Tickets and opening times

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. Please check our website prior to your visit as opening times may be subject to change.

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.

 

 

Adult

£17.00

Our standard visitor ticket is valid for 12 months, meaning you can re-visit the Cathedral as often as you want during that time at no extra cost.

Children (under 17)

Free

Children 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.

 

Canterbury 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.

English Heritage Members

20% discount on visitor entry

  • Not valid with other promotions or offers.
  • Discount applies to tickets bought on the door at our Visitor Centre only. Discount is not available for online booking. Standard price admission tickets cannot be refunded and exchanged for discounted tickets.
  • Valid until 31 March 2024. T&Cs apply.

Cathedral Pass

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

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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

Daily Eucharist   08:00
Lunchtime Eucharist   12:30 (Wednesdays and Feast Days only)
Daily Choral Evensong*   17:30
Sunday Choral Eucharist*  11:00
All are welcome and there is no charge to attend a service. *Live streamed online.

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

 

Evening closure of Precincts, Tues 26 – Sat 30 September

Due to the Luxmuralis light show and the need to manage large queues, public entry to the Precincts after 17:30 will only be possible for Luxmuralis ticket holders or those attending Choral Evensong.

Planning your visit? Remember to check our upcoming closures.

Visit England's first Cathedral and discover 1,400 years of history

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Visit England's first Cathedral and discover 1,400 years of history

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Visit England's first Cathedral and discover 1,400 years of history

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Visit England's first Cathedral and discover 1,400 years of history

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Tues 26 – Sat 30 September

Luxmuralis: Renaissance

Immerse yourself in the greatest artworks of the Renaissance, exploring through light and music the wonder and awe that revolutionised Europe, and bridged the gap from the Dark Ages to modern-day civilisation.

Book your tickets

What will you discover?

We have a range of options to help you make the most of your visit, including:

  • Multimedia guides for hire
  • Guided tours
  • Guidebooks available to purchase

The Cathedral is a work of art that showcases the finest medieval architecture and workmanship.

Soaring towers, intricate carving, awe-inspiring stained glass, and characterful stonework reflect Gothic and Romanesque styles.

The Cathedral is enclosed by tranquil gardens, filled with gorgeous planting.

Alongside are the picturesque ruins of the former monastery and the atmospheric Cloister Garth.

All waiting to be discovered...

With family activities, kids’ trails, discovery guides, free walking trails, and free exhibitions, there’s always plenty to do.

You are also welcome to join our daily Evensong service – continuing the Cathedral’s 1,400-year tradition of worship.

Discover the Cathedral’s amazing inside story on a guided tour.

Departing at regular intervals throughout the day, you can book on to a guided tour when you arrive onsite.

A variety of tours are available.

Book your tickets

Tickets start from £17.00 or free if you are a local resident and have a Cathedral Pass. 

Book online for fast-track entry

October-December 2023

What's On Guide

Discover the special services, events, family-friendly activities and new visitor experiences at Canterbury Cathedral.

Download (PDF)

Explore and discover

With architectural triumphs, spectacular stained glass windows, and magnificent collections – discover all that the Cathedral and its grounds has to offer.

Tickets & opening times

Everything you need to know to plan your visit - from ticket prices to opening times to making the most of your day.

Visiting with children

Where history happens and memories are made.

Make a day of it

Take time to explore the world-class heritage in Canterbury.

Group visits

Visiting Canterbury Cathedral is a great addition to any itinerary.

School visits

Have an inspiring day out filled with an abundance of historical and educational interests. 

Fascinating facts

28

The number of years it took for the Nave to be completed, beginning in 1377. The Nave is one of the most magnificent surviving examples of English Perpendicular Gothic.

235

The height in feet of Bell Harry Tower, the tallest part of the Cathedral.

A masterpiece of medieval design and craftsmanship, it was completed approximately 30 years before Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries.

856

The number of medieval heraldic shields on the ceiling of the Cathedral’s Great Cloisters.

These coats of arms sport a range of symbols and motifs – including a mermaid and gold rabbit! What will you spot?

Keeping you safe

Did you know that Canterbury Cathedral has its own Constabulary?

Our officers are here 24/7 to protect this special site, and to ensure the safety of all who come to visit and worship at the Cathedral.

Lifestyle 430

“I have never lost my feelings of wonder and excitement on arrival. The WOW factor is there, come rain or shine.”

Teresa

Talks, tours and more

Canterbury Cathedral is a great addition to any itinerary.

From introductory talks to expert guided tours, we have a variety of options available.

What's on

What's on

Making History: Church State and Conflict

Explore the complex, and often violent, story of Church-State relations through the centuries

Upcoming exhibitions

Stay in the loop

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