On Christmas Day (25th Dec) the Cathedral will be open for services of worship only (no sightseeing entry). The Precincts will be open to all, free of charge, from 0700 to 2100.
On Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, we will be open for sightseeing from 1000 to 1700 (last entry at 1600).
Planning your visit? Check our opening times and upcoming closures.
*UPDATE* Please note, there will be no service of Said Evening Prayer at 4pm on 23rd or 24th December.
Apologies for the inconvenience.
Worship, concerts, special events, family-friendly activities, talks, tours, exhibitions and more...
September-December 2025
NEW What's On Guide
Discover the immersive sound and light show Poppy Fields by Luxmuralis, Half term fun, the return of the Historic Christmas Market, plus a preview of Advent and Christmas and much, much more!
Pick up a printed copy of our What's On Guide from our Visitor Centre.
Things to do
STARTING 14TH JANUARY 2026
Canterbury Youth Choir (CYC)
A brand new community choir for local children in school Years 3-6.
WHEN? Wednesdays, 4pm - 5.15pm
WHERE? Cathedral Community Studio, The Precincts, CT1 2EH
Why join?
- Sing every week, and develop your musical skills.
- Participate in special collaboration projects, with professional musicians, in exciting venues.
- Build confidence in your singing, and make new friends.
- Get a special concert t-shirt and folder (and weekly snacks!)
Plus, membership to the choir is FREE!
There are 30 spaces available in the launch choir - enquire now!
The perfect setting
Events at Canterbury Cathedral Lodge
Discover the special events at our stunning onsite hotel - Canterbury Cathedral Lodge.
What's on - Exhibition
Making History: Church State and Conflict
A major new free* exhibition exploring the complex, and often violent, story of Church-State relations through the centuries.
Book your tickets
Tickets start from £18.00 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.
Visiting with children?
The Cathedral offers a perfect day out for families of all ages, with plenty for your young explorers to discover.
Other highlights
Architecture
The impressive architecture of Canterbury Cathedral has been crafted through hundreds of years of building and rebuilding.
Stained glass
From miracles to murders, the 1200m2 of stained glass brings to life the rich, and sometimes gruesome, history of the Cathedral.
Cathedral grounds
Historic ruins, momentous memorials, and scenic gardens. There’s so much to see within the grounds.
Collections
From remarkable historical objects to fascinating reads in the Archives and Library, Canterbury Cathedral has an abundance of collections to pique your interest.
Make a day of it
World-class heritage
Take time to explore Canterbury’s world-class heritage - wander along ancient city walls, walk cobbled streets and relax in riverside gardens as you enjoy contemporary bars, restaurants and independent, boutique shops.
Learn more here.
St Augustine’s Abbey and St Martin’s Church
Explore all three sites that make up Canterbury’s UNESCO World Heritage Status: St Augustine’s Abbey and St Martin’s Church, in addition to Canterbury Cathedral.
Learn more about the medieval period with a visit to the Eastbridge Pilgrim’s Hospital or the peaceful Franciscan Gardens.
Stay at The Lodge
And if one day isn’t enough, you can always stay at the Canterbury Cathedral Lodge.
It’s situated within the private grounds of the Cathedral and guests enjoy free entry throughout their visit.
A home for the night
The Lodge
Cathedral Lodge offers Canterbury’s best-located accommodation and conference facilities.
Superb, well-equipped bedrooms overlook beautiful gardens with wonderful Cathedral views.
You can also be assured that a tasty breakfast awaits you in the morning.
Cathedral Lodge is the perfect getaway destination for anyone visiting historic Canterbury.
