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From special services, tours and talks, to unique exhibitions, music concerts and visitor events, there's always lots to discover at Canterbury Cathedral.
April-June 2024
What's On Guide
Your guide to worship, events, family-friendly activities, and new visitor experiences at Canterbury Cathedral.
Highlighted events
DAILY Between 10:00- 16:00, various intervals
FREE* Mini Talks
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 with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket or Cathedral Pass
WEEKLY Monday - Saturday 10:30, 12:00 and 14:00 and Sundays 13:00
'The Inside Story' Tour
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. Book at our Visitor Centre.
Wednesdays - April, May & June
‘The St Thomas Becket Story’ Tour
Uncover the full story of St Thomas Becket in Canterbury 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. Discover how the story was re-told in stained glass.
£5 per person, plus admission charge.
Fridays - April, May & June
Stained Glass Windows Tour
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. You will be introduced to 20th Century glass reflecting stories of hope, and meet a host of famous faces immortalised in glass along the way.
£5 per person, plus admission charge.
Dates in April, May & June
Canterbury Cathedral Library Tours
Our Cathedral Library collection includes books from the early decades of printing onwards, including books from some of the earliest European printing presses.
The Howley-Harrison Library was rebuilt over the Infirmary Cloister in 1665 and recently restored to its splendid 19th century décor. It is the largest individual collection in the Library, made up of approximately 16,000 books and pamphlets.
Join a guided tour to learn more about the Library and to explore some of the collection close-up.
£8 per person, plus admission charge.
Tuesdays during the Easter season (starting 9th April), 20:00 - 21:00 BST, via Zoom
The Cloud of Unknowing Book Group
As part of our theme for Lent this year - A Pilgrimage of Prayer - we gathered online each Tuesday evening from 8 pm to 9pm BST to reflect and discuss the great spiritual classic The Cloud of Unknowing.
As these sessions only took us roughly half way through the text, Canon Emma is delighted to welcome you to complete this book in the six weeks following Easter.
Free event, online only.
*Reserve your place to receive the Zoom link*
Mondays (15 April - 15 July)*, 12:30-13:00 in the Eastern Crypt
Taizé Lunchtime Prayer
All our welcome to come and experience this way of praying as we connect with God and one another through sound and silence.
As with worship and services, those coming to take part do not need to pay admission.
In person only.
*Excluding some dates.
Saturday 27 April, 10:00-11:00 & 11:30-12:30 in the Cathedral Archives Reading Room
Medieval Canterbury Weekend 2024: Canterbury Cathedral Archive & Library Treasures
*SOLD OUT* See the full programme for more events
This visit will focus on the early printed books, manuscripts and other sources in the Cathedral collections.
Tickets: £10/person per event in person (discounts available).
The Medieval Canterbury Weekend, organized by the Centre for Kent History & Heritage at Canterbury Christ Church University, returns for 2024 with a programme of 19 talks and its hallmark guided visits.
Sunday 28 April, 16:00 - 17:10 at Canterbury Cathedral Lodge
Canterbury Festival: Festival Chamber Orchestra – More Music to Feed the Soul
The Festival Chamber Orchestra presents another programme of uplifting and emotive music featuring the wonderful Soprano voice of Kathryn Jenkin.
Tickets £22, Student £12 (Incl. £2 booking fee)
This event is organised, managed and delivered by the Festival Chamber Orchestra.
Programme available.
Monthly until July 2024
The Julian Prayer Meetings
If you are drawn to silent prayer, join our Julian Prayer Meetings (named after Julian of Norwich). The 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.
Tuesday 7 May & Tuesday 11 June, 11:15-12:30
'Women at Canterbury Cathedral' Tour *SPECIAL THEMED TOUR*
Experience this special themed tour inspired by International Women's Day: Friday 8 March.
Uncover the lives of the queens, noblewomen and more humble artists and makers who have all helped shape Canterbury Cathedral.
Only £5 per person, plus admission charge.
Memorial Day (Mon 27 May) & Juneteenth (Wed 19 June), 14:30-15:45
American Connections Tour
Discover the strong bond that Canterbury Cathedral has with the United States.
