Sightseeing Entry

 

We can’t wait to welcome you to Canterbury Cathedral.

Tickets can be booked online or are available to buy on the day at our Visitor Centre.

By accessing the grounds or buying a Canterbury Cathedral admission ticket, you agree to be bound by our Terms and Conditions of Entry.

 

It is always free to attend a service of worship or come into the Cathedral to pray.

Find out more about worship at the Cathedral.

Opening Times

Monday to Saturday 09.00 - 17.00 (last admission at 16.00)

Sunday 11.30* - 17.00 (last admission at 16.00)
*Between 11.30-12.30, access is available to the Cathedral grounds and Shop only. The Cathedral church opens at 12.30.

Opening times are subject to change. Occasionally, areas of the Cathedral may be closed to visiting, due to services, special events or for conservation work to be carried out.

To avoid disappointment, please check opening times and upcoming closures before visiting.

Cathedral Admission Tickets

Group and school visits must be booked separately (See further below).

Concessions are available, with a valid proof of eligibility (See further below).

 

All sightseeing entry includes† :

  • Entry to the Cathedral, Precincts and gardens
  • Exhibitions
  • Mini talks
  • Activity trails
  • Visitor events

† Subject to availability

 

Ticket prices as of January 2025

October-March

£18.00

 

Perfect if you're looking for a quieter visit, but still plenty to discover.

 

Multi-day ticket. Valid for 365 days from booking; re-visit the Cathedral and Precincts as often as you like during that time at no extra cost.

April-September (Excl. weekends in July & August)

£19.50

 

Make the most of the good weather, during our busy season.

 

Multi-day ticket. Valid for 365 days from booking; re-visit the Cathedral and Precincts as often as you like during that time at no extra cost.

Weekends in July & August

£21.00

 

Get more out of your summer visit, with special events and visitor experiences.

 

Multi-day ticket. Valid for 365 days from booking; re-visit the Cathedral and Precincts as often as you like during that time at no extra cost.

 

 

Kids go FREE every day!

Children (aged 17 and under) go FREE when accompanied by a paying adult. (Max 2 children per paying adult; does not apply to group bookings or school visits). Children must be accompanied at all times.

 

Concessions

You are required to present a valid proof of eligibility on entry.

 

Pre-book online

Universal Credit Tickets

FREE

Free entry tickets are available to UK residents in receipt of the following:

  • Universal Credit
  • Pension Credit

Universal Credit Ticketholders are required to present proof of eligibility alongside their booking. See full T&Cs

Book Universal Credit Tickets

When booking, please consider if you are able to make a donation to Canterbury Cathedral (£3 suggested donation).

Multi-day ticket. Valid for 365 days from booking; re-visit the Cathedral and Precincts as often as you like during that time at no extra cost.

Application Registration Card (ARC) holders

FREE

Enjoy FREE entry with a valid Application Registration Card (ARC)

Local University Students

FREE

Students studying full-time at local universities - Canterbury Christ Church University, University of Kent, University for the Creative Arts - enjoy FREE entry with their student ID.

Cathedral Passholders

FREE

Locals can enjoy unlimited visits for the equivalent of just 10p per month!

You may be eligible for a Cathedral Pass if you:

  • work in the old city of Canterbury
  • live within 4 miles of Bell Harry tower, including within The Precincts
  • are a member of the Cathedral Congregation
  • are immediate family of a Cathedral staff member
  • are a member of any church in the diocese (on the parish electoral roll or equivalent)

Our Cathedral Pass cannot be used in conjunction with other promotions or offers.

Apply for The Cathedral Pass

Friends Cardholders

FREE

Friends of Canterbury Cathedral enjoy free entry, as well as many other membership benefits!

The Friends are the Cathedral’s fan club!

They are a community who work together to preserve the Cathedral, and, with the great gen-erosity of their members, contribute financially to many vital projects.

Other membership benefits include:

  • Full annual programme of Friends' events• New member celebration (which includes a private guided tour)
  • 10% discount at the Cathedral Shop and Cathedral Lodge (some exclusions apply)
  • Exclusive Friends’ Day each summer
  • Monthly Friendly Friday e-newsletters
  • Annual Cathedral magazine - view a sample of The Chronicle
  • Twice-yearly paper mailings
  • Membership badge
  • Exclusive Friends’ Day each summer

Find out more about the Friends

Group visits

 

Visiting Canterbury Cathedral is a great addition to any itinerary. From introductory talks, to expert guided tours, we have a variety of group options available.

