Sightseeing Entry

St Paul’s Church Hall, Canterbury, CT1 1NH

ALL welcome – rusty singers included!

Turn up for a cuppa and a biscuit, followed by sociable singing to put a smile on your face, led by Jamie Rogers, Assistant Director of Music, and our Choral Scholars.

Please join us between 14:00-15:00 on the following Mondays:

Please note, there will be no FRIENDly Singing in July and August 

• 8 September

FURTHER DATES FOR 2025-26 TO BE ANNOUNCED

Free to attend but donations welcomed.

All welcome. No need to book.

Organised by and in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Charity No 1210093).

Until 31 August 2025

This summer, we will be hosting the breathtaking installation moon landing; a duo work created by British textile artist and designer of woven textiles, Margo Selby, in collaboration with award-winning composer, Helen Caddick.

An immersive artwork comprising a 16-metre hand-woven textile by Margo Selby, and an original musical piece scored for strings by Helen Caddick, inspired by the story of the women who wove the integrated circuits and memory cores which enabled the moon landing.

Supported by a grant from The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Charity No. 1210093).

*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.

Please join us for our monthly film screenings in the Cathedral Lodge AV Room.

Films start at 14:00.

13 July 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) | U

14 September The Boy And The Heron (2023) | 12

12 October Pan's Labyrinth (2006) | 15

9 November The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp (1943) | U

14 December Past Lives (2023) | 12

11 January 2026 EO (2022) | 15

The first rule of Film Club, is that there is no charge for Film Club...(but any donations are gratefully received!)

Dates in June - August

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:

• Thursday 26 June, between 14:15-16:00
• Thursdays 10 & 24 July, between 14:15-16:00
• Thursdays 7 & 21 August, between 14:15-16:00

£5 per person, plus Cathedral admission charge.

Mondays, during choir term time (see dates), 12:30-13:00 in the Crypt

The worship of Taizé is based on simple repetitive chants, the reading of scripture and silence.

All are welcome to come and experience this way of praying as we connect with God and one another through sound and silence.

In person only.

This event is free, but donations are kindly accepted.

Nine sessions over 11 weeks (between 6 May - 15 July)
Tuesday evenings, 20:00 - 21:00 GMT via Zoom

The Fire of Love presents the thoughts and feelings of the 14th-century hermit Richard Rolle, as he confronts the divine mystery. Rolle’s personal love of God and the sweetness and melody of his writings assure his place among the foremost pre-Reformation English mystics.

Join Canon Emma online via Zoom to reflect and discuss this profound exploration of the love of God.

This group is free, but donations are kindly accepted.

Booking essential - Book your space to be sent a Zoom link.

Dates in June - August (New dates added regularly)

Discover the strong bond that Canterbury Cathedral has with the United States.

This is the story of centuries of friendship across the Atlantic.

Dates:

• Juneteenth National Independence Day: Thursday 19 June, 11:15-12:30
• Friday 27 June, 11:15-12:30
• Independence Day: Friday 4 July, 11:15-12:30
• Fridays 8 & 22 August, 11:15-12:30

£5 per person, plus Cathedral admission charge.

Dates in June - August

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!

Dates:

• Fridays 20 & 27 June, 14:15-15:15
• Wednesday 25 June, 14:15-15:15
• Wednesdays 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 July, 14:15-15:15
• Fridays 4, 11, 18 & 25 July, 14:15-15:15
• Fridays 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 August, 14:15-15:15
• Wednesdays 6, 13, 20 & 27 August, 14:15-15:15

£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.

Dates in June - August

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 26 June, 14:00-14:45
• Thursdays 10 & 31 July, 14:00-14:45
• Thursday 7 August, 14:00-14:45

£8 per person. Cathedral admission not included.

Pre-booking required, not suitable for under 12s.

Dates in July - October

Discover the Cathedral when it is closed to the public, on an exclusive guided tour taken ‘out of hours’ led by one of our expert guides, who will share many fascinating stories with you.

This tour is perfect for history lovers and those seeking a unique way to enjoy the Cathedral - book your exclusive evening tour now and look forward to an truly special experience.

