sensational and heart-stirring concert, featuring songs from the shows and military music.
Tickets: Adults £25; Children (up to 12) £10
- BOOK NOW -
Tickets are available to purchase on the Canterbury Festival website or via the Canterbury Festival Box Office.
This event is organised by and in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Registered Charity No 1210093).
FREE* Summer Recitals
with our Cathedral Choral Scholars
Dates in June, 13:15-14:00 in the Crypt
Wednesday 3 June - James McNinch (Tenor)
Wednesday 10 June - Lydia South (Mezzo)
Wednesday 17 June - Stephen Beale (Bass)
*Included free with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends’ Card. Children aged 17 and under go free (T&Cs apply).
A FRIENDLY TALK
Living Through Two World Wars - Canterbury 1914-1951
Tuesday 16 June 2026, 14:30-15:30 in the Clagett Auditorium
Doreen Rosman returns for a final talk in her series about the history of Canterbury, focusing on one person's experience to evoke what it would have been like to live through this period of tumultuous change.
Doreen taught history at the University of Kent. Her publications include, Canterbury: A History since 1500, the story of a city and its people.
£10 Friends of Canterbury Cathedral; £15 non-members. Includes tea and coffee on arrival.
This event is organised by and in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Registered Charity No 1210093).
Canterbury Choral presents
Verdi: Requiem
Saturday 20 June 2026, 19:30-21:00 in the Nave
This event is organised, managed and delivered by Canterbury Choral Society.
An opportunity to hear Verdi’s great choral masterpiece, as Canterbury Choral Society and its Youth Choir demonstrate their power and expressive range in this dramatic work.
Tickets range: £16 - £34 (+ booking fees)
Tickets are available to purchase on the Canterbury Festival website.