Our sightseeing hours have changed. Check our opening times and upcoming closures.
Talks and tours
FREE EXHIBITION
Eat. Sleep. Pray. Repeat.
Until autumn 2025
In the Viewing Gallery, Cathedral Visitor Centre
Free for all to view - no admission required!
Visit our fascinating new family-friendly exhibition, which delves into the lives of the medieval monks of Canterbury Cathedral.
Told through their own words, drawings and objects, discover what they did with their day, what they cared about, and why they needed sign language for “pass the soap”!
Talks and tours
Our free* 15-minute Mini Talks offer a a bite-sized exploration of the Cathedral’s history, and guided tours are the perfect way to discover the Cathedral’s amazing history, spaces, and secrets.
We also host a range of paid talks, and run various free* themed talks, tours and open days through the year.
*Included free with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends’ Card. Children aged 17 and under go free (T&Cs apply).
'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.
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 everyday! (T&Cs apply); does not apply to group bookings or school visits.
Various dates throughout the year
FREE* Family Tours
Next tours: Monday - Friday (28 July - 29 August), 11:05 & 13:30
Bring your little historians to Canterbury Cathedral to hear stories of Becket and the Black Prince, Monks and Miracles, Tombs and Towers.
These tours are aimed at children aged 6 - 13 but are suitable for the whole family to enjoy!
Keep an eye on our Event Calendar and socials for future tour dates
*Included free with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends’ Card. Children aged 17 and under go free (T&Cs apply); does not apply to group bookings or school visits.
Gentle Tours
Dates in June - August
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:
- Thursday 26 June, between 14:15-16:00
- Thursdays 10 & 24 July, between 14:15-16:00
- Thursdays 7 & 21 August, between 14:15-16:00
£5 per person, plus Cathedral admission charge.
American Connections Tour
Dates in June - August (New dates added regularly)
Discover the strong bond that Canterbury Cathedral has with the United States.
This is the story of centuries of friendship across the Atlantic.
Dates:
- Juneteenth National Independence Day: Thursday 19 June, 11:15-12:30
- Friday 27 June, 11:15-12:30
- Independence Day: Friday 4 July, 11:15-12:30
- Fridays 8 & 22 August, 11:15-12:30
£5 per person, plus Cathedral admission charge.
Stained Glass Windows Tour
Dates in June - August
Did you know that some stained-glass windows at Canterbury Cathedral are amongst the oldest in the world?
Join us on a guided tour, offering an introduction to the history and range of stained glass found at the Cathedral, from medieval to modern.
Discover richly-detailed Bible-story windows, explore Miracle Windows and see the oldest stained glass in England.
Dates:
- Fridays 20 & 27 June, 11:15-12:30
- Fridays 4 & 11 July, 11:15-12:30
- Fridays 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 August, 11:15-12:30
£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.
‘The St Thomas Becket Story’ Tour
Dates in June - August
Uncover the full story of St Thomas Becket in the Cathedral, where echoes of his life and legacy resound.
Explore the places in the Cathedral associated with the life and death of the renowned saint and martyr, from the location of his shocking murder in 1170; to the site of his first tomb, where over 700 miracles were reported; and discover how the story was re-told in stained glass.
Dates:
- Wednesday 25 June, 11:15-12:30
- Wednesdays 2, 9 & 16 July, 11:15-12:30
- EXTRA TOUR: St Thomas' Day (Monday 7 July), 11:15-12:30
- Wednesdays 6, 13, 20 & 27 August, 11:15-12:30
£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.
SEASONAL TOUR
'Climb the Corona' Tour
Dates in June - August
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!
Dates:
- Fridays 20 & 27 June, 14:15-15:15
- Wednesday 25 June, 14:15-15:15
- Wednesdays 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 July, 14:15-15:15
- Fridays 4, 11, 18 & 25 July, 14:15-15:15
- Fridays 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 August, 14:15-15:15
- Wednesdays 6, 13, 20 & 27 August, 14:15-15:15
£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.
Historic Graffiti Tour
Dates in June - August
On this tour, members of the Cathedral’s Historic Graffiti Team will shine a light on a selection of the 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.
Dates:
- Thursday 26 June, 13:15-14:30
- Tuesday 8 July, 13:15-14:30
- Thursday 17 July, 13:15-14:30
- Tuesday 5 August, 13:15-14:30
- Thursday 28 August, 13:15-14:30
£5 per person, plus Cathedral admission charge.
Cathedral Library Tours
Dates in June - August
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 26 June, 14:00-14:45
- Thursdays 10 & 31 July, 14:00-14:45
- Thursday 7 August, 14:00-14:45
£8 per person. Cathedral admission not included.
Pre-booking required, not suitable for under 12s.
EXCLUSIVE TOUR
Private Evening Cathedral Tours
Dates in July - October
Discover the Cathedral when it is closed to the public, on an exclusive guided tour taken ‘out of hours’ led by one of our expert guides, who will share many fascinating stories with you.
This tour is perfect for history lovers and those seeking a unique way to enjoy the Cathedral - book your exclusive evening tour now and look forward to an truly special experience.
Dates:
- Fri 18 July, 18:30-20:00
- Fri 22 August, 18:30-20:00
- Fri 12 September, 18:30-20:00
- Fri 3 October, 18:30-20:00
£40 per person. Pre-booking required.
