Canterbury Cathedral
Discover England’s First Cathedral
Founded by St Augustine in 597 AD, Canterbury Cathedral is a unique place of worship, a major pilgrimage destination, a masterpiece of art and architecture, and one of the UK’s most-visited historic sites.
Often referred to as ‘England in stone’, the Cathedral has been at the centre of momentous events and upheavals. It is the Mother Church of the worldwide Anglican Communion, seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, resting place of royalty and saints, and part of Canterbury’s UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Here, stories of church and state intersect. Visitors can sense this in the majesty of the medieval building, the quiet mystery of the crypt, and as their imaginations are fired walking around the gardens, cloisters, and monastic ruins.
And with ‘Kids go Free’* and new visitor activities and events, now is the perfect time to visit.
Visitors can purchase tickets at www.canterbury-cathedral.org for a day out 1,400 years in the making.
* ‘Kids go Free’ until 31 December 2024 (T&Cs apply)
What visitors can discover:
- From miracles to murders, the 1200m2 of stained glass – including some of the oldest stained glass in Europe – brings to life the rich, and sometimes gruesome, history of the Cathedral.
- The Great Cloister was used as an access route to accommodation for the Benedictine monks. Adorned with over 800 architectural shields, which represent important families and donors to the Cathedral, along with symbols of spectacular mythical creatures and green men. The picturesque garden, known as the Garth, is an open space historically used for burial.
- The peaceful Crypt, a serene place for contemplation and reflection, and the oldest part of the Cathedral.
- The Cathedral Precincts and Gardens – relax in the beautiful Memorial Garden and Herb Garden.
- The Cathedral is full of paintings, sculptures, church silver, vestments, altar frontals, stained glass and much more. Visitors can see the significant treasures and renowned artefacts for themselves as they take a walk around the Cathedral.
- Visitors can explore the Water Tower exhibition and learn more about the Benedictine monks who lived at Christ Church Priory during the Middle Ages.
- Unique artefacts in our Making History exhibition, including the armour of fearsome medieval warrior, The Black Prince.
- Visitors can also join us in person or online at 17.30 for daily Choral Evensong to experience the Cathedral’s centuries-old tradition of worship, and to enjoy our world-class music making. All are welcome, and there is never a charge to attend a service.
