From remarkable historical objects to fascinating reads in the Archives and Library, Canterbury Cathedral has an abundance of collections to pique your interest.
Things to discover
Exhibitions
What can you discover in our incredible range of exhibitions? Take a look at what’s on before you decide to visit to make sure you don’t miss out on something spectacular.
Historical objects
The Cathedral is full of paintings, sculptures, church silver, vestments, altar frontals, stained glass and much more. See the significant treasures and renowned artefacts for yourself as you take a walk around the Cathedral.
Book your tickets now
Tickets start from £18.00 - valid for a year, with unlimited return visits included.
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.
Fascinating facts
650
For nearly 650 years, the Black Prince’s funerary achievements have been held at Canterbury Cathedral, and are now on permanent display at our exhibition in the Crypt.
8,000
The archives of the Cathedral contains around 8,000 charters, including 30 that date from before the Norman Conquest!
50,000
The Cathedral Library contains about 50,000 books, and holds 40 incunables (books or fragments of books printed before 1501).
Our Archives and Collections contain over 200,000 documents - the oldest of which dates from the late 8th century – and about 3,000 objects.
Please note, all talks and tours have a max. capacity; pre-booking is recommended where possible. Please arrive early, as talks/tours will start promptly; if you arrive late, you may not be able to join the talk/tour. Please read individual talk or tour information and T&Cs before booking/attending.
Only assistance dogs are permitted at services, talks, tours and special events; however in some locations, dogs of any kind are not permitted, so please check full information and T&Cs before booking/attending.
If you have any questions, please contact our Visits Team at [email protected]
*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.
FREE* Mini Talks
DAILY Between 10:00-16:00, various intervals
Listen to a bite-sized exploration of the Cathedral’s history with a free 15-minute Mini Talk, delivered by our knowledgeable team.
A great chance to discover more about the 1,400 years of history of our magnificent Cathedral - from the Black Prince and the turbulent Thomas Becket, to our Historic Graffiti and marvellous Stained Glass.
Take a pew and learn something new!
Talks subject to availability on the day. Ask at our Visitor Centre for times.
*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.
'The Inside Story' Tour
WEEKLY Monday - Saturday 10:30, 12:00 and 14:00 and Sundays 13:00
Discover the story of Canterbury Cathedral through its soaring architecture, beautiful medieval stained glass and the history that helped make and shape the Cathedral.
From the Cathedral’s origins in the 6th century, the tour will encompass 1,400 years of history - with tales of royalty, clergy and everyday craftsmen who made the Cathedral what it is today - set amid a background of wars, political struggle and tales of bravery.
£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.
Reflective Guided Pilgrimages
WEEKLY on a Thursday (please check dates), 16:30-17:00
Join Torin Brown, Pilgrim Officer, after visiting hours for a short guided pilgrimage around the outside of the Cathedral, stopping at places of significance for reflection and prayer.
We will walk in silence between reflections of meaning, in an exercise of mindfulness, and in preparation for the evening service.
All are welcome to join us afterwards for our evening service at 17:30, followed by a blessing for those who wish to attend.
Free to attend; but donations gratefully received.
EXCLUSIVE TOUR
Cathedral Library Tours
Our Cathedral Library collection includes books from the early decades of printing onwards, including books from some of the earliest European printing presses.
Join a guided tour to learn more about the Library and to explore some of the collection close-up.
Dates:
- Thursday 14 May, 14:00-14:45
- Thursday 18 June, 14:00-14:45
£8 per person. Cathedral admission not included. Pre-booking required.
Not suitable for under 12s.
NEW DATES ADDED
Gentle Tours
Join us for our step-free tours, delivered at a gentle pace, in a smaller group; split into two parts, with a comfort break.
Hear the story of Thomas Becket, our most famous Archbishop, and see the site of his murder and feast your eyes on some of our oldest stained glass windows.
Explore the Quire and a ‘Cadaver tomb’, contrast medieval and dramatic modern windows and find out why there is a cannonball in an Archbishop’s tomb!
