Canterbury Cathedral Tours and Activities

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

Popular places to visit


Top Canterbury Cathedral Hotel & Accommodation Deals

The Falstaff Hotel

The Falstaff Hotel

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

Hampton by Hilton Canterbury

3 out of 5
7 St. Margaret's Street, Canterbury, England
Hampton by Hilton Canterbury
ABode Canterbury

ABode Canterbury

4 out of 5
30-33 High St, Canterbury, England
ABode 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
Canterbury Cathedral Lodge

Canterbury Cathedral Lodge

4 out of 5
Canterbury Cathedral, The Precincts, Canterbury, England
Canterbury Cathedral Lodge
The Millers Arms

The Millers Arms

4 out of 5
2 Mill Lane, Canterbury, England
The Millers Arms
Greyfriars Lodge

Greyfriars Lodge

3.5 out of 5
6 STOUR STREET, Canterbury, England
Greyfriars Lodge
The Coach House Canterbury

The Coach House Canterbury

3.5 out of 5
34 Watling Street, Canterbury, England
The Coach House Canterbury
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 range of activities for visitors, including exploring its stunning architecture and art, attending wedding receptions, and discovering the Canterbury Tales attraction. It also serves as a popular wedding venue and is an ideal spot for a city break, allowing you to immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of this iconic site while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Canterbury.

Shopping

For a quick shopping fix, the Old Synagogue store is a mere 161m from Canterbury Cathedral, offering unique gifts. If you're up for a drive, check out Ashford Designer Outlet and Westwood Cross Shopping Centre, both around 13 and 24.1km away, respectively, for more extensive shopping experiences.

Recreation

Enjoy a round of golf at Chestfield Golf Club, where you can soak in outdoor sports vibes. For family fun, head to Herne Bay Mini Golf for an adventurous outing. Alternatively, unwind at Duncan Down, a serene recreational area perfect for relaxation and wellness.

Adventure

Leas Promenade offers a stunning hiking trail 24.1km from Canterbury Cathedral, perfect for nature enthusiasts seeking breathtaking scenery. For adrenaline-pumping fun, visit Lazer Rush, located 8.0km away, where adventure vibes await. Reinden Wood, 17.7km away, invites you to explore its serene outdoor atmosphere.

Nightlife

Enjoy a show at the Marlowe Theatre, just 322m from the cathedral, for a cultural night out. Alternatively, head to Gulbenkian Theatre, 1.6km away, for more entertainment. For a fun-filled adventure, check out MFA Bowl in Whitstable, 9.7km away, with arcade games for the whole family.

*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 mix of cultural and outdoor experiences, surrounded by stunning beaches, urban parks, and nature reserves. As a tourist, you can explore local attractions that highlight the rich history and beauty of the area. Ideal for a short stay, you’ll find picturesque views of the cathedral and various activities to enhance your visit, making it a memorable part of your vacation in Canterbury.

  • University of Kent: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of this modern university, located just 1.6km from Canterbury Cathedral. Explore its stunning campus, which combines contemporary architecture with green spaces, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
  • Whitstable Beach: A mere 9.7km from the cathedral, Whitstable Beach invites you to relax on its pebbled shores. Enjoy the laid-back beach vibes, indulge in freshly caught seafood, or take a stroll along the picturesque waterfront.
  • Whitstable Castle and Gardens: Situated 9.7km from Canterbury Cathedral, this enchanting castle offers a glimpse into history. Wander through beautifully landscaped gardens, soak up the romantic atmosphere, and appreciate the cultural significance of this stunning venue.

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 Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageAverage
April48.6°F (9.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly 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 trip to Canterbury Cathedral, consider visiting during the cheaper months of January to February or November, with Wednesday being the best day for lower accommodation prices. Avoid Saturdays, as they tend to be the priciest. Use Expedia to compare hotel deals and filter by price for the best options. Look into bundling your flights and activities for extra savings, and be on the lookout for special offers to maximise your budget while enjoying all that Canterbury has to offer.

  • 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 Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around Canterbury Cathedral is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you desire. To discover the most affordable options and special offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your hotel stay at Canterbury Cathedral with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.