In the heart of the city of Canterbury (famous for the Canterbury Tales), lies Canterbury Cathedral, one of England’s oldest cathedrals. Founded in 597 AD, the history of the monument is intertwined with that of England. In the thirteenth century, Archbishop of Canterbury Stephen Langton played an important role in the discussion preceding the royal charter of rights, Magna Carta (which can currently be found in Salisbury Cathedral, British Library, and Lincoln Cathedral). To this end, Canterbury was named one of the Magna Carta Towns on its 800th anniversary. Just 68 kilometres from London, it also makes for a wonderful day trip from the city.
Visiting Canterbury Cathedral Post-COVID 19
Visitors can now visit the Canterbury Cathedral and attend services, with new health measures in place to ensure their safety. Travellers are requested to strictly adhere to the given guidelines and preferably book tickets in advance, which can guarantee their visit.
Health Guidelines in Canterbury Cathedral
- One-way routes are in place to ensure visitors can maintain adequate distance.
- Guests must carry their own masks and keep them on at all times.
- Hand sanitizer stations are kept throughout the venue.
- Social distancing is mandatory, with distanced seating in place with floor markings in place.
- Staff will be in Personal Protective Equipment throughout the venue.
- Preference is given to those with pre-booked tickets. While walk-ins are accepted, they will only be let in when other visitors have left.
Why Visit Canterbury Cathedral
One of the oldest and most famous Christian structures, it is the cathedral of the Archbishop of Canterbury, who is the leader of the Church of England and symbolic leader of the worldwide Anglican Communion. The cathedral isn’t just for those with religious interest — those interested in history and architecture will appreciate the impressive interiors and statues of the premises, along with its long and incredible history.
Additionally, Canterbury as a city also holds great historical significance. It was in this city that St. Augustine, the Apostle to the English, founded the Christian Church. His burial place, St. Augustine’s Abbey, together with Canterbury Cathedral and St. Martin’s Church, has been included in the list of UNESCO Heritage Sites.
All Your Canterbury Cathedral Ticket Options
Guided Tours to Canterbury Cathedral
An informed guide will accompany you on your trip and help uncover the secrets and history of the cathedral, along with some hidden gems within and around it. Your transfers will be arranged for an uncomplicated and stress-free visit.
Non-guided Canterbury Cathedral Tours
In a non-guided tour, you can explore the Canterbury Cathedral at your own leisure. This is a flexible option that lets you pick what you want to see and how you want to go; you will have to arrange your own transportation.
Combo Tours With Canterbury Cathedral
As part of a combo tour, you can explore more than just Canterbury Cathedral. Your guide will take you to one or more popular destinations such as Leeds Castle and Dover in your private air-conditioned coach.
Discounted Canterbury Cathedral tickets: Children under the age of 17 can avail discounts on their tickets — they pay about £10 for a ticket as compared to the £13 paid by adults.
Guided vs. Non-guided Tours
Guided Tours
- An expert guide will accompany you and give you information and facts about the cathedral.
- Guided tours are conducted in groups, where you can meet people from around the world.
- Your transfers to, from, and within Canterbury are included in the tour.
- Guided tours follow a set itinerary to cover as much as possible in the given timeframe.
Non-Guided Tours
- A non-guided (self-guided) tour gives you the chance to explore Canterbury Cathedral on your own.
- A non-guided tour is not usually done as part of a group.
- When it comes to non-guided tours, visitors have to arrange for transportation on their own.
- Non-guided tours give you the flexibility to experience Canterbury Cathedral at your own pace.
Find the Perfect Canterbury Cathedral Ticket for you
1. Budget-friendly
For Canterbury Cathedral tickets that won’t burn a hole in your pocket, purchase round-trip coach tickets to Canterbury, and get the regular Canterbury Cathedral admission tickets. While the coach journey may be longer than the other options, it is definitely easy on the wallet.
2. Informative
To deeply explore Canterbury Cathedral, pick a guided tour. Your knowledgeable guide will give you information, facts, and trivia about this ancient cathedral. Additionally, your transportation is included in the trip, ensuring you have a fun and enjoyable experience.
3. Beyond Canterbury
You can explore more than just Canterbury Cathedral by picking a combo tour. Visitors can visit Canterbury alongside other popular destinations like Dover, Greenwich, and Leeds Castle. You will be accompanied by an expert guide and transfers will be arranged as well.
What to See at Canterbury Cathedral
Stained Glass Windows
Canterbury Cathedral is known to have some of the oldest medieval stained glass in the country. Look out for ‘Adam Delving’ and the ‘Miracle Windows’, which depict scenes from Thomas Becket's life.
St. Gabriel Chapel
The oldest part of the cathedral, this crypt is built in Norman (Romanesque) style. It features wall paintings and pillars, with capitals featuring the heads of animals.
Cathedral Tombs
The cathedral is home to some incredible tombs, such as that of Archbishop Henry Chichele, Cardinal Thomas Bourchier, the first Lancastrian king Henry IV, and his second wife Joanna of Navarre.
