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.
The following events are all free to attend, but pre-booking is required, as spaces are limited.
Please note, all tours may include walking on uneven surfaces, with low light levels at times. Please wear sensible footwear.
Heritage Open Days
'The early Normans and Canterbury Cathedral'
A visit to the Archives' Reading Room
Wednesday 16 September - 14:00 & 15.15
As we look ahead to 2027 and The Year of the Normans, this is a chance to view rare archival items held by Canterbury Cathedral.
The visit will be led by Dr Ed Roberts, Senior Lecturer in Early Medieval History at the University of Kent, and Cressida Williams, Cathedral Archivist.
Items featured will include charters from the period and the version of the Domesday Book text known as the ‘Domesday Monachorum’. This visit links to the Bayeux Tapestry exhibition in London.
FREE Heritage Open Days
Food for Thought - The Bayeux Tapestry Revisited
A talk by Prof Benjamin Pohl, Professor of Medieval History, University of Bristol
Thursday 17 September, 19:00-20:30 at Cathedral Lodge
Prof. Benjamin Pohl is an expert in the history of medieval Britain and Europe. Coinciding with the Bayeux Tapestry’s highly anticipated exhibition in the UK, he will present a new interpretation of how and where this world-famous artefact was intended to be viewed.
The talk is based on Prof Pohl's recent research published in Historical Research, which received global media coverage.
Attendance is free, but advanced registration is required.
This event is organised by the Centre for Medieval and Early Modern Studies (MEMS) at the University of Kent, and supported by the British Academy.
FREE Heritage Open Days
'Cathedral Gardens Through History' Exhibition
Friday 18 September, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00 & 14:00
Discover an exhibition held in Canterbury Cathedral's Archives reflecting the history of gardening in Britain and how the gardens on the site were tended to through the ages.
Pre-booking required.
Access to the Archives for wheelchair users is via a lift on the north side of the Precincts and along the Water Tower corridor. Please note, no dogs are not permitted in the Archives and Library building.
FREE Heritage Open Days
'Monastic Gardens' Tour
*SOLD OUT*
Discover the history of the gardens at Canterbury Cathedral on a tour focusing on the Herb Garden, Water Tower Garden and Memorial Garden.
There is level access along all of this tour, but please note and take care on uneven stone cobbles and grass.
FREE Heritage Open Days
‘Lives of the Monks’ Guided Tour
*SOLD OUT*
Discover the fascinating lives of the Benedictine monks who lived on site at Canterbury Cathedral during the middle ages.
Explore the monastic ruins and discover the everyday lives of the monks who looked after the Cathedral.
Pre-booking required.
Please note, the tour takes place outside or in the Cloisters, which is wheelchair accessible but parts of the grounds are a little uneven.
