From special services, tours and talks, to unique exhibitions, music concerts and visitor events, there's always lots to discover at Canterbury Cathedral.
Summer at the Cathedral
Come and discover the stories of some of the extraordinary women who have shaped the Cathedral’s famed history, from 597AD to present day.
Experience a rich programme of events, including talks, tours, activities and more - whether you are interested in faith, family activities or history, there’s something for everyone!
This programme includes a mix of paid, free with admission and free to all events. As spaces are limited, be sure to pre-book as soon as possible.
Highlighted events
Please note, all talks, tours and special events have a max. capacity; pre-booking may be essential or otherwise recommended where possible. Please arrive early, as talks/tours/events will start promptly; if you arrive late, you may not be able to join the talk/tour/event. Please read individual talk/tour/event information and T&Cs before booking/attending.
Only assistance dogs are permitted at services, talks, tours and special events (unless otherwise stated). Please note, 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]
FREE TO VIEW EXHIBITION
Smashed, Bombed, Lost - Recovered
Tales of Canterbury’s Stained Glass
Until Autumn 2026
Viewing Gallery, Visitor Centre
Over the centuries, Canterbury Cathedral’s stained glass has been damaged by war and vandalism, or lost through iconoclasm, neglect or theft.
What remains of those victims of violence can be inspiring - some glass was returned to the Cathedral, some repaired or re-purposed in surprising ways.
This history of damage, restoration and resilience now inspires stained glass by a young Ukrainian artist, Yelizaveta Smirnova, which reacts to the current global crisis.
This family-friendly exhibition is available to view every day during visiting hours.
You do not need a Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends’ card to view this exhibition.
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.
Taizé Lunchtime Prayer
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.
- 6 July
In person only.
Free to attend; but donations gratefully accepted.
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 9 & 23 July, between 14:15-16:00
- Thursdays 6 & 20 August, between 14:15-16:00
- Thursdays 10 & 24 September, between 14:15-16:00
- Thursdays 15 & 29 October, between 14:15-16:00
- Thursdays 12 & 26 November, between 14:15-16:00
- Thursday 10 December, between 14:15-16:00
£5 per person, plus Cathedral admission charge.
ONLINE BOOK GROUP
Seeds of Contemplation by Thomas Merton (1915-1968)
Ten sessions over 12 weeks (between 21 April – 7 July 2026)
Tuesday evenings, 20:00 - 21:00 BST via Zoom
One of the best-loved books by one of the great spiritual authors of our time, Seeds of Contemplation (also known as New Seeds of Contemplation) is one of Thomas Merton's most widely read and best-loved books.
Join Canon Emma online via Zoom to reflect and discuss this seminal Christian spiritual text which provides advice and guidance on how to live out the mystical dimension of our Christian faith in the everyday.
The group is free, but any donation you may wish to make to the mission and ministry of the Cathedral will be warmly received.
Booking essential - Book your space to be sent a Zoom link. It will be the same zoom link for each week.
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:
- Wednesdays 8 & 22 July, 14:00-14:45
- Wednesdays 5 & 19 August, 14:00-14:45
- Wednesday 2 & 23 September, 14:00-14:45
£8 per person. Cathedral admission not included. Pre-booking required.
Not suitable for under 12s. Please note, dogs of any kind are not permitted in the Archives & Library.
Regrettably, due to the location, this tour is not wheelchair accessible.
MONTHLY on a Sunday
Film Club
Please join us for our monthly film screenings in the Cathedral Lodge AV Room.
Films start at 14:00.
12 July
The Phoenician Scheme (2025) | 15
9 August
Seven Samurai (1954) | PG
The first rule of Film Club, is that there is no charge for Film Club...(but any donations are gratefully received!)
MONTHLY
FRIENDly Singing for Wellbeing
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:
NO session in July 2026
- 14 September 2026
- 12 October 2026
- 2 November 2026
- 14 December 2026
This is a free event, but donations to help sustain this monthly event are welcomed.
All welcome. No need to book.
Organised by and in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Charity No 1210093).
FREE TO VIEW*
Sacred Resonance
by Renaud Muraire
Reimagining Christian Iconography at Canterbury Cathedral
21 May - 8 September 2026
Renaud Muraire’s paintings create a powerful dialogue between traditional Christian iconography and contemporary human experience.
Drawing on biblical narratives that continue to resonate today, his work explores universal emotions, challenges, and aspirations, offering space for reflection on identity and lived experience.
* Free-to-view by anyone with a valid form of Cathedral sightseeing admission (including Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends’ Card).
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 THEMED TOUR
Women of Canterbury Cathedral
Dates in July & August
Learn about the remarkable women who have shaped the Cathedral’s story across the centuries.
From influential medieval figures and pioneering benefactors, to trailblazing contemporary leaders, this tour reveals the often overlooked contributions that have shaped the Cathedral’s spiritual, cultural, and social legacy.
Dates:
- Thursdays 9 ,16 & 23 July, 14:15-15:30
- Thursdays 6, 13, 20 & 27 August, 14:15-15:30
£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.
BACK FOR 2026
Canterbury Children's Literature Festival
Friday 10 - Sunday 12 July
Enjoy an amazing programme of events, celebrating stories in all their forms, for children of all ages.
