No.
Planning your visit? Remember to check our closures.
Daily worship lies at the heart of Cathedral life and every day starts with morning prayer (Matins) and ends with evening prayer (Evensong). The Eucharist is also offered daily.
Regular worship times
For more than 1,400 years God has been worshipped in Canterbury Cathedral. There’s history in every chime of our bells, and passion in every note sang by our choir.
Whether you need a quiet time to reflect, are seeking comfort, or wish to introduce your loved ones to faith, you are warmly invited to join our worship and services at Canterbury Cathedral.
| Matins |
07.30 Monday - Friday (in Jesus Chapel) 09.15 Weekends and Bank Holidays (in Jesus Chapel) |
|
| Daily Eucharist | 08.00 | |
|
The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) and Counsel |
12:00-13:00 Fridays, in The Holy Innocents Chapel (subject to change around events) Outside of these times, Chaplains are always available should you want to speak with them. |
|
| Lunchtime Eucharist | 12.30 (Wednesdays and Feast Days only) | |
| Daily Choral Evensong or Said Evening Prayer with Organ Meditation* |
17.30 Monday - Sunday (except Thursdays) |
|
| Said Evening Prayer |
17.30 - Thursdays, in the Crypt (This service is not live streamed) A said service of evening prayer from the Book of Common Prayer. |
|
| Sunday Choral Eucharist* | 11.00 Sunday |
All are welcome and there is no charge to attend a service.
*Live streamed online.
July - September 2024
NEW What's On Guide
Discover our wide range of worship, events, family-friendly activities, and new visitor experiences - including the amazing 'Crown and Coronation' light show.
Our services explained
Morning Prayer (Matins)
Morning Prayer is a service of prayer and praise to begin the day. A simple, said service which lasts approximately 20 minutes.
Choral Evensong
Regular evening service Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday (subject to change)
As the day begins with Morning Prayer, the day ends with an evening service of prayer and praise, using the traditional language of the Book of Common Prayer. This is normally sung by the Cathedral Choir and the services lasts about 40 minutes.
When the members of the Cathedral Choir are taking a holiday, Evensong is usually sung by a visiting choir, but occasionally is replaced by Said Evening Prayer.
Said Evening Prayer with Organ Meditation
An alternative evening service (held in place of evensong)
As the day begins with Morning Prayer, the day ends with an evening service of prayer and praise, using the traditional language of the Book of Common Prayer.
This service comprises of said prayer with organ meditation, and lasts about 40 minutes.
Said Evening Prayer
Our regular Thursday evening service (subject to change)
As the day begins with Morning Prayer, the day ends with an evening service of prayer and praise, using the traditional language of the Book of Common Prayer.
This service takes place in the Cathedral Crypt, comprising of said prayer and lasts about 40 minutes.
Daily Eucharist
In this service, which is also known as Holy Communion, the Lord's Supper, or the Mass we give thanks over bread and wine for all that Jesus had done and continues to do for us and remember the meal Jesus shared with his disciples on the night before he died.
We have a said Eucharist service every day at 08.00 hrs and also at 12.30 hrs on Wednesdays and other special days in the church's calendar. The service lasts approximately 30 minutes.
Sunday Eucharist
On Sundays, we have a Book of Common Prayer Holy Communion at 08.00 hrs and Sung Eucharist at 11.00 hrs.
The Sunday Sung Eucharist is a celebration of Holy Communion with beautiful hymns and songs, a choir, and usually a sermon. The service lasts for about an hour and 15 minutes.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) and Counsel
On Fridays, a priest is available for The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) and Counsel, in The Holy Innocents Chapel, 12:00-13:00 (subject to change around events).
This healing ministry of receiving God's loving forgiveness helps us to make a fresh start in our lives. Through the ministry of the priest we may also receive advice and counsel to help us overcome those sins that draw us away from God.
Sunday Worship for Children and Young People
At our 11:00 Sung Eucharist there are parent-led creche facilities for babies and toddlers and we invite 5–11* year olds to join us for Children’s Church from 10:30, where through story, songs, craft and games we worship together before joining the church family for communion.
Children’s Church is free, but with a suggested donation of £1 per family to contribute to running costs.
*Under 5s are welcome, but must be supervised by an adult.
Worship for Children and Young People
Children and young people are a valued part of our worshipping
community and there are a variety of ways for them to get
involved and for families to find support.
At our 11:00 Sung Eucharist there are parent-led creche facilities for babies and toddlers and we invite 5–11* year olds to join us for Children’s Church from 10:30, where through story, songs, craft and games we worship together before joining the church family for communion.
Children’s Church is free, but with a suggested donation of £1 per family to contribute to running costs.
*Under 5s are welcome, but must be supervised by an adult
Access for Services
The Cathedral is a medieval building on several levels and arrangements vary depending on the area used or the format of the service. Our Music Lists and Events Calendar includes details of the service locations.
Large print copies of Orders of Service are usually available; please ask the Virgers or Stewards on arrival.
Advance notice is preferred so that we can best accommodate you, especially for special events, but staff and service stewards will always do their best to make suitable arrangements for anyone attending a service or event.
To help us plan seating arrangements in advance, please contact us:
Tel: +44(0)1227 762862 (Cathedral House Reception) during normal office hours.
Email: [email protected].
Contact the Visits Office for up-to-date service information:
Tel: +44 (0) 1227 865279
Email: [email protected]
Ticketed concerts, services and other events
Please inform the box office of any accessibility requirements prior, so that seating arrangements can be arranged. For example, if attending in a wheelchair or bringing a pram, seats can be removed to accommodate, and grouped seating can be allocated.