Dates:
- Thursdays 2, 16, 30 April, between 14:15-16:00
- Thursdays 14 & 28 May, between 14:15-16:00
- Thursdays 11 & 25 June, between 14:15-16:00
£5 per person, plus Cathedral admission charge.
NEW DATES ADDED
Historic Graffiti Tour
Dates in March - June
On this tour, members of the Cathedral’s Historic Graffiti Team will shine a light on a selection of the fascinating historic graffiti that can be found throughout the Cathedral.
Focusing on the Eastern Crypt, Quire and Trinity Chapel, a selection of different types of historic graffiti from different periods will be revealed; along with the very different motivations in the past for making marks on walls.
£5 per person, plus Cathedral admission charge.
BACK FOR 2026
'Climb the Corona' Tour
Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays in April - September*
* Tours will run on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 22 April to 19 September - except 1, 29 & 31 July, due to closures.
The Corona Chapel was built in the 12th century to house the crown - ‘corona’ in Latin - of St Thomas Becket’s skull, which had been sliced off during his murder and was revered as a saintly relic.
Explore the Chapel, usually closed to the public, before climbing the 95 steps to the top of the Corona Tower itself!
£12 per person, plus Cathedral admission charge.
This is a popular tour; pre-booking suggested. Over 16s only.
Read full tour information and restrictions before booking.
SPECIAL EVENT AT THE LODGE
Archbishop’s of Canterbury Through the Ages - Talk and Afternoon Tea
Monday 27 April, 14:15-17:00
In this illustrated talk, Cressida Williams, Archives and Library Manager, will explore some of the stories of Archbishops of Canterbury, from Anglo-Saxon times to the present day; followed by afternoon tea in the Refectory Restaurant.
£28 per person
Booking essential.
All events at Canterbury Cathedral Lodge have limited availability and must be pre-booked. Full pre-payment will be taken at the time of booking and is non-refundable, unless we are able to re-sell places booked.
MONTHLY
Stained Glass Windows Tour
Did you know that some stained glass windows at Canterbury Cathedral are amongst the oldest in the world?
Join us on a guided tour, offering an introduction to the history and range of stained glass found at the Cathedral, from medieval to modern.
Discover richly-detailed Bible-story windows, explore Miracle Windows and see the oldest stained glass in England.
Dates:
- Friday 15 May, 11:15-12:30
- Friday 12 June, 11:15-12:30
- Friday 17 July, 11:15-12:30
- Friday 21 August, 11:15-12:30
- Friday 25 September, 11:15-12:30
£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.
SPECIAL EVENT AT THE LODGE
A Day Exploring the Gardens
Tuesday 26 May, 10:15-17:30
Join the Cathedral gardening team for a fascinating day exploring the gardens, and discoverthe history of gardening at the Cathedral, with lunch and refreshments included.
£67 per person
Booking essential.
All events at Canterbury Cathedral Lodge have limited availability and must be pre-booked. Full pre-payment will be taken at the time of booking and is non-refundable, unless we are able to re-sell places booked.
A FRIENDLY TALK
Living Through Two World Wars - Canterbury 1914-1951
Tuesday 16 June, 14:30-15:30 in the Clagett Auditorium
Doreen Rosman returns for a final talk in her series about the history of Canterbury, focusing on one person's experience to evoke what it would have been like to live through this period of tumultuous change.
Doreen taught history at the University of Kent. Her publications include, Canterbury: A History since 1500, the story of a city and its people.
£10 Friends of Canterbury Cathedral; £15 non-members. Includes tea and coffee on arrival.
This event is organised by and in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Registered Charity No 1210093).
NEW DATES TO BE ADDED SOON
‘The St Thomas Becket Story’ Tour
Uncover the full story of St Thomas Becket in the Cathedral, where echoes of his life and legacy resound.
Explore the places in the Cathedral associated with the life and death of the renowned saint and martyr, from the location of his shocking murder in 1170; to the site of his first tomb, where over 700 miracles were reported; and discover how the story was re-told in stained glass.
£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.
Various dates throughout the year
FREE* Family Tours
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 recommended.
Keep an eye on our Event Calendar and socials for future tour dates
*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.