The Great Cloister
Behind The Martyrdom lies the Great Cloister, with its many stone carvings of mythical and real animals, heraldic shields, and medieval heads. It is also the only way to access the Chapter House.
Ambulatory
With the original Norman walls and medieval stained glass, the Ambulatory marks where Archbishops are enthroned. Look for the Choir Stalls and the Archbishop's Throne.
The Martyrdom
Canterbury Cathedral was the site for the murder of its most famous Archbishop, Thomas Becket, in 1170. The Martyrdom is where four knights came and executed him on the orders of King Henry II.
Plan Your Visit to Canterbury Cathedral
- Train: There are trains from St. Pancras and Charing Cross stations in London to Canterbury East or Canterbury West stations. The stations are a brief walk from the cathedral. Your journey should take about an hour or so.
- Bus: There are frequent buses from London Victoria Coach Station to Canterbury. The bus stop in Canterbury is just minutes from the cathedral. Your journey will take about two hours, with tickets starting at about £10 one way.
- Car: You can take the M2 or M20 motorway from London to Canterbury. Please note that there are limited parking spaces in the cathedral, and are available by prior booking only. Your journey should take about an hour and a half.
- Guided tour: Your transportation is usually arranged as part of a guided tour of Canterbury Cathedral.
The best time to visit Canterbury is between May and September. The weather is pleasant during these months, making the visit enjoyable. If you visit after mid-August, you can miss the crowds from peak summer months.
If you’re looking to avoid tourists, visit in spring to take advantage of the mild weather and explore the cathedral at your leisure.
Canterbury has a variety of eateries for people to visit such as pubs, cafes, restaurants, and more.
Butchery Lane is one of the city’s most beautiful streets, and is home to some of the best pubs in the city such as The Shakespeare, City Arms, and The Old Buttermarket.
Next to the River Stour is The Old Weavers, which serves up traditional English grub in a picturesque location. As it is close to the river, you can also go punting after.
If you’re looking for a traditional afternoon tea experience, head to The Moat Tea Rooms or Tiny Tim’s Rooms, the latter of which is also known for its mean eggs chaucer.
If visitors prefer to stay close to the Canterbury Cathedral, they can stay at the Canterbury Cathedral Lodge, a modern hotel accommodation in the heart of the city. You can also opt to go glamping at Canterbury Reach Lodge Retreat.
Other options in Canterbury include:
- Hostel: Palace Farm Hostel, Kipps Independent Hostel, and YHA Canterbury.
- Guesthouse: Canterbury Lodge, Beech Bank, Harriet House B&B, and Yorke Lodge.
- Hotel: Howfield Manor, Cathedral Gate Hotel, Mount Ephraim Country House & Gardens, and Cathedral Gate Hotel.
If you’re looking for some of the best high street names and other popular brands, Canterbury Whitefriars is the perfect place for you.
If you’re looking for independent shops and boutiques that sell clothing, jewellery, antiques, and art, head to King’s Mile, St Dunstan’s, and Westgate for an impressive collection.
- Check out the Gothic Squire.
- Visit St. Augustine’s Abbey, which is a 7-minute walk from the cathedral.
- Admire the intricate stained glass windows.
- Head down to the Norman Crypt.
- Explore the Cathedral Tombs.
- Spend time at the Great Cloister and Chapter House.
Visitor Tips for London to Cotswolds Day Trips
- Canterbury can get very crowded, so if you plan to visit during peak season, ensure you give yourself plenty of time.
- Apart from Canterbury Cathedral, make time to visit St. Augustine’s Abbey and Greyfriars Chapel.
- Wear comfortable shoes, so that you can explore the cathedral and the surrounding areas without any hassles.
- Please note that while photography is allowed (except in the Crypt and during Services) in the Cathedral, it is for your personal use only.
- Upon entry, bag searches will take place. To this end, visitors are advised to only carry the essentials to avoid any delays.
All Questions About Canterbury Cathedral Tickets Answered
No. In order to reduce the risk of COVID transmission from shared items and keeping in mind visitor safety, audio guides will not be available.
While the cathedral isn't currently offering guided tours, you can book one from third parties which offer guided tours in small groups.
Children under the age of 17 can avail discounts on their tickets.
The best tickets to Canterbury Cathedral are those that involve a guide, as it ensures your experience is an enlightening one. Thus, pick a guided tour or a combo tour that will take you beyond Canterbury.
As the cathedral is very old, there are still some spaces that are inaccessible to wheelchair users. For more information, visit the official website.
Yes, and these timed entry tickets can be pre-booked online. If one would prefer a walk-in visit, they will have to wait until other visitors leave, which can take a while.
The best time to visit the cathedral is as soon as it opens when one can visit leisurely and take in the beauty of the stained glass in the natural light.
A guided tour takes approximately two hours. However, if you visit Canterbury along with other locations as part of a combo tour, your tour will take up to 11 hours.
This depends on whether or not there are enough slots available. Due to the timed entry system in place, most people book their tickets in advance, meaning you could have trouble getting a slot if you try to book on the same day. It is recommended you pre-book your tickets to Canterbury Cathedral in advance.
Visitors typically spend up to two hours in the cathedral.