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Canterbury Cathedral Tickets and Tours
4.5(920 Ratings)
Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.
Full-Day tour of Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral & White Cliffs of Dover
- Dive deep into Leeds Castle's illustrious past, the royal retreat with included access for select ticket holders.
- Ride in style with our luxury, air-conditioned coach, and stay connected with onboard free Wi-Fi.
- Benefit from your expert tour guide’s tales and enjoy clear, personal audio sets for a fully immersive experience.
- Behold Canterbury’s majestic stained glass artistry and stand atop Dover’s iconic cliffs. A visual treat awaits!
- Choose the ticket options without entry to Canterbury Cathedral to get free time to explore the area.
Inclusions
- Full-day tour of Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral & White Cliffs of Dover
- Luxury air-conditioned coach
- Professional tour guide
- Personal audio sets
- Free Wi-Fi
- Entry into Leeds Castle
- Entry into Canterbury Cathedral (optional)
Exclusions
- Food and beverages
- Tip: Pack a medieval-themed picnic! Enjoy bread, cheese, and apple juice for an authentic snack break.
- Wear comfortable shoes as there will be walking involved.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Guided Tour of Canterbury and Dover Castle from London
- Join a day trip from London by a luxury coach to Kent and enjoy a guided tour of Canterbury Cathedral, Dover Castle and see the White Cliffs of Dover.
- Visit the Canterbury City with traces of Roman architecture such as the cobbled streets, medieval-style timber-framed houses and ancient walls.
- Enjoy a guided tour of Canterbury Cathedral, the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Learn about important events from history such as Operation Dynamo as you walk through the very tunnels where it was organized in Dover Castle.
- Take in the breathtaking view of the majestic White Cliffs of Dover with its chalk grassland that’s home to so many unusual plants and insects
Inclusions
- Full-day guided tour of Canterbury and Dover Castle
- Expert English-speaking guide
- Entry to Dover Castle
- Entry to Canterbury Cathedral
- Round-trip coach transfers from London
- Tip: After the closing time of the Canterbury Cathedral, one can attend choral evensong and afterward, explore the cathedral precinct without the crowds.
- Facilities: Wheelchair Accessibility, Pram/Stroller Accessibility.
- Please Note: Sometimes this tour runs in reverse due to opening times at the cathedral or weather conditions.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
LondonCanterbury Cathedral Tickets
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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.
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.
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
Getting there
Best time to visit
Food & drink
Accommodation
Shopping
Must-do
- 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.
All Questions About Canterbury Cathedral Tickets Answered
Are guided tours available?
While the cathedral isn't currently offering guided tours, you can book one from third parties which offer guided tours in small groups.
Are there discounts on Canterbury Cathedral tickets?
Children under the age of 17 can avail discounts on their tickets.
What are the best Canterbury Cathedral 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.
Is Canterbury Cathedral wheelchair accessible?
As the cathedral is very old, there are still some spaces that are inaccessible to wheelchair users. For more information, visit the official website.
Should I purchase my tickets to Canterbury Cathedral in advance?
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.
What's the best time to visit Canterbury Cathedral?
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.
How long will a tour of the Canterbury Cathedral take?
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.
Can I get same day tickets to Canterbury Cathedral?
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.
How much time should I spend at the cathedral?
Visitors typically spend up to two hours in the cathedral.