Canterbury Cathedral Tours and Activities

Canterbury Cathedral which includes a church or cathedral, heritage architecture and a city
Canterbury Cathedral showing a church or cathedral, heritage architecture and religious aspects
Canterbury Cathedral showing a church or cathedral, religious elements and interior views
Canterbury Cathedral which includes a church or cathedral, interior views and religious aspects
Canterbury Cathedral


This 1,400-year-old establishment is known for its breathtaking Gothic ceilings, its outstanding historical collections and its choir.

Pay a visit to the Canterbury Cathedral to get in touch with British history at one of the country’s most important religious sites. Delight in its Gothic style and its ancient artifacts, or make a pilgrimage to pray at its welcoming daily services.  

Since St. Augustine, the first archbishop of Canterbury, made his journey from Rome in A.D. 597 and established the cathedral, it has been a place of prayer for local Anglicans. Because it has been rebuilt and expanded extensively over the centuries, Canterbury Cathedral is even more impressive today.

Enter through the nave and take in the sight of a magnificent hall with ceilings that stretch up to the sky. Continue towards the impressive Quire and the Trinity chapel, which are characterized by detailed white pillars and stained-glass windows that,fill the cathedral with light. 

Join a guided tour to hear intriguing anecdotes about the building’s history and learn the meanings behind the scenes depicted in the stained-glass windows. Visit the well-lit crypt to see the marble plinth shrine of the historical religious icon, Thomas Becket. The elaborate decorations and candle lighting make it a peaceful attraction.

Take the opportunity to attend the cathedral’s daily services. Anglicans can get in touch with their faith with a pilgrimage to the cathedral, and receive a thanksgiving prayer any time of day from a priest. Visitors of other denominations are welcome too and can enjoy the lovely choir accompaniment for each service that continues a 1,400-year-old musical tradition.

End your visit with a walk around the cathedral’s picturesque gardens.

Canterbury Cathedral is at the center of town and is open daily. The entry fee includes access to the grounds. Guided tours are held every day except Sunday and have a fee.   

Those interested in British history can prearrange to also visit the cathedral archives to view one of Britain’s most important historical collections. Travel back in time exploring this literature, with texts dating back to the 14th century.

Plan a trip to see Canterbury Cathedral

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Beaverbrook
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Best Lodging Options Near Canterbury Cathedral

The Falstaff Hotel

The Falstaff Hotel

3 out of 5
8-10 St Dunstan Street Kent, Canterbury, England
The Falstaff Hotel
ABode Canterbury

ABode Canterbury

4 out of 5
30-33 High St, Canterbury, England
ABode Canterbury
Hampton by Hilton Canterbury

Hampton by Hilton Canterbury

3 out of 5
7 St. Margaret's Street, Canterbury, England
Hampton by Hilton Canterbury
Best Western Abbots Barton Hotel

Best Western Abbots Barton Hotel

3 out of 5
36 New Dover Road, Canterbury, England
Best Western Abbots Barton Hotel
Cathedral Gate Hotel

Cathedral Gate Hotel

3 out of 5
36, Burgate, Canterbury, England
Cathedral Gate Hotel
The Millers Arms

The Millers Arms

4 out of 5
2 Mill Lane, Canterbury, England
The Millers Arms
The Pilgrims Hotel

The Pilgrims Hotel

3 out of 5
18 The Friars, Canterbury, England
The Pilgrims Hotel
Canterbury Cathedral Lodge

Canterbury Cathedral Lodge

4 out of 5
Canterbury Cathedral, The Precincts, Canterbury, England
Canterbury Cathedral Lodge
Greyfriars Lodge

Greyfriars Lodge

3.5 out of 5
6 STOUR STREET, Canterbury, England
Greyfriars Lodge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Canterbury Cathedral

Canterbury Cathedral offers a variety of enjoyable activities for visitors, including scenic Canterbury River Tours and guided tours of the historic city. Exploring Canterbury on foot allows you to delve into its rich history, while the Canterbury Tales brings classic literature to life. For a more relaxed experience, consider an easy walk around the cathedral's beautiful grounds, soaking in the stunning architecture and vibrant atmosphere.

Shopping

The nearest shopping option is the Old Synagogue, a charming store only 161m from Canterbury Cathedral. If you're up for a drive, visit the Ashford Designer Outlet, 20.9km away, for a variety of shops and entertainment, or explore the Capel le Ferne Farmers Market for local goods.

Recreation

Experience the serene Canterbury Golf Club, just 1.6km from the Cathedral, perfect for a round of golf amidst lush landscapes. For family fun, Herne Bay Mini Golf, located 11.3km away, offers adventure and laughter. Enjoy relaxation at Duncan Down, 8.0km away, surrounded by nature's tranquility.

Adventure

Greenfields Shooting Grounds offers thrilling shooting experiences only 3.2km from Canterbury Cathedral, perfect for adrenaline seekers. For high-energy fun, Lazer Rush, located 8.0km away, provides exciting laser tag adventures. For a peaceful outdoor experience, explore Reinden Wood, situated 17.7km from the cathedral, surrounded by nature.

Nightlife

In Canterbury, the Marlowe Theatre offers a charming mix of culture and romance, just 322m from the cathedral. For adventure seekers, iFUN@Sandancers, located 11.3km away, provides exciting arcade fun. The Gulbenkian Theatre, 1.6km from the cathedral, blends family vibes with captivating performances.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Canterbury Cathedral

When visiting Canterbury Cathedral, explore the rich culture and outdoor experiences the area offers, including nearby beaches, urban parks, and nature reserves. Don't miss the opportunity to read reviews about the cathedral, learn about access options, and discover the charming City of Canterbury. If you're considering a day trip, a visit to Canterbury from London is highly recommended for a delightful blend of history and natural beauty.

  • University of Kent: Located 1.6km from Canterbury Cathedral, this modern university offers a vibrant atmosphere with stunning architecture and beautiful green spaces, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a study break.
  • Westgate Gardens and Towers: Just 483m away, this urban park combines picturesque gardens with historical towers, providing a family-friendly environment ideal for picnics, walks, and enjoying the outdoors amidst city vibes.
  • Reculver Towers and Roman Fort: Situated 12.9km from the cathedral, these impressive ruins offer a glimpse into the region's rich history and culture, with breathtaking coast views that are sure to inspire.

Best time to go to Canterbury Cathedral

The best time to visit Canterbury Cathedral can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Canterbury Cathedral falls in August, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Canterbury Cathedral falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January42.3°F (5.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April48.6°F (9.2°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May53.6°F (12.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June59.2°F (15.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July63.5°F (17.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August64.0°F (17.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
September61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October56.1°F (13.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November49.3°F (9.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
December45.0°F (7.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Canterbury Cathedral

To save money while visiting Canterbury Cathedral, plan your trip during the off-peak months of January to February or November when accommodation prices drop. Tuesdays are the cheapest days to book a stay, while Saturdays tend to be the priciest. Utilize Expedia's search tool to find the best deals, setting filters for budget and preferences. Consider booking a package that includes flights and activities for added savings. Also, explore free activities around the cathedral to enhance your visit without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Canterbury Cathedral are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Canterbury Cathedral is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Canterbury Cathedral is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To discover the most affordable options and special offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation for Canterbury Cathedral with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.

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