Makers, Rulers and Leaders
Discover the stories of some of the extraordinary women who have shaped the Cathedral's history - with a programme of themed talks, tours and family-friendly activities
Explore some of the rarely seen private gardens, cool down in the Crypt and enjoy time together - and don't forget Kids Go FREE every day (T&Cs apply)!
DO walk on the grass! Bring a picnic, enjoy an ice cream and play lawn games in the Precincts. Discover the hidden Campanile Garden, relax in the shade with stunning views of the Cathedral and grab a cold drink or bite to eat from the Lounge café.
Be one of the first to try our NEW Explorer Backpacks, and discover children's audio tours, picnic blankets on the grass and 'grab and go' lunch boxes.
Makers, Rulers and Leaders
Celebrating the Women of Canterbury Cathedral
Our summer theme, Makers, Rulers and Leaders, is a season dedicated to highlighting and celebrating the remarkable women who shaped the Cathedral’s past.
For more than fourteen centuries, the Cathedral has risen above the city like a great stone chronicle, its towers etched with triumphs, trials, and transformations. Pilgrims, kings, archbishops, rebels, poets; all have walked its worn paths. Woven through these grand narratives is a strong resilient thread: the legacy of women whose influence, devotion, creativity, and courage have guided the Cathedral’s evolution in ways both subtle and bold.
This summer, we invite visitors to step into their stories and discover these figures who helped shape one of England’s most iconic sacred spaces.
This year’s programme brings focus to three women whose stories reveal the depth and diversity of Canterbury’s past.
At the forefront is Archbishop Dame Sarah Mullally, honoured in Leadership. Her journey from nurse to Archbishop reflects a modern form of ministry grounded in compassion, inclusion, and courage.
Queen Bertha of Kent, whose Christian faith travelled with her from the Frankish world, stands at the Foundations of Faith. Even before Augustine arrived in 597, sent from Rome as a missionary to convert the English, her fortitude and devotion helped create the conditions in which Christianity could take root in Kent, and ultimately spread across England.
And for royalty, Queen Elizabeth I, visiting nearly a millennium later, represents Royalty at a moment of national transformation. Her 1573 visit affirmed her authority over the Church and helped shape the Cathedral’s identity after the upheavals of the Reformation.
Together, these women show how female influence, quiet or commanding, has continually shaped, protected, and re‑imagined this sacred place across the centuries.
Visitors can look forward to a season filled with inspiring events and activities. Expect thought‑provoking talks led by pioneering women in leadership making a difference today, alongside sessions that uncover the stories of the women whose footsteps laid the path before them. Families can enjoy creative crafts and interactive trails, and we will celebrate women’s voices through collaborations with city partners and festivals across the UK.
With all this, and more, join us for a celebration of history, creativity, and the extraordinary women who continue to shape our world.
Themed talks and tours
FREE* MINI TALKS
Wednesday Women’s Tales
Wednesdays in June, July & August - Between 10:00-16:00, various intervals
15-minute themed mini talks focusing on women’s stories at Canterbury Cathedral.
Covering everything from the tale of Queen Bertha, who welcomed St Augustine to Canterbury in 597; through to Queen Elizabeth II’s cathedral connections, immortalised in stone, glass and paint.
Our talks will also encompass stories of some of the women who have helped shape the cathedral’s fabric; from Mother Concordia who created some of the beautiful sculptures, through to stories of the ladies who created the beautiful vestments and altar coverings.
Ask at our Visitor Centre for times on the day.
*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.
Also available for private and group bookings by enquiry to [email protected]
SPECIAL THEMED TOUR
Queen Bertha's Walk
Dates in July & August
A guided walk tracing Queen Bertha’s footsteps through Canterbury to the Cathedral, highlighting her pivotal role in laying the foundations of Christian worship in Kent.
Retrace the daily walk Queen Bertha of Kent took from St Martin’s Church, via St Augustine’s Abbey to Canterbury Cathedral, and learn about the re-introduction of Christianity to this part of the world by St Augustine in the 6th century as you pass other historic landmarks along the way; concluding with a short visit inside the Cathedral to complete the story.
