Description
The Cathedral has been a place of worship for more than 1,400 years and is often described as 'England in stone' as its heritage is intrinsically linked to the country's history. It is one of three UNESCO sites in Canterbury. From its first Archbishop, Augustine, who established Christianity in England, to Archbishop Langton's role in the Magna Carta negotiations and the power struggle between King Henry II and Archbishop Thomas Becket, it has had a fascinating role in key historical events.
The Cathedral features a treasure house of paintings, sculptures, church silver, vestments, altar frontals, stained glass and much more. The Archive and Library hold an impressive collection of manuscripts, historic records, photographs, maps, and printed books dating back to the late 8th Century.
Events & Accomodation
There are regular events, including talks, exhibitions, a film club, and guided tours of the Cathedral and gardens, concerts, plus visitor events. Discover our listings of what's on by clicking on the events button under the main image above. You can also stay at the Cathedral Lodge Hotel.
Trio of UNESCO Sites
Canterbury Cathedral is one of three UNESCO sites in the city - check out our listings for the two other sites in Canterbury: St Augustine’s Abbey and St Martin's Church.
Explore Canterbury
Discover attractions and events with our Canterbury Area Guide for local information and highlights, or visit our What's On and Things to Do sections, where you can filter by location for current events and more attractions and activities in Kent.
Opening Hours
Monday to Saturday
9am-5pm
Last admission at 4pm
Sunday
12.30pm-5pm
Last admission at 4pm.
Price
Tickets are valid for 365 days from booking
October to March: £18
April to September - Excluding weekends in July & August: £19.50
Weekends in July & August: £21
Child - 17 years and under: Free - when accompanied by a paying adult. Maximum of 2 children per adult
If receiving Universal Credit: Free
If receiving Pension Credit: Free
ARC Cardholder, Cathedral Passholder, Friends Cardholder, and local university student: Free
The ticket includes entry to the Cathedral, precincts and gardens. Plus, access to current exhibitions, mini talks, activity trails and visitor events. Can book, for additional fees, guided tours and more.
Good To Know
Free to attend a service of worship or enter one of the Cathedral's chapels to pray.
Accessibility
A small number of wheelchairs are available for free loan. Lift by the Dean's Steps on the northeast side for access to the Quire. Trinity Chapel is not accessible to wheelchair users. Very few disabled parking spaces on-site are available by prior arrangement.
Transport Details
Cycling
Limited bike rack.
Train
Canterbury West - 11 minutes and Canterbury East - 10 minutes
Bus
Canterbury Bus Station, top of the High Street - 5 minutes
Parking
Park and Ride
New Dover Road CT1 3EJ
Wincheap CT1 3TY
Sturry Road CT1 1AD
Pay & Display parking and car parks throughout the city - see the Canterbury City Council's parking page for more information.
Advisory Notes
Group and school visits must be booked separately.
Dogs
Allowed in the Cathedral building and grounds, but must be on a short lead at all times. Only assistance dogs are permitted in the on site cafe, at services, talks, tours and special events (unless otherwise stated).
Facilities
Cafe • Shop • Toilet • Disabled Toilet
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