Dates:

• Fri 18 July, 18:30-20:00
• Fri 22 August, 18:30-20:00
• Fri 12 September, 18:30-20:00
• Fri 3 October, 18:30-20:00

£40 per person. Pre-booking required.

Saturday 28 June, 11:00-15:00 in the Community Studio 

Create your own beautiful motif with Royal School of Needlework Tutor, Kathryn Sanders, from a selection of designs and bubble words.

The perfect handmade piece to display in your home or to give as a special gift.

This free* event is proudly presented in partnership with The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral's, through their unique association with the Royal School of Needlework.

Kindly supported by The Worshipful Company of Broderers.

Drop-in activity; no need to book.

Both children and adults welcome. Suitable for ages 4+ (parents/carers may need to assist younger children)

*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.

Saturday 28 June, 19:30 in the Cathedral Nave*

A concert of music, sung by the Canterbury Cathedral Choirs, and members of the Crypt Choir from the King’s School (of which Robert was Chair of Governors).

All are welcome to attend.

Free event; with donations encouraged in Dean Robert’s memory,
to The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Charity No: 1210093).

Booking required to reserve a seat.

* This event is in person only, and will not be live streamed or recorded.

Sunday 29 June 2025, from 9.30am in Canterbury

Join us for a unique running event, based in the heart of the city of Canterbury!

The route starts in the beautiful surroundings of Green Court, on the north side of the Cathedral Precincts, goes through the heart of Canterbury via the King's Mile, Marlowe Theatre and city centre, and finishes on the other side of the Cathedral grounds - running through the historic Christ Church Gate to the finish line, with the iconic building as a backdrop.

There will be three main waves, suitable for different abilities; including the opportunity to walk a mile with family and friends.

Each individual must have a valid entry.

Advanced entries: £10 affiliated club members, £12 unaffiliated
On-the-day (subject to space): £15

This event is provided in partnership with Sporting Events UK, The King's School Canterbury and Canterbury Cathedral, in support of Catching Lives and The Social Justice Network.

Tuesday 1 July, 14:30-15:30 in the Clagett Auditorium

Known as the ‘King of Spices’, pepper is the most important spice traded internationally.

Popular speaker and culinary food historian, Terrie Chrones returns from the United States to tell us more about this spice: a hot topic weaving through religious and secular connections and even Canterbury itself.

Tickets: £10 Friends of Canterbury Cathedral, £15 non-members. Includes tea and coffee.

This event is organised by and in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Registered Charity No 1210093).

with Will Fairbairn, London

One in our series of informal organ recitals, featuring the Cathedral’s resident organists and guests.

Free and un-ticketed, with a retiring collection.

See recital programme in the monthly Services and Music List

Sat 5 July, from 11:00

Join us for the 10th year of one of Kent's favourite historic events!

Dates in July & August

These full day tours run 09:30-16:30

Discover more about the introduction of Roman Christianity to Britain on this unique fully-guided tour experience which takes you through the heartland of historic Canterbury.

Delve deeper into history with a guided tour at each location, and enjoy a sandwich lunch in beautiful gardens overlooking Canterbury Cathedral - all included.

Dates:

• Friday 11 July
• Tuesday 29 July
• Friday 1 August
• Thursday 14 August

£59.95 per person

Friday 11 - Sunday 13 July 2025

Walk the picturesque Precincts and discover traces of the medieval monks of Christ Church Priory, once on this site.

Today, evidence of the lives of the monks can be found in the ruins dotted around the Precincts, the Great Cloister and Chapter House, the repurposed buildings and gardens.

Learn about the lives of the monks, the buildings they used and the history of the medieval Herbarium.

Dates:

• Tuesdays 15, 22 & 29 July 11:15-12:30
• Tuesdays 5,12,19 & 26 August 11:15-12:30

£5 per person, plus Cathedral admission charge.

Please note, this tour will take place outside and involve walking on uneven surfaces in varying weather.

at Canterbury Cathedral

Various events on 20 July, 30 July & 1 August

Once again, as part of the CBA Festival of Archaeology, we are delighted to be hosting a range of events which share our passion for archaeology and history - including talks and tours.

These events are for anyone who would like to explore more about these subjects; no previous knowledge is needed.