Dates:
- Friday 7 August, 11:00-12:30
- Friday 4 September, 11:00-12:30
£25 per person, with Cathedral admission included.
Book at our Visitor Centre on the day of your visit, or email [email protected] to reserve your space.
Also available for private and group bookings by enquiry to [email protected]
SPECIAL THEMED TOUR
Women of Canterbury Cathedral
Dates in August
Learn about the remarkable women who have shaped the Cathedral’s story across the centuries.
From influential medieval figures and pioneering benefactors, to trailblazing contemporary leaders, this tour reveals the often overlooked contributions that have shaped the Cathedral’s spiritual, cultural, and social legacy.
Dates:
- Thursdays 6, 13, 20 & 27 August, 14:15-15:30
£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.
Also available for private and group bookings by enquiry to [email protected]
FREE* LIMITED TIME ONLY ACCESS
Visits to the Archives Reading Room
Monday 27 - Friday 31 July, 11:00 - 15:00
Come to the Archives reading room for a unique opportunity to see items used during the installation of Sarah Mullally as Archbishop on 25th March.
This will include the magnificent St John’s Bible, the Cathedral’s copy of a hand-written and hand-decorated Bible produced for the Millenium.
No need to book - included with admission.
*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.
EXCLUSIVE ACCESS
Women in the Cathedral Collections: A visit to the Archives reading room
Friday 7 August, 14:00-14:55
This guided visit to the Archives reading room will present a unique opportunity to see items from the collections relating to specific women with links to the Cathedral’s history.
See some depictions of Queen Elizabeth I and even her signature, and admire items used during the installation of Archbishop Sarah Mullally.
£12 per person. Cathedral admission not included.
Booking essential.
Please ensure that you have selected the correct event when booking.
Also available for private and group bookings by enquiry to [email protected]
Family-friendly activities
Enjoy six weeks of free* family-friendly crafts and activities, inspired by the history of women of Canterbury Cathedral, plus seed sowing, a special week of activities linked to our new art exhibition Sacred Resonance, and more!
Week 1: Mon 20 - Fri 24 July, 11:00-15:00
Week 2: Mon 27 - Fri 31 July, 11:00-15:00
Week 3: Mon 3 - Fri 7 Aug, 11:00-15:00
Week 4: Mon 10 - Fri 14 Aug, 11:00-15:00
Week 5: Mon 17 - Fri 21 Aug, 11:00-15:00
Week 6: Mon 24 - Fri 28 Aug, 11:00-15:00
Please note, children must be supervised at all times by a parent/carer.
Drop in activities; no need to book!
*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.
'Mother Nature' Open Gardens
Saturdays 1, 8, 15 & 22 August, 11:00-15:00
Visitors are invited to explore some of our rarely-seen private Cathedral gardens, opened exclusively for four days only - included with your Cathedral admission ticket*.
Saturday 1 August: The Deanery Garden
Saturday 8 August: The Old Convent Garden
Saturday 15 August: The Archdeaconry Garden
Saturday 22 August: The Deanery Garden
This is a unique opportunity to experience a peaceful green space at the heart of Canterbury, usually closed to the public.
Meet our Cathedral Gardeners, who will be on hand throughout the day to share their expertise, offer tips, and answer any questions you may have about the plants and heritage of the garden.
Younger visitors can also get involved - with fun, plant-themed activities, designed to inspire curiosity and creativity. Don't forget, Kids go FREE every day!
Whether you’re a keen gardener, a nature lover, or simply looking for a relaxing way to spend a summer afternoon, Mother Nature Saturdays offer something for everyone.
No booking required - just drop in and discover!
*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.
Book your tickets now
Annual passes start from £17.50 £19.50 - with unlimited return visits, Mini Talks, exhibitions and activities included - plus Kids Go Free every day! (T&Cs apply)
Get free entry with a Cathedral Pass or Friends Card, plus 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.