Find out more

School visits

 

Have an inspiring day-out filled with an abundance of historical and educational interests. Days can be planned to reflect the interests of students from primary school through to university.

 Find out more

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Event calendar

Have a look at the range of events Canterbury Cathedral has on offer below.

 

What's on

There’s something for everyone – see what exciting events are currently taking place.

See what's on

Service times

Morning Prayer (Matins)   07:30 Monday - Friday, 09:15 Weekends and Bank Holidays

Lunchtime Holy Communion   12:30 (Wednesdays)

Choral Evensong†   17:30 Monday - Wednesday, Friday - Sunday

Said Evening Prayer   17:30 Thursdays

Sunday Sung Eucharist†    11:00

All are welcome and there is no charge to attend a service.

† Live streamed on our YouTube channel.

Services

Online worship

Every day the Cathedral’s services are broadcast on our YouTube channel. It’s perfect for when you are unable to be here in person. 

Explore 

Find us

We can't wait to welcome you to the Cathedral

Monday to Saturday 09.00 - 17.00 (last admission at 16.00)
Sunday 11.30 - 17.00 (last admission at 16.00)

Between 11.30-12.30, access is available to the Cathedral ground and Shop only. the Cathedral church opens at 12.30.

Address

Cathedral House
11 The Precincts
Canterbury
CT1 2EH
United Kingdom
Get directions

Parking 

Parking in the Cathedral grounds is only available for Blue Badge holders, subject to limited availability and prior arrangement. There are several public car parks nearby. 

Find out more

 

Planning a future visit? Remember to check our opening times and upcoming closures.

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Services

Regular Worship Times
Our services explained
Access for Services
Special Services
Services FAQs
Worship for Children and Young People
Online worship
Events of Spirituality and Faith
Services and Music List
Pew Sheets
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.

Holy Week and Easter

Living Hope

Thank you to all who joined us for our services and events at Canterbury Cathedral, as together we celebrated this festival of hope.

Many of our services were live streamed, and are available to watch again.

Find out more

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.

All are welcome and there is never a charge to attend a service of worship or come into the Cathedral to pray*.

Our regular pattern of services are listed below, please see our monthly Services & Music List and daily notices for up-to-date information and seasonal variations, as well as special services and events.

* in St Augustine's Chapel

Services explained Online worship

 

Morning Prayer (Matins)

07:30 Monday - Friday (in the Jesus Chapel)

09:15 Weekends and Bank Holidays (in Jesus Chapel)

  
Daily Holy Communion 08:00 Monday - Sunday  
Lunchtime Holy Communion 12:30 Wednesdays  
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.

  
Choral Evensong†

17:30 Monday - Wednesday, Friday - Sunday

  
Evening Prayer including silence

Thursdays, 17:30-18:15 in the Crypt

Occasional variations. See our monthly Service and Music Lists.

  
Children's Church

10:30 Sundays* in the Community Studio, before joining the church family for communion.

*Children’s Church runs most Sundays, but please check dates.

Find out more

  
Sung Eucharist† 11:00 Sundays  

All are welcome and there is never a charge to attend a service of worship.

† Live streamed on our YouTube channel.

Find out more about online worship at Canterbury Cathedral.

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"The Cathedral has always been a place of refuge for me, peaceful and spiritual"

Ruth

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.

Daily Holy Communion

In this service - which is also known as the Eucharist, Lord’s Supper, Mass and the breaking of bread - 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 hold a daily Holy Communion service every day at 08:00, and also a lunchtime service at 12:30 on Wednesdays.

These services last approximately 30 minutes.

Bell Ceremony

Each day Monday - Saturday at 11am, we hold this short Act of Remembrance.

The bell of HMS Canterbury is rung six times, by the Buff's Chapel in the South East Transept of the Cathedral, followed by prayers for all who have died in conflict, and for peace in the world. Then an ex-servicemen or sometimes a serving serviceman, will turn the page in the Book of Life (Buff's Book of Remembrance).

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.

Outside of these times, Chaplains are always available should you want to speak with them.

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

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.

Sunday Eucharist

On Sundays, we have a Book of Common Prayer Holy Communion service at 08:00 and Sung Eucharist at 11:00.

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 around an hour and 15 minutes.

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.

 

Live streaming

Please be aware that our regular services - 17:30 Choral Evensong and 11:00 Sunday Sung Eucharist - as well as many special services are live streamed on our YouTube channel, and these recordings remain available to view afterwards.

