Canterbury Cathedral is the mother church of the Church of England and the worldwide Anglican Communion and the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, founded in 597 AD by St Augustine as the cradle of English Christianity. After Archbishop Thomas Becket was murdered here in 1170 it became one of medieval Europe's greatest pilgrimage sites, immortalised in Chaucer's 'Canterbury Tales', and it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. Following the major 'Canterbury Journey' conservation programme it now welcomes visitors through a modern welcome centre and restored precincts, and in 2026 it remains a living, working cathedral with daily worship. Spanning a thousand years of architecture, it lets you see the Bell Harry Tower, 12th-13th-century stained glass and one of Europe's largest Norman crypts in a single visit.
The Martyrdom: the north-west transept where Thomas Becket was killed, marked by a modern sculpture evoking the swords of the four knights.
Trinity Chapel: tombs of Edward the Black Prince and Henry IV, on the site that once held Becket's shrine.
Stained glass: the 12th-13th-century 'Miracle Windows' and the Corona Window, among the oldest and finest in England.
St Augustine's Chair (the Cathedra): the marble seat used for the enthronement of every Archbishop of Canterbury.
The Bell Harry Tower with its fan vaulting, the Cloisters, and the vast Norman crypt beneath the quire.
Good to know
RulesAs a living place of worship, parts of the cathedral may close at short notice for funerals, weddings or services. Always check the official website's opening/closures page before you go.
CautionBuy tickets only from the official website or the on-site Welcome Centre and avoid third-party resellers that add mark-ups. A ticket is valid for a full year with unlimited return visits, so there's no need to buy more than one.
MannersStay quiet and silence your phone during services, and dress respectfully as it is an active religious building. Daily Evensong is free to attend and a memorable experience.
SeasonBritish weather is changeable, so carry rain protection year-round; the thick stone interior stays cool even in summer. June-August and weekends get busy, so arrive right at opening.
SafetyCanterbury is generally safe, but watch your belongings in crowds outside the cathedral and in the busy city centre. Traffic drives on the left, so look right first when crossing the road.
RulesLondon's Oyster and contactless cards are not valid for trains to Canterbury, so buy a separate rail ticket. Advance tickets are far cheaper, so book ahead.
Practical info
High-speed Class 395 'Javelin' trains reach Canterbury West from London St Pancras in about 55-60 minutes, and the cathedral is roughly a 10-minute walk from the station. It opens Mon-Sat 10:00-17:00 (last admission 16:00) and Sunday 11:30-17:00 (the cathedral church itself opens at 12:30); adult admission for the 2026 season is around £17.50-19.50 with under-18s free, but always confirm the latest prices and hours on the official website before visiting.
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