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

 

On Christmas Day (25th Dec) the Cathedral will be open for services of worship only (no sightseeing entry). The Precincts will be open to all, free of charge, from 0700 to 2100.

On Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, we will be open for sightseeing from 1000 to 1700 (last entry at 1600). 

Planning your visit? Check our opening times and upcoming closures.

 

 

*UPDATE* Please note, there will be no service of Said Evening Prayer at 4pm on 23rd or 24th December.

Apologies for the inconvenience.

 

Discover summer at the Cathedral!

 

Cool down in the Crypt, picnic in the Precincts, and join us for FREE* make-and-do activities, musical workshops and family tours. Plus storytelling, outdoor theatre performances and much, much more...

There's something for everyone... FREE* Family-friendly fun FREE Exhibition 'Eat. Sleep. Pray. Repeat.'

*Included free with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends’ Card. Children aged 17 and under go free (T&Cs apply); does not apply to group bookings or school visits.

There's something for everyone this summer...

Founded by St Augustine in 597 AD, Canterbury Cathedral is a unique place of worship, a major pilgrimage destination, a masterpiece of art and architecture, and one of the UK's most-visited historic sites.

What will you discover?

Enhance your visit with our media guide, a range of guided tours, and FREE* mini-talks and exhibitions.

*Included free with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends’ Card. Children aged 17 and under go free (T&Cs apply); does not apply to group bookings or school visits.

Whether you need a quiet time to reflect, are seeking comfort, or wish to introduce your loved ones to faith, you are warmly invited to join our worship and services at Canterbury Cathedral.

Find out more

Escape the heat and discover the Crypt - a sacred place of burial, and space for services and prayer - located underneath the Cathedral.

Explore the Cathedral's lush public gardens and green spaces, and discover ruins, beautiful flowers and wildlife.

Find out more

Soak up the sun and bring your own picnic to enjoy on one of the many green spaces of the grounds.

Or pop by the Cathedral Lodge Lounge for a nice cold drink, lunch, light snacks and a selection of sweet treats! Find out more

Join us this August, for not-to-be-missed outdoor theatre performances of 'William Shakespeare's The Tempest' and 'The Wind in the Willows', by multi-award nominated Immersion Theatre, in the Cathedral grounds.

Bring a blanket and a picnic to make the evening even more enjoyable!

Find out more

Join us for special tours, FREE* workshops and hands-on make-and-do activities - all inspired by our new FREE exhibition in the Viewing Gallery!

Activities vary each week. All ages welcome. No need to book.

Find out more

*Included free with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends’ Card. Children aged 17 and under go free (T&Cs apply); does not apply to group bookings or school visits.

Hear stories of Becket and the Black Prince, Monks and Miracles, Tombs and Towers, on a FREE* Family Tour!

Pre-booking is suggested, as spaces are limited.

Find out more

*Included free with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends’ Card. Children aged 17 and under go free (T&Cs apply); does not apply to group bookings or school visits.

Events in July & August

Eat. Sleep. Pray. Repeat

This summer, delve into the lives of the Cathedral’s medieval monks through special tours, workshops and hands-on make-and-do activities - all inspired by our new FREE exhibition in the Viewing Gallery 'Eat. Sleep. Pray. Repeat.'.

*Included free with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends’ Card. Children aged 17 and under go free (T&Cs apply); does not apply to group bookings or school visits.

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