From special services, tours and talks, to unique exhibitions, music concerts and visitor events, there's always lots to discover at Canterbury Cathedral.
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.
In person only.
Free to attend; but donations gratefully accepted.
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.
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:
- 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.
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.
17 May
Misericordia (2025) | 15
14 June
Black Bag (2024) | 15
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!)
NEW FOR 2026
FREE* Wednesday Lunchtime Organ Recitals
Performed by our Assistant Director of Music, Jamie Rogers, this new series will be centred solely around the music of J.S Bach and his influences.
- 20 May
All at 13:15 in the Quire. Un-ticketed.
*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.
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.
Canterbury Cathedral and the University of Kent present
Faith, Culture, and the Arts
In conversation with Joanna Marsh and Revd Dr Emma Pennington
Tuesday 5 May, 16:00
Speaker: Joanna Marsh and Revd Dr Emma Pennington
Venue: Online via Zoom
This next seminar is an online conversation with the composer Joanna Marsh, whose piece ‘All Shall be Well’, as setting of text by the medieval spiritual writer Julian of Norwich, was performed by Canterbury Cathedral Choir at the installation of Archbishop Sarah Mullally in March 2026
Joanna will be in conversation with Revd Dr Emma Pennington, Canon Missioner at Canterbury Cathedral and scholar in medieval spiritual writings, especially that of Julian of Norwich.
Free to attend. All welcome. Online only event; booking essential.
Organised by the Michael Ramsey Chair in Theology, Professor of Faith, Culture and the Arts, Jonathan Arnold.
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:
- 11 May
- 8 June
Plus more dates scheduled
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).
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. Cathedral admission not included.
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 CONCERT
The Central Band of the Royal British Legion
Saturday 30 May, 18:00-19:20 in the Nave
Join us in The Nave of Canterbury Cathedral as we welcome the return of The Central Band of The Royal British Legion for a sensational and heart-stirring concert, featuring songs from the shows and military music.
Tickets: Adults £25; Children (up to 12) £10
- BOOK NOW -
Tickets are available to purchase on the Canterbury Festival website or via the Canterbury Festival Box Office.
This event is organised by and in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Registered Charity No 1210093).
FREE* Summer Recitals
with our Cathedral Choral Scholars
Dates in June, 13:15-14:00 in the Crypt
Wednesday 3 June - James McNinch (Tenor)
Wednesday 10 June - Lydia South (Mezzo)
Wednesday 17 June - Stephen Beale (Bass)
*Included free with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends’ Card. Children aged 17 and under go free (T&Cs apply).
EXCLUSIVE EVENT
Organ Open Evening
Friday 12 June, 18:30 in the Quire
Join us to learn all about the Cathedral organ!
This will include an introduction to the Cathedral’s organ (refurbished by Harrison & Harrison in 2020) and demonstration by Assistant Director of Music, Jamie Rogers, followed by a chance for keen organists to play - time allowing - a short piece of their choice.
This event is free to attend and un-ticketed.
To play the organ at the Open Evening, you must enquire in advance.
Canterbury Cathedral
Refugee Week 2026
Courage
Monday 15 - Sunday 21 June
At a time when some seek to divide and blame, Refugee Week 2026 calls us to come together and share the courage to welcome, to stand for what we believe in, and to celebrate culture and community - to be joyful, imagine new possibilities, dream, heal, and connect.
At Canterbury Cathedral, we will be marking this Week with hourly prayers for refugees, a designated Chapel in the Cathedral, our Courageous Communities: Sanctuary & Racial Justice Conference and two special services of Eucharist.
Organised by Canterbury Cathedral, The Social Justice Network and the Kent Refugee Action Network (KRAN).
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).
Canterbury Choral presents
Verdi: Requiem
Saturday 20 June 2026, 19:30-21:00 in the Nave
This event is organised, managed and delivered by Canterbury Choral Society.
An opportunity to hear Verdi’s great choral masterpiece, as Canterbury Choral Society and its Youth Choir demonstrate their power and expressive range in this dramatic work.
Tickets range: £16 - £34 (+ booking fees)
Tickets are available to purchase on the Canterbury Festival website.
SPECIAL EVENT AT THE LODGE
Queen Elizabeth on Tour - Talk and Afternoon Tea
Tuesday 7 July, 14:15-17:00
In this illustrated talk, Cressida Williams, Cathedral Archivist, will discuss the fortnight-long stay of Elizabeth I in Canterbury in the summer of 1573. This was a momentous event in the history of the Cathedral and city. The Queen attended the Cathedral for worship and Archbishop Matthew Parker held a lavish 40th birthday banquet.
This talk will be illustrated with examples from the Cathedral’s historic collections and will capture some of the colour and glamour of the Elizabethan age, followed by afternoon tea in the Refectory Restaurant.
£28 per person. Cathedral admission not included.
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.
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
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.