If making new discoveries is your thing, you can explore hidden chapels, secret gardens and medieval ruins.

Venture down into our atmospheric crypt and discover a painted chapel that was hidden for centuries.

Walk in the footsteps of medieval monks in the Great Cloister and find rabbits, green men and even a mermaid!

Seek out the hidden Herb Garden and find the ruins of a medieval dormitory.

We’ve got lots to keep little ones entertained and engaged.

Find out more

Kids Go Free until 31st December 2023 (T&Cs apply).

Young explorers can take part in a Gregory Gargoyle trail and claim a free gift!

Enjoy a discovery guide, for those who want to learn a little more.

Our kids’ media guide is available to offer a guided tour for junior explorers aged 6 and over.

Baby Change Facilities are available on site and the Cathedral is buggy-friendly!

Described as ‘England in Stone’, Canterbury Cathedral has 1400 years of history waiting to be discovered.

Uncover the spot where Archbishop Thomas Becket was murdered in 1170.

Explore the royal tombs of King Henry IV and the Black Prince, complete with his Achievements.

Discover Lancastrian Kings on the Pulpitum Screen.

Explore the Chapter House and find stories of kings and archbishops immortalised in stained glass.

Regular exhibitions are held in the Cathedral and Visitor Centre.

Entrance is included in your ticket price.

The Archives & Library holds an impressive collection of manuscripts, historic records, photographs, maps and printed books dating back to the late 8th century.

Introductory tours are run regularly.

With so much to see and do, you’ll want to return to Canterbury Cathedral again and again.

Don’t forget that your visitor ticket is valid for 12 months, enabling you to visit throughout the year as often as you want.

Nothing beats a festive visit to Canterbury Cathedral with our beautiful Christmas trees and traditional Crib.

During the summer months all our gardens are in full bloom and offer a wonderful escape from the bustle of the city.

With a changing programme of guided tours on offer throughout the year you can be assured of learning something new.

Discover our stained glass secrets on an autumn tour and uncover the hidden gems in our gardens on a summer tour.

See our tour programme

Our exhibitions change regularly, and with one-off events ranging from lectures to recital performances, you can be assured of a new experience whenever you choose to visit.

See our latest exhibitions

Sign up to our newsletter at the bottom of this page to be kept up to date with the latest exhibitions and events.

Local residents can apply for a Cathedral Pass which enables unlimited visits for the equivalent of just 10p per month.

Discover a wealth of events on your doorstep.

Find out what's on. 

Canterbury Cathedral has a packed events programme all year round- from talks, concerts and exhibitions through to kids’ half term activities.

Pick up a copy of our What's On guide for more information or look online. 

Enjoy our Media Guide!

Don’t miss... The site of St. Thomas Becket’s martyrdom, the Black Prince’s tomb and achievements, the stunning medieval Miracle Windows and the dizzying view from the Pulpitum Steps up to the intricate ceiling of Bell Harry Tower.

Take a tour and more!

Join a regular guided tour to learn the Inside Story of Canterbury Cathedral’s remarkable history.

Explore the Cathedral Precincts and Gardens - relax in the beautiful Memorial Garden and walk the tranquil Cloister.

Spend some time in the peaceful Crypt, a serene place for contemplation and reflection, and the oldest part of the Cathedral.

Explore the Water Tower exhibition and learn more about the Benedictine monks who lived at Christ Church Priory during the Middle Ages.

Discover the unique artefacts in our Making History exhibition, including The Black Prince’s shield, a grant from one of Thomas Becket’s murderers, and an 11th-century Accord signed by William the Conqueror.

Treat yourself to a delicious snack from our Refreshment Kiosk before exploring our Visitor Centre exhibitions and checking out our fantastic Gift Shop.

Everyone is welcome!

Attendance at services is free and an Order of Service is available to read at all services.

See full details of services and times.

Visiting the Cathedral in the afternoon? Why not stay for Choral Evensong, which offers an atmospheric way to end your day with us.

Delve a little deeper: With guided tours running throughout the day, free mini-talks, exhibitions, and a range of family-friendly activities and events to enjoy, you can easily fill a whole day at the Cathedral!

Plan your day (part 1)

Start your visit by walking through the Cathedral Precincts, beautiful gardens, and monastic ruins.

Once inside the Cathedral, book on to one of our regular guided tours to learn the Inside Story or delve deeper into stories of the monks’ lives or the history of our stunning stained glass windows.

Enjoy one of our regular free 15-minute mini-talks covering a wide range of subjects. These are a great way to discover fascinating facts and stories about the Cathedral.

Plan your day (part 2)

Ready for a break? Our on-site kiosk offers snacks and drinks throughout the summer.

Look out for our special events - from guided Library tours through to expert talks and hands-on demonstrations, there are regular unique events taking place.

Stay for Choral Evensong.  Why not join us at 17.30 for daily Evensong to experience this centuries-old tradition for yourself, and to enjoy the Cathedral’s world-class music making. All are welcome, and there is no charge to attend a service.

Explore beyond The Precincts:

Canterbury is a beautiful and vibrant city, with a rich history and plenty to discover. A great way to do this is on an official guided walking tour of the city with Canterbury Tourist Guides. Tours include access to the Cathedral Precincts, and are led by fully-qualified Green Badge Guides.

After your visit to the Cathedral, why not explore the two other parts of Canterbury’s UNESCO World Heritage Site - St. Martin’s Church, the oldest church in England, and St Augustine’s Abbey, originally created as a burial place for the Anglo-Saxon kings of Kent, and a key site in the rebirth of Christianity after the departure of the Romans.

See www.martinpaul.org and www.english-heritage.org.uk for details.

If you want to fully-immerse yourself in the history of Canterbury’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, a six-hour guided tour runs on selected days throughout the year, offering a fascinating and detailed insight into the introduction of Roman Christianity to Britain.

Check https://www.canterburyunescotour.co.uk/ for more details and to book a tour.

Simply want to take time out? After your Cathedral visit, you can explore Canterbury’s many shops, cafes and restaurants, take a stroll through the city’s beautiful public gardens, or book a riverboat tour.

What's on in Canterbury