Although there are no intentional close ups of members of the congregation, yourself and your children may be seen.

We welcome the gentle noise of young children into our worship, but recognise that in a long service they may also need space to move around or make a little more noise.

Our stewards can advise you on a good place to sit, where you can both see what is happening, but can also move around and escape should children become very restless.

We have a limited range of quiet toys, books and drawing resources which children are also welcome to make use of.

Food and drink are not allowed in the Cathedral, but you are welcome to breast or bottle feed. Please be aware we do not have toilet facilities within the Cathedral itself.

Children's Church runs most Sundays, but please check dates below.

As part of our Sunday morning Eucharist we invite children aged 5-11* to join us for from 10.30am in the Community Studio (see schedule), where through story, songs, craft and games we worship together before joining the rest of the church family in the Cathedral for communion.

Registration and refreshments from 10.30am allow time for children to settle before parents/carers head over to the Cathedral returning to pick up children during the Peace.

Children’s Church is free but with a suggested donation of £1 per family to contribute to our running costs.

*Under 5s are welcome to attend Children’s Church, but must be supervised by an adult at all times.

Schedule:

  • Sunday 13 April (Palm Sunday)
  • Sunday 27 April
  • Sunday 4 May
  • Sunday 11 May
  • Sunday 18 May
  • Sunday 1 June
  • Sunday 8 June
  • Sunday 15 June
  • Sunday 22 June
  • Sunday 29 June

New dates added throughout the year

We encourage young people to play an active part in our worshipping community.

There are opportunities to join the serving team, lead prayers or do readings and to develop as leaders within Children’s Church.

We are currently looking at what else we might offer to support the young people of our Cathedral community so watch this space for more information over the coming months.

Online worship

Service live stream times

Daily Choral Evensong or Evening Prayer with Organ Meditation 17:30 (Except Thursdays*)

Sunday Choral Eucharist  11:00

These services are broadcast live on the Cathedral's YouTube channel. To receive notifications when new videos are available, please subscribe to our YouTube channel

Most days we are able to share our worship online but occasionally for operational or pastoral reasons we may not be able to. We publicise any changes via our social media channels and our website.

Occasional services, such as Carol Services, Confirmations, and Ordinations may also be livestreamed.

Explore our online worship

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]

Send a Prayer

Special Services

 

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NEW FOR 2025

Evening Prayer including silence

Thursdays*, 17:30-18:15 in the Crypt

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 weekly on Thursdays* in the Crypt for an extended time of silent prayer, as part of our 5.30pm said service of Evening Prayer.

All are welcome. In person only.

*Occasional variations. See our monthly Services and Music Lists.

WATCH AGAIN

Holy Week and Easter

Thank you to all who joined us for our services and events at Canterbury Cathedral, as together we celebrated this festival of hope.

Many of our services were live streamed, and are available to watch again.

 Find out more

Choral Evensong to mark the 80th Anniversary of VE Day †

Thurs 8 May, 17:30

This service will feature the lighting of the VE Day 80 Lamp Light of Peace, and the singing of “I vow to thee my country”, which is to be sung across the nation on this day, to mark this very special commemoration.

Followed by the Ringing Out in Celebration of Peace at 18:30

As church bells ring out across the nation to mark VE Day, the Cathedral bells will join in the peal.

 

† Live streamed on our YouTube Channel.

A Memorial Concert for The Very Rev’d Dr Robert Willis Dean Emeritus

Saturday 28 June, 19:30 in the Cathedral Nave*

A concert of music, sung by the Canterbury Cathedral Choirs, and members of the Crypt Choir from the King’s School (of which Robert was Chair of Governors).

All are welcome to attend.

Free event; with donations encouraged in Dean Robert’s memory,
to The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Charity No: 1210093).

Booking required to reserve a seat.

 


* This event is in person only, and will not be live streamed or recorded.

 Book

Events of Spirituality and Faith

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.

 Find out more

Online Book Group: The Book of Margery Kempe (c.1436-8)

SESSION RECORDINGS AVAILABLE

This book group has now concluded, but you can still watch the session recordings to read and reflect on the text in your own time.

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.

We joined Canon Emma online via Zoom, to reflect and discuss this extraordinary account of a medieval wife, mother and mystic.

