Do I need to book Canterbury Cathedral tickets in advance?

Advance booking is recommended to avoid queues and secure guided tour times, especially during weekends and school holidays.

Is Canterbury Cathedral open every day?

Yes, it is open daily for visitors and worshippers, with reduced hours on Sundays and closures during major services or holidays.

What is the best way to get to Canterbury Cathedral from London?

High-speed Southeastern trains run from London St Pancras to Canterbury West in under an hour. The Cathedral is a 10-minute walk from the station.

Is Canterbury Cathedral accessible for wheelchair users?

Yes. Most areas have step-free access and lifts are available to the crypt and cloisters. Accessible toilets and parking are also provided.

Can I join a guided tour inside the Cathedral?

Yes. Guided tours run daily and are included in many entry tickets. Audio guides are also available in multiple languages.

Is photography allowed inside Canterbury Cathedral?

Photography for personal use is permitted in most areas except during services or in designated restricted zones.

Are there cafés or shops at Canterbury Cathedral?

Yes, the Cloister Café serves light meals and drinks, and the Cathedral Shop offers souvenirs, books and gifts linked to the Cathedral’s history.

Canterbury Cathedral Guide

Welcome to our guide for Canterbury Cathedral

Standing at the heart of the city for over 1,400 years, Canterbury Cathedral is one of the world’s most important Christian buildings and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Founded in 597 AD by St Augustine, it became the centre of English Christianity and today remains the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury - head of the global Anglican Communion.

From the martyrdom of Thomas Becket to the inspiration for The Canterbury Tales, this awe-inspiring landmark tells the story of faith, art and nationhood. Its towering Gothic spires, intricate stonework and world-famous stained glass make it one of Kent’s most unmissable attractions.

Book Tickets ➔ Find Trains ➔

Things to Do at Canterbury Cathedral

Discover Gothic Architecture

Marvel at the vaulted ceilings, carved stonework, and medieval stained glass of one of Europe’s great cathedrals.

Visit the Crypt & Shrine

Step into the atmospheric crypt and see the site of Thomas Becket’s shrine — a centre of pilgrimage for centuries.

Canterbury Cathedral gardens and cloisters

Explore the Cloisters & Gardens

Wander through peaceful cloisters and green courtyards that offer quiet reflection beneath the cathedral’s towers.

Visitor Information

Location

11 The Precincts, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2EH

View on Google Maps ➔

Opening Hours

Monday–Saturday 9 am – 5 pm (last entry 4 pm). Sunday 12.30 pm – 5 pm. Closed 25–26 December and during services.

Check Opening Times ➔

Tickets & Tours

Entry tickets and guided tours are available daily. Choose audio guides, private tours or combined day trips from London.

Book Tickets ➔

Facilities

Cloister Café, gift shop, accessible routes, toilets, baby-changing facilities and guided tour meeting points on-site.

View Facilities ➔

Train Travel

Canterbury West and Canterbury East stations offer direct trains from London in under 1 hour. Both are a 10-minute walk from the Cathedral.

Book Trains to Canterbury ➔

What’s On at Canterbury Cathedral

Canterbury Cathedral hosts a rich calendar of services, concerts, exhibitions, and community events throughout the year - blending worship, music, and heritage in one unforgettable setting.

Visitors can enjoy:

Daily services and Evensong sung by the world-renowned Cathedral Choir
Classical concerts and organ recitals in the nave and crypt
Seasonal exhibitions exploring art, faith, and history
Special events such as the Canterbury Festival, Christmas services, and candlelit tours

Check the Canterbury Cathedral events calendar for upcoming concerts, services, and guided experiences.