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

Share this content

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

 

Our sightseeing hours have changed. Check our opening times and upcoming closures.

Discover family-friendly fun this summer!

 

Discover England's First Cathedral, join us for FREE* make and do activities, musical workshops and family tours, plus storytelling, outdoor theatre performances and much more...

 

Canterbury Medieval Pagaent Storytelling at the Cathedral FREE* Family-friendly fun Outdoor Theatre

*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.

SPECIAL THEMED TOUR

Tracing the lives of the Cathedral Monks

Walk the picturesque Precincts and discover traces of the medieval monks of Christ Church Priory, once on this site.

Today, evidence of the lives of the monks can be found in the ruins dotted around the Precincts, the Great Cloister and Chapter House, the repurposed buildings and gardens.

Learn about the lives of the monks, the buildings they used and the history of the medieval Herbarium.

Dates:

  • Tuesdays 15, 22 & 29 July 11:15-12:30
  • Tuesdays 5,12,19 & 26 August 11:15-12:30

£5 per person, plus Cathedral admission charge.

Please note, this tour will take place outside and involve walking on uneven surfaces in varying weather.

 Find out more and book

FREE* FAMILY-FRIENDLY FUN

Gregory and Peti’s ‘A Monk’s Life’ Trail

Sat 26 July - Fri 29 August, during visiting hours

Follow in the footsteps of the Cathedral’s medieval monks on Gregory Gargoyle and Peti Pigeon’s special themed trail.

Explore the Cathedral and its Precincts to discover how the
monks spent their days - and where they ate, slept and prayed.

*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.

FREE* FAMILY-FRIENDLY FUN

Family Tours

Monday - Friday (28 July - 29 August), 11:05 & 13:30

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!

Tours last 45 minutes, and pre-booking is suggested.

To book, email [email protected]

*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.

FREE* FAMILY-FRIENDLY FUN

Medieval Make & Do

Join us for four weeks of free* crafts and activities, including Monastic Mini Golf, candle-making, weaving and more...

Week 1: Tues 5, Wed 6 & Thurs 7 August
Week 2: Tues 12, Wed 13 & Thurs 14 August
Week 3: Tues 19, Wed 20 & Thurs 21 August
Week 4: Tues 26, Wed 27 & Thurs 28 August

Drop-in activities; no need to book, but queuing likely.

*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.

FREE* FAMILY-FRIENDLY FUN

Musical Monks Drop-in Workshops

Fridays 22 & 29 August - Two sessions daily
in the Eastern Crypt

Join us for a free* musical workshop this summer holiday!

Discover the fun and magic of music, in a historic setting, inspired by the medieval monks of Canterbury Cathedral.

11:00-11:45 For ages 0 - 8 years
Sing, move and play to action songs all about sleeping, eating and praying.

14:30-15:30 For ages 8 - 12 years
Create compositions weaving layers of repeating sound patterns. Small percussion provided, but do bring your own instrument if you like!

Drop-in activity; no need to book.

*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.

And much much more...

Discover more

Stay in the loop

Sign up to our newsletter and stay up to date with all the latest events, news and offers

By adding my email I confirm my subscription to the newsletter and understand that the email address provided will be held by the Cathedral and the email service company (dotdigital) to use for distributing this newsletter only. For more information please see the Cathedral Privacy Notice.