Our free* 15-minute Mini Talks offer a a bite-sized exploration of the Cathedral’s 1,400 years of history.
We also host a range of paid talks, and run various free* themed talks, tours and open days through the year.
Please note, all talks and tours have a max. capacity; pre-booking is recommended where possible. Please arrive early, as talks/tours will start promptly; if you arrive late, you may not be able to join the talk/tour. Please read individual talk or tour information and T&Cs before booking/attending.
Only assistance dogs are permitted at services, talks, tours and special events; however 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]
*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.
FREE* Mini Talks
DAILY Between 10:00-16:00, various intervals
Listen to a bite-sized exploration of the Cathedral’s 1,400 years of history with a free 15-minute Mini Talk, delivered by our knowledgeable team.
Talks subject to availability on the day. Ask at our Visitor Centre for times.
* Included free with a valid form of admission. Kids go FREE every day! (T&Cs apply)
Reflective Guided Pilgrimages
WEEKLY on a Thursday, 16:30
(Weather dependent; please check dates)
A short guided walk around the outside of the Cathedral, stopping at places of significance for reflection and prayer.
All are welcome to our evening service at 17:30, followed by a blessing.
Free to attend; but donations gratefully received.
A FRIENDLY EVENT
Quilters’ Guild Partnership Class
Wed 28 October, 10:00-16:00
Create a design inspired by our Cathedral’s Cosmati Pavement using the English Paper Piecing quilting method.
Friends of Canterbury Cathedral and members of The Quilters’ Guild: £65; non-members: £95
Organised by and in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Charity No 1210093).
A FRIENDLY TALK
Breakspear – The English Pope
Wed 28 October, 10:30
Adrian Waddingham, author of Breakspear: The English Pope Who Went to War, will open the archives to tell attendees the story of a man who rose from humble beginnings to glorious power – and yet has been all but forgotten ever since.
Friends: £10; non-members: £15
Organised by and in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Registered Charity No 1210093).
A FRIENDLY TALK
Mary Moders – The Counterfeit Lady Unveiled
Tues 10 November, 10:30
Dr Sara Read, Senior Lecturer at Loughborough University will reveal the story of the many lives and escapades of Mary Moders, born near our Cathedral in 1642, and executed in 1673 when she declared to the crowds that she hoped God would forgive her as she forgave her enemies.
Friends: £10; non-members: £15
Organised by and in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Registered Charity No 1210093).
EXCLUSIVE STUDY DAY
Lost and Found: Hidden Histories of Canterbury’s Stained Glass
Tues 10 November, 10:30-17:00
Complementing the exhibition currently in our Viewing Gallery, this study day will combine visits to the Stained Glass Studio and the Archives reading room with talks from leading experts in their field.
General admission: £95; Student admission: £45
FREE* & FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY
'Canterbury and the early Normans' Reading Room Open Days
Thurs 19 & Fri 20 November, 11:00-15:00
- Entrance through the Water Tower Corridor
Come to the Reading Room to enjoy a limited time only interactive experience relating to the Bayeux Tapestry.
We will be showcasing work by Christ Church University on reconstructing the Norman Castle in Canterbury, there will be hands-on models to explore the development of the cathedral throughout history and an opportunity to construct Norman and Gothic arches, as well as a selection of costumes for selfies!
Special objects on display will include maps produced by William Urry of early Norman Canterbury.
*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.
Please note, dogs are not permitted in the Archives.
Sparkle and Splendour: Archives & Library Tour and Meal
25 November & 4 December
Discover the stories held within Canterbury Cathedral.
Step behind the scenes of the Cathedral’s Archives and Library and explore a remarkable collection of historic documents, rare books and fascinating objects.
Enjoy an exclusive presentation of treasures rarely seen by the public and discover the stories they reveal about the Cathedral’s past. All topped off with a delicious meal as part of your ticket price.
- Wed 25 November - Tour and Dinner from 18:15
- Fri 4 December - Tour and Lunch from 11:15
£75 per person (10% discount for Friends of Canterbury Cathedral).
To book, call 01227 865350 or email [email protected]
Please advise of any allergies or dietary requirements at the time of booking.
'Christmas in the Archives and Library' Open Days
Saturdays 5 & 12 December, 11:00-15:00
- Entry via the Water Tower corridor
Pop in to take a peek at some festive treasures in the Reading Room!
The display will include historic Christmas cards and the glimmering processional cross used in the installation of Archbishop Sarah, amongst other surprises.
Included free with a valid form of admission. Kids go FREE every day! (T&Cs apply)
Dogs are not permitted in the Archives.
EXCLUSIVE TOUR
Stained Glass Studio Tour
Friday 10 December, 11:00-12:00
Our Cathedral Studios workshop is dedicated to the preservation and conservation of Stained Glass Heritage.
Visit the studio, meet one of our conservators and learn more about their work specialising in the conservation, restoration and protection of stained glass from the 12th Century to the 20th Century.
£40 per person, with Cathedral admission included.
Pre-booking required; not suitable for under 18s.
Enhance your visit
FREE* Mini Talks
DAILY Between 10:00-16:00, various intervals
Listen to a bite-sized exploration of the Cathedral’s 1,400 years of history with a free 15-minute Mini Talk, delivered by our knowledgeable team.
Talks subject to availability on the day. Ask at our Visitor Centre for times.
* Included free with a valid form of admission. Kids go FREE every day! (T&Cs apply)
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 now
Annual passes start from £18.00 - with unlimited return visits, Mini Talks, exhibitions and activities included - plus Kids Go Free every day! (T&Cs apply)
Get free entry with a Cathedral Pass or Friends Card, plus 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
LIMITED TIME ONLY FREE EXHIBITION
Smashed, Bombed, Lost - Recovered
Tales of Canterbury’s Stained Glass
Viewing Gallery, Cathedral Visitor Centre
Free for all to view - no admission required!
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, which reacts to the current global crisis.
You do not need a Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends’ card to view this exhibition.
Image © Yelizaveta Smirnova, Artist
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.
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.