Booking essential.

The First Public Theology Lecture in the New Series of Michael Ramsay Events

Wednesday 30 July, 18:30

Speaker: Revd Prof Jonathan Arnold, Michael Ramsay Chair of Faith, Culture and the Arts, Institute of Cultural and Creative Industries, University of Kent

Venue: Kentish Barn, Canterbury Cathedral Lodge, CT1 2EH

This lecture will be the first in an annual series of Michael Ramsay lectures and events, with guest speakers prominent in the fields of theology, the arts, culture and social action.

Booking essential, as spaces limited.

Tickets: £6; Students in full-time education free of charge

Monday 4 August, 13:00-15:00

Shakespeare’s most magical play, bursting with mayhem, comedy, romance, and surprises!

Having developed a reputation for producing first-rate, critically-acclaimed, and highly accessible adaptations of Shakespeare’s work, Immersion Theatre – the multi-award nominated company behind last year’s smash hit “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, proudly presents The Tempest; Shakespeare’s unforgettable tale of magic, romance, comedy, and revenge! With heaps of audience participation, this mesmerising show will be brought to life in unforgettable style, perfect for both seasoned theatre-goers and newcomers to Shakespeare’s work. Not to be missed!

Recommended age: 8+

Monday 18 August, 14:20-17:00

Enjoy a fascinating behind-the-scenes tour of the Cathedral Archives and Library, with a special viewing of highlights from the historic collections, followed by a full afternoon tea in the Refectory Restaurant.

£30 per person

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.

followed by Three-course Dinner

Friday 29 August, 18:20-21:30

To create a very special and memorable evening, we have combined our private ‘out of hours’ evening guided tour of Canterbury Cathedral, led by one of our knowledgeable guides, with an exclusive three-course à la carte dinner in our Refectory Restaurant.

£70 per person

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.

Saturday 30 August, 13:00-15:00

Pack your picnics and join Ratty, Mole, Badger, and the fantastically irrepressible Toad as they embark on the adventure of a lifetime culminating in a colourful battle to save Toad Hall from the mischievous weasels!

Multi-award nominated Immersion Theatre proudly bring their trademark style and energy to the riverbank with heaps of interaction, stunning costumes, toe-tapping music, and larger-than-life characters,

A TOAD-ally terrific treat whether you’re 4 or 104!

Recommended age: 4+

Friday 5 September 2025

Immerse yourself in the glitz and glamour of the 1920s as The Great Gatsby Ball comes to Canterbury Cathedral!

Step into the style and glamour of the 1920s at The Gatsby Ball! This unforgettable evening brings the Roaring Twenties to life in an enchanting, historic setting. Don your finest flapper dresses, dapper suits, and pearls as we transport you back to the Jazz Age with a night filled with elegance, style, and sophistication.

What to Expect:

• 1920's Fashion
• Live Swing Band
• Stunning Architecture
• The Glitz & Glamour of the Gatsby World!

Enjoy the sounds of a live swing band, playing the biggest hits of modern times with an old school Jazz twist!

Guaranteed to get you on your feet and dancing like it’s 1925. The Gatsby Ball is the ultimate way to experience the golden age of jazz and glamour.

Between 12 - 21 September

Every September, thousands of volunteers across England organise events to celebrate the country’s fantastic history and culture. It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – all of which are FREE to explore.

Discover FREE Heritage Open Day events at Canterbury Cathedral!

These events are all free to attend, but pre-booking is required, as spaces are limited.

Tues 23 – Sat 27 September

slots between 19:00-21:00

*TICKETS NOW ON SALE*

For five nights in September - in the year of the 80th anniversary of VE Day - Canterbury Cathedral will be illuminated with the immersive sound and light installation Poppy Fields by Luxmuralis, commemorating the First and Second World Wars.

A poignant and moving sound and light show taking visitors on an immersive journey through light and sound, transforming spaces and creating a walking curated experience amongst the artworks projected onto amazing architecture.

The installations reflect on the end of WW1 and WW2, but more importantly look at the hopes and wishes for peace in our world.

Image: Luxmuralis's Poppy Fields at Winchester Cathedral © Luxmuralis