Throughout history, Canterbury’s inhabitants have gone on to shape American history, and in turn Americans have made their mark on Canterbury Cathedral.
Hear stories of the people who have shaped the history of the United States and learn how glass and stone from Canterbury Cathedral adorns their churches.
This is the story of centuries of friendship across the Atlantic.
£5 per person, plus admission charge.
Mon 13 May & Mon 10 June 2024, 10:15-17:30
A Day Exploring the Gardens at Canterbury Cathedral
Enjoy a fascinating day exploring gardens and garden history at Canterbury Cathedral. The day includes a talk by members of the Cathedral’s gardening team, a chance to see items from the wonderful Archives and Library collections, a hot two-course lunch at Canterbury Cathedral Lodge, a tour of some of the gardens themselves, and afternoon tea.
Price £65 per person (10% discount for Friends of Canterbury Cathedral).
Not local? Why not stay overnight at Canterbury Cathedral Lodge and receive 10% off your stay!
Between 24 May – 5 July, various events
Organ Festival 2024
Enjoy recitals by renowned concert organists, and have a chance to play the Cathedral organ yourself at our free Open Evening!
Open Evening: Friday 24 May, 18:30
This event is un-ticketed and free to attend.
If you would like to play the organ at the Open Evening please email in advance.
Organ Recitals: Dates in June & July, 19:30 in the Quire
Fri 14 June Tom Bell
Fri 21 June Roger Sayer
Fri 5 July Martin Baker
Tickets: £17 per recital or £36 for all three recitals
(Incl. £2 booking fee per recital)
Wed 29, Thurs 30 & Fri 31 May, 11:00-15:00
FREE* Stone Week Activities
This May half-term, help Gregory Gargoyle on his Stone Quest!
Carve your initials into stone and follow the trail map to explore different parts of the Cathedral, answering questions and completing challenges on the way!
These are drop-in activities; no need to book.
* Included free with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket or Cathedral Pass. Children aged 17 and under go free (T&Cs apply).
Dates in June
Precincts and Gardens Tour
Explore the Cathedral Precincts to find traces of the lives of the monks who were the site’s early inhabitants and discover our beautiful public gardens while learning how these spaces, created over centuries, are still used and tended by our gardening team today.
Only £5 per person, plus admission charge.
Multiple dates June - September, 09:30 - 16:30
Canterbury’s UNESCO Sites tour: Foundations of Faith
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.
£59.95 per person
Saturday 1 June, 19:00 - 21:30 at Canterbury Cathedral
Canterbury Festival: The London Welsh Male Voice Choir in Concert at Canterbury Cathedral
Join us for a musical experience – a wonderful evening of virtuoso singing and entertainment featuring the London Welsh Male Voice Choir with soloists from Kent College Canterbury.
Tickets: £17 - £37 (Incl. £2 booking fee per ticket)
This event is organised, managed and delivered by Canterbury Forest of Blean Rotary Club.
Dates in June & July, 13:15-14:00 in the Crypt
FREE* Summer Song Recitals
with our Cathedral Choral Scholars
Wed 5 June - Sonny Fielding (Bass)
Wed 12 June - Zachary Smith (Tenor)
Wed 19 June - Caroline McCartney (Alto)
Wed 3 July - Oliver Jones (Tenor)
Recitals take place immediately after the 12:30 Lunchtime Eucharist.
For further information about these recitals, please email [email protected]
*Recitals are un-ticketed and free to attend with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket or Cathedral Pass.
Fri 14 June, 18:30-23:45 in the Campanile Garden and Clagett Auditorium
Annual Summer Party with 3-course Dinner and 7-piece Band
Enjoy the spectacular backdrop of the Cathedral at our Cathedral Lodge annual Summer Party.
Guests will be greeted with a glass of Pimms/apple juice in the Campanile Garden*, then move to the Auditorium for dinner.
‘CoCo’, a 7-piece local, popular function band will entertain after dinner and throughout the evening until 23:00, then there will be a disco until the end.
