From special services, tours and talks, to unique exhibitions, music concerts and visitor events, there's always lots to discover at Canterbury Cathedral.
A Pilgrimage of Prayer
Holy Week and Easter
Join us for worship, Lenten event series and our Good Friday family service.
*BOOKINGS NOW OPEN for 10:00 Easter Sunday Eucharist* Free to attend, but pre-booking is essential.
Highlighted events
DAILY Between 10:00- 16:00, various intervals
FREE* Mini Talks
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 with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket or Cathedral Pass
WEEKLY Monday - Saturday 10:30, 12:00 and 14:00 and Sundays 13:00
'The Inside Story' Tour
Discover the story of Canterbury Cathedral through its soaring architecture, beautiful medieval stained glass and the history that helped make and shape the Cathedral.
£5 per person. Book at our Visitor Centre.
Monthly until July 2024
The Julian Prayer Meetings
If you are drawn to silent prayer, join our Julian Prayer Meetings (named after Julian of Norwich). The meetings are for people of all denominations, faiths or none who wish to join with others in the practice of silent prayer, resting in the present moment.
Thursdays during Lent (starting 15 February), 18:30-19:30
Growing in Prayer
A five-session course on teaching and practicing prayer led by our Cathedral clergy.
Free to attend, but pre-booking required.
Some sessions may be recorded if possible, but some cannot as they are interactive workshops.
Sundays during Lent (starting 18 February), after Eucharist service until 13:00 in the AV Studio
Post Sermon Discussion
A chance to reflect on the themes of the Eucharist service.
In person only.
Mondays during Lent (19 February - 25 March), 12:30-13:00 in the Eastern Crypt
Taizé Lunchtime Prayer
All our welcome to come and experience this way of praying during our Lenten Pilgrimage of Prayer, as we connect with God and one another through sound and silence.
As with worship and services, those coming to take part do not need to pay admission.
In person only.
Tuesdays during Lent (starting 20 February), 20:00 - 21:00 BST, via Zoom
The Cloud of Unknowing Lenten Book Group
As part of our theme for Lent this year, a Pilgrimage of Prayer, you are warmly invited to join Canon Emma online to reflect and discuss the great spiritual classic The Cloud of Unknowing.
Free event, online only.
27 - 31 March 2024 (Residential or non-residential)
Holy Week Retreat
Immerse yourself in the experience of Holy Week, through the darkness of Good Friday to the joy of Easter morning, with this intimate gathering at Canterbury Cathedral.
Services and Worship • Special activities • Accommodation available
Tuesday 19 March 2024, 10:30
TALK: Off the Beaten Track in Early Christian Rome
Escape an English March and the Roman crowds and journey through the development of Christianity in Rome in the first millennium AD, on the way enjoying some real gems of Christian heritage.
This event is organised by the Friends of Canterbury Cathedral
Sunday 31 March 2024, sittings between 12:30-15:30
Easter Sunday Lunch
Come and enjoy a 3-course À la carte lunch with all the family in the bright Refectory Restaurant, at Canterbury Cathedral Lodge.
With the incredible backdrop of Canterbury Cathedral, could there a more perfect way to spend your Easter Sunday?
£38 per adult or £18 per child under 14 years. Under 4’s go free.
Pre-booking required.
Dates in April, May & June
Canterbury 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.
Friday 5 April 2024, 19:30
Gavin Bryars Ensemble: Jesus' Blood Never Failed Me Yet
In this celebration of Gavin Bryars’ 80th birthday, experience his seminal minimalist orchestral work performed live in the atmospheric surroundings of the Cathedral.
The Flower of Friendship
The Sinking of the Titanic
Jesus’ Blood Never Failed Me Yet
Saturday 6 April 2024, 10:00-16:00
'The Glorious Mysteries' Quiet Prayer Day
An opportunity to contemplate the life of Christ, through scripture and the ancient devotional practice of the rosary; led by Canon Emma and Alexander Muir.
This Easter Season Quiet Day concludes our series, following on from our successful Lenten, Trinity and Epiphany Quiet Days.
This event is free to attend, but booking required.
Monday 22 April 2024, 14:30-16:30
‘A History of Canterbury Cathedral in 20 Objects’ - Archives talk and afternoon tea
Join us at Canterbury Cathedral Lodge for a fascinating illustrated talk by Cressida Williams, Cathedral Archivist about ‘A history of Canterbury Cathedral in 20 objects’. Cressida will provide a potted history of the Cathedral told through some of the fascinating items from its collections
The talk will take place in the Lodge’s AV Theatre, followed by a full afternoon tea to finish, in the Refectory Restaurant.
£25 per person (10% discount for Friends of Canterbury Cathedral).
Friday 26 April, 10:00-16:00 at Canterbury Cathedral
Royal School of Needlework: Goldwork Wyvern inspired by Medieval Window at Canterbury Cathedral
Create your own stunning Wyvern motif - designed by RSN Tutor, Helen Stevens and inspired by one of the medieval windows at the Cathedral - at this exclusive onsite Goldwork and mixed techniques hand embroidery partnership class.
