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

 

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

 

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.

 

Upcoming Closures

The Cathedral plays an active role in the community and it, or parts of it, are at times closed for general visiting due to services, special events or for conservation work to be carried out. Therefore, please always check our opening times and closures before visiting.

The Cathedral and Precincts are huge so, even when parts of the Cathedral are closed for visiting, there will be plenty for you to explore.

The following list includes our forthcoming closures. Please contact our Visits Office with any questions about your visit.

Please note that closures are subject to change and for updates please consult this list on the day of your visit.

 

IMPORTANT- From June 1st, the Cathedral visiting hours will be 10:00-17:00 Monday-Saturday and 12:30-17:00 on Sundays. With last admission at 16:00 all week. 

 

Thursday 11th - The Quire, Trinity Chapel, and The Chapter House

The Quire and Trinity Chapel will be closed until 11:00 for a private service. The Cathedral remains open for visiting and tickets can be purchased online or on arrival at our Visitor Centre.

The Chapter House will be closed all day for training. The rest of the Cathedral remains open and tickets for visiting can be purchased online or on arrival at our Visitor Centre. 

 

Saturday 13th -The Nave & The Centre Quire

There will be a cordon in the Nave today, with the central area roped off for a public service. The rest of the Cathedral remains open and tickets for visiting can be purchased online or on arrival at our Visitor Centre. 

The Centre Quire will be closed all day today for rehearsals.

 

Tuesday 16th - The Nave, Martyrdom, and Southwest Transept 

The Nave, Martyrdom, and Southwest Transept will be closed today for graduation ceremonies. The rest of the Cathedral remains open and tickets for visiting can be purchased on arrival at our Visitor Centre. 

Beautiful examples from the Cathedral’s collection of vestments - the garments worn by clergy on special occasions – will be on display in our Archives Reading Room today (access included free with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends’ Card).

 

Wednesday 17th - The Nave, Martyrdom, and Southwest Transept 

The Nave, Martyrdom, and Southwest Transept will be closed today for graduation ceremonies. The rest of the Cathedral remains open and tickets for visiting can be purchased on arrival at our Visitor Centre. 

Beautiful examples from the Cathedral’s collection of vestments - the garments worn by clergy on special occasions – will be on display in our Archives Reading Room today (access included free with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends’ Card).

 

Saturday 20th - The Eastern Crypt

The Eastern Crypt will be closed all day due to a private service. The rest of the Cathedral remains open and tickets for visiting can be purchased online or on arrival at our Visitor Centre. 

 

Saturday 27th - The Quire

The Central Quire will be closed all day today, with the Quire closing fully from 12:00 for a wedding. The rest of the Cathedral remains open and tickets for visiting can be purchased online or on arrival at our Visitor Centre. 

 

Sunday 28th - The Chapter House 

The Chapter House will be closed from 15:30 today but the rest of the Cathedral remains open. Tickets for visiting can be purchased online or on arrival at our Visitor Centre.

Please note that closures are subject to change and for updates please consult this list on the day of your visit.

 

IMPORTANT- From June 1st, the Cathedral visiting hours will be 10:00-17:00 Monday-Saturday and 12:30-17:00 on Sundays. With last admission at 16:00 all week. 

 

Wednesday 1st - The Nave, Martyrdom, and Southwest Transept

The Nave, Martyrdom, and Southwest transept will be closed until 13:30 today for a private service. The rest of the Cathedral remains open and tickets for visiting can be purchased online or on arrival at our Visitor Centre. 

 

Saturday 4th - The Crypt 

The Crypt will be closed until 13:00 today for the Mariposa Trust Saying Goodbye Service at 11:00. The rest of the Cathedral remains open and tickets for visiting can be purchased online or on arrival at our Visitor Centre.

 

Monday 6th - The Cathedral

There will be organ tuning today. This does not pose a closure but can be audibly disruptive. We do have ear defenders available to borrow from our Visitor Centre. 

 

Friday 10th - The Nave, Martyrdom, Southwest Transept, and Chapter House*

The Nave, Martyrdom, Southwest Transept and Chapter House* will be closed until 13:00 today for a service. The rest of the Cathedral remains open and tickets for visiting can be purchased on arrival at our Visitor Centre. 

*This closure may be extended to the Quire at short notice. 

 

Tuesday 14th - The Nave, Martyrdom, and Southwest Transept 

The Nave, Martyrdom, and Southwest Transept will be closed from 12:30 for a private service. The rest of the Cathedral remains open and tickets for visiting can be purchased online or on arrival at our Visitor Centre. 

 

Saturday 25th - The Crypt 

The Crypt will be closed from 12:00 for St Luke's Healing Tide Service. The rest of the Cathedral remains open and tickets for visiting can be purchased online or on arrival at our Visitor Centre.

 

Friday 31st - The Chapter House 

The Chapter House will be closed from approximately 15:00 today. The rest ot the Cathedral remains open and tickets for visiting can be purchased online or on arrival at our Visitor Centre. 

 

 

Book your tickets

 

Tickets start from £19.50 or free if you have a Cathedral Pass or Friends Card.

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.

Book online for fast-track entry

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