Help during services of worship
Holy Communion
If you are unable to go up to the altar for Communion during a service, please speak with one of our stewards before the service starts. They will be happy to make arrangements for you.
Large-print service sheets
Large-print service sheets are available from our virgers or Stewards on request.
Induction Loop
An Induction Loop for people who are hard of hearing has been installed in the Nave, Quire and Crypt for use during services. Hearing aid users should adjust their aid to T.
Send a prayer
If you are unable to attend the Cathedral in person, we invite you to email your prayers for inclusion in our daily worship via [email protected]
Special Services
Saturday 14 September, 11:00 at Canterbury Cathedral
Hop Hoodening Service
Join us for a uniquely Kentish celebration of the Hops and harvest.
This is followed at 12:00 by dancing in the Precincts and through Canterbury.
Saturday 23 November,17:30 in the Nave
Holodomor Service with the Canterbury Ukrainian Ladies Choir
All are welcome to join us for this special service, as we pray for Ukraine and all who suffer.
Preacher: The Archbishop of Canterbury.
This service replaces our usual 17:30 Choral Evensong service on this day.
Events of Spirituality and Faith
Monthly until September 2024
Time for Silent Prayer
led by Canon Emma
(Previously 'The Julian Prayer Meetings')
An opportunity to be still in the midst of the business of life and rest in the holiness and peace of this sacred place.
If you are drawn to silent prayer, please join us 18:15-18:45 on:
- Thursday 1 August
- Thursday 5 September
These meetings are for people of all denominations, faiths or none who wish to join with others in the practice of silent prayer, resting in the present moment.
WATCH SESSION INTRODUCTIONS
Online Book Group: Revelations of Divine Love by Julian of Norwich
This online book group has now concluded, but you are most welcome to watch Canon Emma's introductions in your own time as you read this wonderful and truly inspiring work of spiritual insight.
This group took place on Tuesdays (21 May - 30 July), 20:00 - 21:00 BST, via Zoom.
Tuesdays, over 10 weeks (starting 10 September), 20:00 - 21:00 BST, via Zoom
Online Book Group: The Book of Margery Kempe (c.1436-8)
Known as the earliest autobiography written in the English language, The Book of Margery Kempe (c.1436-8) describes the dramatic transformation of its heroine from failed business woman and lustful young wife to devout and chaste pilgrim.
You are warmly invited to join Canon Emma online each Tuesday evening via Zoom, to reflect and discuss this extraordinary account of a medieval wife, mother and mystic.
Together, over ten weeks, we shall read and discuss the complete text - focussing on specific chapters each week.
The group is free, but any donation you may wish to make to the mission and ministry of the Cathedral will be warmly received.
*Please reserve your space to be sent a zoom link. It will be the same link for each week.*
Saturday 21 September, 10:00-16:00
Creationtide Quiet Day
‘All that is made’: Contemplating Creation with Julian of Norwich
An opportunity to reflect on the beauty of creation and our place within in through the writings of Julian of Norwich.
The quiet day is led by Canon Emma and held in the Jesus Chapel, in the Eastern, with an opportunity to reflect on the beauty of creation and our place within in it using the peaceful space of All Saints Chapel and the Quiet garden in No 15.
The event is free but donations are kindly accepted.
Saturday 5 - Sunday 13 October, in the Crypt
Week of Accompanied Prayer
Everyone is invited to join us to:
- Set aside time and space to reflect on God in your life.
- Explore ways of praying which are helpful to you.
- Have opportunity for a retreat in daily life.
This is a free event, but donations are gratefully received.
This week of accompanied prayer is organised and led by a Team from Canterbury ‘Weeks of Accompanied Prayer’.
Thursdays over 4 weeks (28 November-19 December) 20:00-21:00, via Zoom
Journeys of Healing through Advent: Poetry and Scripture
Dr Tim Naish, our Canon Librarian, will lead a reflection each evening on a poem and passage of scripture, with an opportunity for questioning and group discussion.
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 to be sent a zoom link. It will be the same link for every week.
Keeping you safe
Did you know that Canterbury Cathedral has its own Constabulary?
Our officers are here 24/7 to protect this special site, and to ensure the safety of all who come to visit and worship at the Cathedral.
Services FAQs
Do I need to book to attend a service of worship?
Will I be able to take Communion at a service?
Yes. All baptised Christians are welcome to receive Holy Communion.
Will there be Orders of Service available?
Yes.
Will I be able to light a candle?
Yes. There are a number of stands within the Cathedral where you can light a candle.
With every child and vulnerable adult that enters Canterbury Cathedral we have a duty of care and responsibility which we take seriously. We have policies in place to ensure we follow the principles for the whole Church of England. You can find our independent safeguarding audit here.
Can I donate to support the Cathedral?
Yes, we welcome any support of the Cathedral. You can donate online, give at one of the contactless donation stands in the Cathedral, or make a cash donation into one of our collection boxes.
Parking in the Cathedral grounds is only available for Blue Badge holders, subject to limited availability and prior arrangement. Please use the public car parks within the city.
Services and Music List
Our Services and Music List gives details of the music performed at Cathedral services, as well as names of choirs, preachers and where the service will take place.
Stay in the loop
Sign up to our newsletter and stay up to date with all the latest events, news and offers
By adding my email I confirm my subscription to the newsletter and understand that the email address provided will be held by the Cathedral and the email service company (dotdigital) to use for distributing this newsletter only. For more information please see the Cathedral Privacy Notice.
Was this page useful?
There seems to have been an error while submitting your feedback
Thank you for submitting your feedback
