BACK FOR 2026
‘Climb the Corona’ Tour
Wednesdays, Friday 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, giving you the opportunity to explore the tombs of Cardinal Reginald Pole and Archbishop Temple, and view the wonderful stained glass windows in more detail, before climbing the 95 steps to the top of the Corona Tower itself and experience amazing views across the city in all directions.
This tour offers a unique opportunity to see the city of Canterbury differently - as well as some hidden stone carvings atop the tower.
£12 per person, plus Cathedral admission charge.
This is a popular tour; pre-booking advised to avoid disappointment.
Please read full tour information and restrictions below before booking.
Please ensure you arrive at the Cathedral Visitor Centre at least 15 minutes before the tour starts to check-in.
You will be required to sign a disclaimer on the day, to confirm you have understood and will abide by these restrictions.
Please note, this tour is weather dependent. In the event of cancellation due to bad weather, tickets may be exchanged for an alternate date.
'Climb the Corona' Tour
DISCLAIMER AND VISITOR HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDANCE
Please note, you will be required to sign a disclaimer, to confirm you have understood and abide by these restrictions.
By virtue of purchasing your ticket to undertake the tour of the Corona Tower, you are agreeing that Canterbury Cathedral and/or the Chapter of Canterbury is not responsible for any accident, loss, injury or damage.
- All visitors should be reasonably fit, and display a mature attitude
- Persons under the age of 16 are not permitted onto the roof
- Persons between the age of 16 and 18 shall be accompanied by an adult
- There are 94 steps up and down. Although not an arduous climb, it may present issues to those with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart issues, angina, asthma, those who are pregnant or those who have a mobility impairment. If you have a medical condition or physical limitation due to a pre-existing condition which could potentially affect your safety or that of others, then please obtain guidance from your GP before attempting to undertake the tour
- Please be advised that the roof is open, so if you are afraid of heights or claustrophobic, steep staircases and narrow passages, consider this before attempting to undertake the tour
- Items of luggage and large bulky bags, rucksacks, etc. shall not be permitted to be taken on the tour. You shall require both hands free to mitigate against slips, trips, and falls
- You shall be required to dress appropriate for the tour. Footwear should be flat-heeled and ideally rubber-soled. Anyone wearing high-heels, open-toed sandals or crocs shall not be permitted to undertake the tour. Similarly, avoid loose and/or flowing clothing that may be potentially snagged or caught underfoot
The route up, and down, is via the same staircase. The stairway is steep and narrow, and some steps are uneven or might be slippery due to environmental conditions. There is no handrail on the final section of the stairway, so concentration and due attention are needed, especially for the return trip.
The group shall be accompanied by two guides. The guides will be in contact with other staff via radio. In the event of anyone being taken ill or not wishing to proceed to the top of the tower, they shall be escorted to the ground level and the tour will be temporarily halted until both guides are in place once again.
Tours shall only be conducted in good weather. Should there be rain, snow, sleet or winds above 10mph, the tour shall be cancelled or limited to internal areas only. Please note that no other areas are accessible from the stairways (i.e., via the glass doors) – it is an “up and down” access to the Corona roof only.
Anyone suspected to be under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol shall not be permitted to undertake the tour.
All our guides are suitably trained and competent to understand the risks that the tour presents and know how to deal with any unforeseen issues. The instructions of the guides must be always followed.
Cameras, phones and mobile devices must not be held over walls and parapets. Please do not lean out over walls and stand still when taking photos or videos. Please do not sit or lean on any low walls.