SPECIAL THEMED TOUR
‘Chaucer, The Canterbury Tales and The Cathedral’ Tour
Dates:
- Tues 1 July 11:15-12:15
- Thurs 3 July 14:15-15:30
- Sat 5 July, 12:15-13:30 & 13:15-14:30
Trace the life story of poet Geoffrey Chaucer through the Cathedral forever associated with his greatest work.
Regarded as the father of English Literature, Geoffrey Chaucer is permanently linked with Canterbury through his best known work, The Canterbury Tales. Whilst there is no documented evidence that Chaucer even visited Canterbury himself, his life story is interwoven with that of Canterbury Cathedral in the late 14th century.
£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.
Image © Produced by Cathedral Gifts/Enterprises
SPECIAL THEMED TOUR
'Women at Canterbury Cathedral' Tour
Canterbury’s story is not just shaped by monks and monarchs.
Uncover the lives of the remarkable queens, noblewomen and more humble artists and makers who have all helped shape Canterbury Cathedral.
Dates:
- Tuesday 8 July, 11:15-12:30
- Tuesday 12 August, 11:15-12:30
£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.
Canterbury’s UNESCO Sites tour: Foundations of Faith
Dates in July & August
These full day tours run 09:30-16:30
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.
Delve deeper into history with a guided tour at each location, and enjoy a sandwich lunch in beautiful gardens overlooking Canterbury Cathedral - all included.
Dates:
- Friday 11 July
- Tuesday 29 July
- Friday 1 August
- Thursday 14 August
£59.95 per person
SPECIAL THEMED TOUR
Tracing the lives of the Cathedral Monks
Walk the picturesque Precincts and discover traces of the medieval monks of Christ Church Priory, once on this site.
Today, evidence of the lives of the monks can be found in the ruins dotted around the Precincts, the Great Cloister and Chapter House, the repurposed buildings and gardens.
Learn about the lives of the monks, the buildings they used and the history of the medieval Herbarium.
Dates:
- Tuesdays 15, 22 & 29 July 11:15-12:30
- Tuesdays 5,12,19 & 26 August 11:15-12:30
£5 per person, plus Cathedral admission charge.
Please note, this tour will take place outside and involve walking on uneven surfaces in varying weather.
Festival of Archaeology
at Canterbury Cathedral
Various events on 20 July, 30 July & 1 August
Once again, as part of the CBA Festival of Archaeology, we are delighted to be hosting a range of events which share our passion for archaeology and history - including talks and tours.
These events are for anyone who would like to explore more about these subjects; no previous knowledge is needed.
Booking essential.
SPECIAL EVENTS AT THE LODGE
Archives Tour & Afternoon Tea
Monday 18 August, 14:20-17:00
Enjoy a fascinating behind-the-scenes tour of the Cathedral Archives and Library, with a special viewing of highlights from the historic collections, followed by a full afternoon tea in the Refectory Restaurant.
£30 per person
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.
SPECIAL EVENTS AT THE LODGE
An Evening Private Tour of the Cathedral
followed by Three-course Dinner
Friday 29 August, 18:20-21:30
To create a very special and memorable evening, we have combined our private ‘out of hours’ evening guided tour of Canterbury Cathedral, led by one of our knowledgeable guides, with an exclusive three-course à la carte dinner in our Refectory Restaurant.
£70 per person
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
Heritage Open Days
Between 12 - 21 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.
Discover FREE Heritage Open Day events at Canterbury Cathedral!
These events are all free to attend, but pre-booking is required, as spaces are limited.
Enhance your visit
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 everyday! (T&Cs apply); does not apply to group bookings or school visits.
Media Guide
With enhanced content at every step, our media guides allow each member of your group to take their tour, their way, delving deeper into what interests them and gaining insight from our experts.
£5 per person
Book your tickets
Tickets start from £19.50 or free if you have a Cathedral Pass or Friends Card.
Other concessions available, with a valid proof of eligibility.
Group visits and school visits must be booked separately; KIDS GO FREE offer does not apply to group or school visits.
Exhibitions
Making History: Church, State and Conflict
Cathedral Crypt
Explore up-close a unique collection of artefacts that tell the complex, and often violent, story of Church-State relations.
Amazing objects on display include the battle shield of Edward The Black Prince, a charter of King Henry II issued five years after the murder of Thomas Becket, and an 11th-Century document with the wax seal of William the Conqueror.
Stories Set in Stone
Viewing Gallery
Including exhibits from the 9th Century to the present day, this exhibit tells the story of how stone is carved and explores how techniques and styles of working in stone have changed over the centuries.
Chalices, Flagons and Patens
Water Tower Corridor
Church practice through the centuries has been full of variety, and this can be seen in the objects used in worship, from simple communion cups to decorated chalices.
Monastic Life
Water Tower
In this exhibition in the Cathedral's newly-restored Water Tower, discover what day-to-day life was like for Canterbury's monks
Make a day of it
World-class heritage
Take time to explore Canterbury’s world-class heritage - wander along ancient city walls, walk cobbled streets and relax in riverside gardens as you enjoy contemporary bars, restaurants and independent, boutique shops.
St Augustine’s Abbey and St Martin’s Church
Explore all three sites that make up Canterbury’s UNESCO World Heritage Status: St Augustine’s Abbey and St Martin’s Church, in addition to Canterbury Cathedral.
Learn more about the medieval period with a visit to the Eastbridge Pilgrim’s Hospital or the peaceful Franciscan Gardens.
Stay at The Lodge
And if one day isn’t enough, you can always stay at the Canterbury Cathedral Lodge.
It’s situated within the private grounds of the Cathedral and guests enjoy free entry throughout their visit.
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