We are pleased to be hosting three storytelling events at Canterbury Cathedral over this weekend:
Friday 10 July, 3.30pm in the Viewing Gallery
The Laugh with Fay Evans (pay as you feel)
Saturday 11 July, 2pm in the Community Studio
Midnight Puzzlers with Liz Frost (included free with Cathedral admission ticket)
Sunday 12 July, 3.30pm in the Viewing Gallery
Tilda's Journey in the Jungle with Nicola A Lewis (pay as you feel)
Booking essential
BOOK NOW
The King’s Men
Live at Canterbury Cathedral
Wednesday 15 July, 19:30-21:30 at Canterbury Cathedral
Experience the world renowned choral scholars of King’s College, Cambridge, for an unforgettable summer concert.
For one night only, this premier vocal ensemble brings its signature sound and flawless harmonies to the heart of the city. Comprising the current choral scholars of the world-famous King’s College Choir, The King’s Men are celebrated for their versatile repertoire and vocal excellence.
Tickets range: £20 - £26
This concert is presented by the Parish of St Martin & St Paul, Canterbury. All proceeds from the evening will go towards St Martin’s: The Next Chapter, supporting the vital work and heritage of St Martin's church, the oldest church in continual use within the English speaking world.
Canterbury Cathedral presents
Messiaen, Livre du Saint Sacrement (1984)
Organ Recital by Tom Bell, Concert Organist
Friday 17 July, 19:30-21:15
Renowned concert organist Tom Bell will play the Livre du Saint Sacrement, written in 1984 by Olivier Messiaen (1908 to 1992).
Over 100 minutes long, the Livre due Saint Sacrement is a vast cycle in eighteen pieces, collectively presenting a meditation on the Blessed Sacrement: the body and blood of Jesus, in the form of bread and wine at the Eucharist (Holy Communion).
Tickets: £19 (+ £2 booking fee)
Tickets are available to purchase on the Canterbury Festival website (linked below) or via the Canterbury Festival Box Office: 01227 457568
ARCHAEOLOGY AFTER HOURS
Women and the study of Canterbury’s History and Archaeology
Friday 24 July, 18:30-19:30 in the AV Theatre
This special event has been organised as part of the CBA Festival of Archaeology
In this illustrated talk, Cressida Williams, Archives and Library Manager, will highlight the pioneering work of individual women to the study of the history and archaeology of the Cathedral and City of Canterbury, and will summarise the important contributions they made.
£5 per person. Booking essential.
Please ensure that you have selected the correct event when booking.
Lumos Experiences present
Women Who Defined Jazz: Billie Holiday & Amy Winehouse
A Candlelight Jazz Experience in Canterbury
Saturday 25 July in the Cathedral Crypt Two sittings: 19:00-20:00 & 21:00-22:00
Step into the world of two of music’s most soulful and unforgettable voices for one extraordinary evening.
Experience an intimate live concert celebrating the raw emotion, timeless artistry, and enduring legacy of Billie Holiday and Amy Winehouse.
For one night, the Eastern Crypt will be transformed into a glowing, candlelit sanctuary of sound - atmospheric and alive with music.
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
Tickets range: £25 - £50 (+ booking fee)
FREE* LIMITED TIME ONLY ACCESS
Visits to the Archives Reading Room
Monday 27 - Friday 31 July, 11:00 - 15:00
Come to the Archives reading room for a unique opportunity to see items used during the installation of Sarah Mullally as Archbishop on 25th March.
This will include the magnificent St John’s Bible, the Cathedral’s copy of a hand-written and hand-decorated Bible produced for the Millenium.
No need to book - included with admission.
*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.
EXCLUSIVE ACCESS
Women in the Cathedral Collections: A visit to the Archives reading room
Friday 7 August, 14:00-14:55
This guided visit to the Archives reading room will present a unique opportunity to see items from the collections relating to specific women with links to the Cathedral’s history.
See some depictions of Queen Elizabeth I and even her signature, and admire items used during the installation of Archbishop Sarah Mullally.
£12 per person. Cathedral admission not included.
Booking essential.
Please ensure that you have selected the correct event when booking.
SPECIAL THEMED TOUR
Queen Bertha's Walk
Dates in July & August
A guided walk tracing Queen Bertha’s footsteps through Canterbury to the Cathedral, highlighting her pivotal role in laying the foundations of Christian worship in Kent.
Retrace the daily walk Queen Bertha of Kent took from St Martin’s Church, via St Augustine’s Abbey to Canterbury Cathedral, and learn about the re-introduction of Christianity to this part of the world by St Augustine in the 6th century as you pass other historic landmarks along the way; concluding with a short visit inside the Cathedral to complete the story.
Dates:
- Friday 7 August, 11:00-12:30
- Friday 4 September, 11:00-12:30
£25 per person, with Cathedral admission included.
Book at our Visitor Centre on the day of your visit, or email [email protected] to reserve your space.
TICKETS NOW ON SALE
80s Silent Disco
Saturday 15 August - 18:30-21:00 & 21:30-00:00
The world's premier tour of its kind, Silent Discos In Incredible Places, is returning to Canterbury Cathedral after selling out in record time earlier this year!
Expect some of the UK's best 80s DJs playing all your favourite tunes in the stunning, illuminated surroundings of the Cathedral.
This is strictly a 18+ event. Valid photographic I.D. may be requested on entry.
Canterbury Cathedral
Heritage Open Days
Between 11 - 20 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.
This year we are hosting three special events at Canterbury Cathedral:
- ‘Lives of the Monks’ Guided Tour
- 'Cathedral Gardens Through History' Exhibition
- 'Monastic Gardens' Guided Tour
All events have a limited capacity and spaces fill up fast - so don't miss out, and book your FREE place now!
BOOK NOW