 Find out more

Taizé Lunchtime Prayer

Mondays, during choir term time (between 28 April - 7 July), 12:30-13:00 in the Crypt

The worship of Taizé is based on simple repetitive chants, the reading of scripture and silence.

All are welcome to come and experience this way of praying as we connect with God and one another through sound and silence.

In person only.

This event is free, but donations are kindly accepted.

 Find out more

ONLINE BOOK GROUP

The Ladder of Perfection by Walter Hilton (1340-1396)

SESSION RECORDINGS AVAILABLE

This book group has now concluded, but you can still watch the session recordings to read and reflect on the text in your own time.

Walter Hilton is widely regarded as the first among medieval English mystics, and The Ladder has provided continuous inspiration since its appearance six centuries ago.

It is addressed to a ‘ghostly sister in Jesus Christ’ (a solitary and probably well known to the author) and was written to be of immediate practical help to her in her struggle for spiritual growth.

 Find out more

LENTEN QUIET DAY

Through the Door of Hope:

Stepping into hope within challenging times

Led by Christopher Chapman

Saturday 12 April, 10:00-16:00 - in the Jesus Chapel, All Saints Chapel and quiet garden of No.15, The Precincts

An opportunity to reflect on the nature of hope, with a spirituality that engages what is real, to bring about change.

This quiet day is led by Christopher Chapman, spiritual director, retreat leader, teacher and writer; based on his book Doorways to Hope.

£12 per person - Booking essential; spaces limited.

Free admission available for those in receipt of universal credit, or with refugee status (upon verification of status).

 Find out more and book

NON-RESIDENTIAL

Holy Week Retreat at Canterbury Cathedral

led by Canon Emma

Wednesday 16 April - Easter Day (Sunday 20 April)

Immerse yourself in the hope of the Easter story at Canterbury Cathedral; through worship, reflections, Bible study and silence.

Join us in this transformational time, for a special programme of events.

Booking essential; limited spaces.

£150 per person for full retreat; or £50 per person per day.

This is a non-residential retreat; accommodation is not included.

 

To find out more and book, please contact [email protected]

BACK FOR 2025

Pray with the Labyrinth

Saturday 3 May, 10:30-16:00 in the Crypt

An opportunity to meet and know yourself, meet the divine or sacred, and relate to others.

Pray and be mindful as you take a meditative walk using a medieval maze pattern derived from that at Chartres Cathedral in France.

 Find out more

ONLINE BOOK GROUP

The Fire of Love by Richard Rolle (c.1300-1349)

Tuesdays over 10 weeks (starting 6 May), 20:00 - 21:00 GMT via Zoom

The Fire of Love presents the thoughts and feelings of the 14th-century hermit Richard Rolle, as he confronts the divine mystery. Rolle’s personal love of God and the sweetness and melody of his writings assure his place among the foremost pre-Reformation English mystics.

Join Canon Emma online via Zoom to reflect and discuss this profound exploration of the love of God.

This group is free, but donations are kindly accepted.

Booking essential - Book your space to be sent a Zoom link.

 Find out more and book

Refugee Week 2025: Community as a Superpower

Mon 16 - Sun 22 June, various events

Join us to celebrate the power of community to bring people together who have fled from disparate parts of the world as a result of war, oppression, abuse and climate change.

Organised by Canterbury Cathedral, The Social Justice Network and the Kent Refugee Action Network (KRAN).

 

More details to be announced on our website and socials soon

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

No.

Yes. All baptised Christians are welcome to receive Holy Communion.

Yes.

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.

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.

General visiting and worship

Parking within the Cathedral grounds is only available for Blue Badge holders, subject to limited availability and by prior arrangement. Please contact our Visits team via[email protected] or +44 (0) 1227 865279 to check availability.

[email protected]
+44 (0) 1227 865279

Please use the public car parks within the city, many of which are within a short distance to the Cathedral. There is also a park and ride scheme, with buses running regularly from the outskirts of Canterbury. For more information, visit the Canterbury City Council website.

If you have booked parking at the Cathedral, please enter via the Postern Gate, Burgate until 7pm, and use the Christ Church Gate after 7pm.

Make sure to set your SatNav to 'Burgate', rather than the postcode.

What3words: jokes.ranks.cure

 

Events

Many events hosted at the Cathedral are managed and facilitated by external companies, and so our Cathedral teams will not be able to advise on parking, ticketing or other event information.

If you are travelling to the Cathedral for an event, please read full event information and contact the listed event organiser directly regarding parking and other enquiries.

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

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