£59 per person
Please see full information and booking requirements.
Fancy making a night of it? Guests attending an event at Cathedral Lodge receive 10% off room rates.
Sat 15 June, 18:00 in the Nave
The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral present: D-Day Commemoration Concert from the RBL Central Band
Join us for a spectacular celebration of the music of World War Two to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the 80th anniversary of the Central Band of the Royal British Legion, and the 200th Anniversary of the Royal National Lifeboat Institute.
Music will feature the sounds of songs made famous by Dame Vera Lynn, Eric Coates, The Sounds of Richard Rogers, Ladies in Lavender, ABBA Gold and more...
Tickets: Adults £22, Children (under 12) £12 (Incl. £2 booking fee per ticket)
This concert is a charity fundraising event in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral. Registered Charity No 256575.
Fri 21 June, 10:00-16:00
Royal School of Needlework: Blue Flower inspired by a Miracle Window at Canterbury Cathedral
*LAST FEW SPACES*
An exclusive onsite partnership class.
Create your own stunning blue flower motif - designed by RSN Tutor, Helen Stevens and inspired by the intricate floral pattern of the Kentish Miracle Window, one of 12 medieval stained glass windows devoted to the miracles of Thomas Becket.
Organised in partnership with the Friends of Canterbury Cathedral.
Sat 22 June, 10:30-15:00 in the Community Studio
FREE* St John’s Bible Family Event
Explore the stories that inspired the artwork contained in the pages of this stunning Bible - decorated by hand in the 1990s and gifted to the Cathedral in November 2023 - and find out how these ancient scriptures are used today.
Learn fine writing in our calligraphy workshop, led by local calligrapher Julia Baxter, and create your own illuminated bible verse to take home.
This is a drop-in activity; no need to book.
Calligraphy workshop suitable for ages 8+. Both children and adults welcome. There will also be activities suitable for younger children.
* Included free with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket or Cathedral Pass. Children aged 17 and under go free (T&Cs apply).
Sat 22 June 2024, 19:30
Britten: Spring Symphony
Come and celebrate as Richard Cooke marks his 40th anniversary as Music Director of Canterbury Choral Society, with the CCS Youth Choir and an ambitious programme of rarely-performed but outstanding works from the 20th century.
They'll be joined by the London Mozart Players and a team of fine soloists in a programme of music in which to revel and dream on a June evening.
This event is organised, managed and delivered by Canterbury Choral Society.
Tues 25 June, 14:30 in the Clagett Auditorium
TALK: Coffee and Coffee Houses: following the stream of coffee from Arabian discovery to Georgian London
Popular speaker Terrie Chrones, food historian and member of the International Association of Culinary Professionals, returns to talk to Friends about the rise of coffee from the Ottoman empire to London’s early coffee houses frequented by the likes of Jacobite plotters, Pepys, and Samuel Johnson.
Tickets: £8 Friends of Canterbury Cathedral, £10 non-members, includes tea and coffee
This event is supported by The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Registered Charity No 256575).
Mon 23 September, 14:30-16:30
‘A History of Canterbury Cathedral in 20 Objects’ - Archives talk and afternoon tea
Join us at Canterbury Cathedral Lodge for a fascinating illustrated talk by Cressida Williams, Cathedral Archivist about ‘A history of Canterbury Cathedral in 20 objects’. Cressida will provide a potted history of the Cathedral told through some of the fascinating items from its collections
The talk will take place in the Lodge’s AV Theatre, followed by a full afternoon tea to finish, in the Refectory Restaurant.
£25 per person (10% discount for Friends of Canterbury Cathedral).
8th & 9th November 2024
Rising Tide Craft Beer Festival
Venue: Canterbury Cathedral Lodge
Celebrating craft beer at its best, this brand-new festival hosted by Time & Tide Brewing will shine a spotlight on some of the country’s most exciting breweries, showcasing the best that independent craft beer has to offer.
A selection of beers ranging from hoppy IPAs to sours and imperial stouts will be available, with some wild fermentation thrown in for good measure.
Tickets: £15
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