View the original window with Léonie Seliger, Director of the Stained Glass Studio, and explore the Cathedral after the class until 5pm.
Organised in partnership with the Friends of Canterbury Cathedral.
Saturday 27 April, 10:00-11:00 & 11:30-12:30 in the Cathedral Archives Reading Room
Medieval Canterbury Weekend 2024: Canterbury Cathedral Archive & Library Treasures
This visit will focus on the early printed books, manuscripts and other sources in the Cathedral collections.
Tickets: £10/person per event in person (discounts available).
The Medieval Canterbury Weekend, organized by the Centre for Kent History & Heritage at Canterbury Christ Church University, returns for 2024 with a programme of 19 talks and its hallmark guided visits.
Sunday 28 April, 16:00 - 17:10 at Canterbury Cathedral Lodge
Canterbury Festival: Festival Chamber Orchestra – More Music to Feed the Soul
The Festival Chamber Orchestra presents another programme of uplifting and emotive music featuring the wonderful Soprano voice of Kathryn Jenkin.
Tickets £22, Student £12 (Incl. £2 booking fee)
This event is organised, managed and delivered by the Festival Chamber Orchestra.
Programme available.
Tuesday 7 May & Tuesday 11 June, 11:15-12:30
'Women at Canterbury Cathedral' Tour *SPECIAL THEMED TOUR*
Experience this special themed tour inspired by International Women's Day: Friday 8 March.
Uncover the lives of the queens, noblewomen and more humble artists and makers who have all helped shape Canterbury Cathedral.
Only £5 per person, plus admission charge.
Monday 13 May and Monday 10 June 2024, 10:15-17:30
A Day Exploring the Gardens at Canterbury Cathedral
Enjoy a fascinating day exploring gardens and garden history at Canterbury Cathedral. The day includes a talk by members of the Cathedral’s gardening team, a chance to see items from the wonderful Archives and Library collections, a hot two-course lunch at Canterbury Cathedral Lodge, a tour of some of the gardens themselves, and afternoon tea.
Price £65 per person (10% discount for Friends of Canterbury Cathedral).
Not local? Why not stay overnight at Canterbury Cathedral Lodge and receive 10% off your stay!
Dates in June
Precincts and Gardens Tour
Explore the Cathedral Precincts to find traces of the lives of the monks who were the site’s early inhabitants and discover our beautiful public gardens while learning how these spaces, created over centuries, are still used and tended by our gardening team today.
Only £5 per person, plus admission charge.
Multiple dates June - September, 09:30 - 16:30
Canterbury’s UNESCO Sites tour: Foundations of Faith
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.
£59.95 per person
Saturday 1 June, 19:00 - 21:30 at Canterbury Cathedral
Canterbury Festival: The London Welsh Male Voice Choir in Concert at Canterbury Cathedral
Join us for a musical experience – a wonderful evening of virtuoso singing and entertainment featuring the London Welsh Male Voice Choir with soloists from Kent College Canterbury.
Tickets: £17 - £37 (Incl. £2 booking fee per ticket)
This event is organised, managed and delivered by Canterbury Forest of Blean Rotary Club.
Friday 14 June, 18:30-23:45 in the Campanile Garden and Clagett Auditorium
Annual Summer Party with 3-course Dinner and 7-piece Band
Enjoy the spectacular backdrop of the Cathedral at our Cathedral Lodge annual Summer Party.
Guests will be greeted with a glass of Pimms/apple juice in the Campanile Garden*, then move to the Auditorium for dinner.
‘CoCo’, a 7-piece local, popular function band will entertain after dinner and throughout the evening until 23:00, then there will be a disco until the end.
£59 per person
Please see full information and booking requirements.
Fancy making a night of it? Guests attending an event at Cathedral Lodge receive 10% off room rates.
Saturday 15 June, 18:00 in the Nave
The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral present: D-Day Commemoration Concert from the RBL Central Band
Join us for a spectacular celebration of the music of World War Two to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the 80th anniversary of the Central Band of the Royal British Legion, and the 200th Anniversary of the Royal National Lifeboat Institute.
Music will feature the sounds of songs made famous by Dame Vera Lynn, Eric Coates, The Sounds of Richard Rogers, Ladies in Lavender, ABBA Gold and more...
Tickets: Adults £22, Children (<12) £12 (+ £2 booking fee per ticket)
This concert is a charity fundraising event in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral. Registered Charity No 256575.
Saturday 22 June 2024, 19:30
Britten: Spring Symphony
Come and celebrate as Richard Cooke marks his 40th anniversary as Music Director of Canterbury Choral Society, with the CCS Youth Choir and an ambitious programme of rarely-performed but outstanding works from the 20th century.
They'll be joined by the London Mozart Players and a team of fine soloists in a programme of music in which to revel and dream on a June evening.
This event is organised, managed and delivered by Canterbury Choral Society.
February-March 2024
What's On Guide
Your guide to worship, events, family-friendly activities, and new visitor experiences at Canterbury Cathedral.
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