Canterbury Cathedral

Canterbury Cathedral featuring a city, a church or cathedral and heritage architecture
Canterbury Cathedral featuring interior views, a statue or sculpture and religious aspects
Canterbury Cathedral featuring interior views, a church or cathedral and religious aspects
Canterbury Cathedral showing religious aspects, interior views and a church or cathedral
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.

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Beaverbrook

Reviews of Canterbury Cathedral

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
122
5 - Excellent 60%
4 - Good
64
4 - Good 32%
3 - Okay
15
3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Guided tour was worthwhile and Sunday Sung Evensong was most memorable

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Building works in progress with a full scaffold internally to the largest area

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller

Scaffolding everywhere .Limited viewing .Very noisy.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Lovely to see the cathedral but expensive to visit

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

The cathedral costs £12.50 each to enter. We didn't go in. Apparently on Sunday's it is free.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Well worth the entrance fee be careful of all the renovations

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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

When visiting Canterbury Cathedral, take advantage of the vibrant activities nearby, including alfresco concerts that offer a delightful outdoor experience. You can also enjoy a scenic Canterbury river tour, providing a unique perspective of the city's stunning architecture and history. These activities enhance your visit and allow you to immerse yourself in the local culture.

Shopping

Visit the Old Synagogue, a charming store just 161m from Canterbury Cathedral, perfect for unique gifts. If you're up for a drive, the Ashford Designer Outlet, 20.9km away, offers a fantastic shopping experience with entertainment and city vibes, while the Capel le Ferne Farmers Market also awaits.

Recreation

At Canterbury Golf Club, enjoy a round of golf surrounded by beautiful landscapes just 1.6km from the cathedral, perfect for sports enthusiasts. For a fun family outing, head to Herne Bay Mini Golf, seven miles away. Alternatively, unwind at Duncan Down, five miles away, ideal for relaxation and wellness.

Adventure

At Greenfields Shooting Grounds, located 3.2km from Canterbury Cathedral, experience the thrill of clay pigeon shooting in a picturesque setting. For an adrenaline rush, Lazer Rush, 8.0km away, offers exciting laser tag battles. Meanwhile, Reinden Wood, 17.7km from the Cathedral, invites you to explore its serene outdoor trails.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Canterbury Cathedral by visiting the Marlowe Theatre for a cultural evening, just 322m away. Alternatively, enjoy a family-friendly adventure at the Hippodrome Children's Indoor Playground, located 9.7km away or catch a show at the Gulbenkian Theatre, 1.6km away.

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

Find the best attractions near Canterbury Cathedral

Canterbury Cathedral offers a variety of attractions nearby, appealing to tourists seeking culture and outdoor experiences. Popular points of interest include beautiful beaches, serene urban parks, and nature reserves. Whether you wish to explore the historical significance of the cathedral or enjoy the natural beauty surrounding it, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this charming city.

  • University of Kent: A modern university set in beautifully landscaped grounds, just 1.6km from Canterbury Cathedral. Experience a vibrant academic atmosphere with contemporary architecture and stunning views over the city, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.
  • Whitstable Beach: Located 9.7km away, this charming beach offers a quintessential British seaside experience. Enjoy fresh seafood, colourful beach huts, and the relaxed coastal vibe while taking in the stunning views of the North Sea.
  • Westgate Gardens: Just 644m from the cathedral, these picturesque gardens provide a tranquil escape. Ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts, you can enjoy scenic walks along the river, vibrant flowerbeds, and plenty of space for picnics.

Best time to go to Canterbury Cathedral

The best time to visit Canterbury Cathedral is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, 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 on your visit to Canterbury Cathedral, consider travelling during the off-peak months of January to February and November for lower accommodation rates. Tuesdays typically offer the best hotel prices, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter results by budget and hotel type, including eco-friendly options. Additionally, combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package deal can lead to further savings. Don't forget to explore free activities around the cathedral to enhance your experience without straining your wallet.

  • 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: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange the results to display prices from lowest to highest, making it easy to find the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you can refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly accommodation options that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel booking for Canterbury Cathedral with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.

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