Canterbury Cathedral Tours

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

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
St Andrews Apartments

St Andrews Apartments

4 out of 5
Price was $844, price is now $703 per person
$703
per person
Nov 7 - Nov 11
found 3 hours ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
New York (NYC) to London (LGW)
9.8/10 Exceptional! (30 reviews)
Very nice place to stay, clean, and lots of room. Our door areas are nice and great views from the balcony.

Reviewed on Oct 30, 2022

Riding Gate Apartment

Riding Gate Apartment

4.5 out of 5
Price was $932, price is now $738 per person
$738
per person
Nov 7 - Nov 11
found 3 hours ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
New York (NYC) to London (LGW)
9.6/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
It’s a beautiful property and very close to all the attractions in Canterbury in a very safe and quiet neighbourhood.

Reviewed on May 14, 2025

Beaverbrook

Beaverbrook

5 out of 5
Price was $1,647, price is now $1,373 per person
$1,373
per person
Nov 6 - Nov 9
found 9 hours ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Newark Liberty Intl. Airport (EWR) to London (LGW)
9.4/10 Exceptional! (26 reviews)
Absolutely amazing apart from the banging kitchen door under our bedroom when they started preparing breakfast at 7am.

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2025

Popular places to visit

Panto time... "Oh no it's not"....

Marlowe Theatre

Enjoy a show at Marlowe Theatre, a theater with a story to tell in Canterbury. Make time to visit the area's stunning cathedral, or simply enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Marlowe Theatre
Westgate Gardens and Towers featuring a river or creek, a small town or village and a bridge

Westgate Gardens and Towers

Find out about the history of Canterbury with a stop at Westgate Gardens and Towers. Make time to visit the area's stunning cathedral, or simply enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Westgate Gardens and Towers
Does anyone know the name of this special tree with purple flowers?

Dane John Gardens

Explore the great outdoors at Dane John Gardens, a lovely green space in Canterbury. Make time to visit the area's stunning cathedral, or simply enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Dane John Gardens
In contrast to the busy shopping streets, the Westgate Gardens offers a quiet place to stroll around.

Westgate Gardens

Explore the great outdoors at Westgate Gardens, a lovely green space in Canterbury. Make time to visit the area's stunning cathedral, or simply enjoy its lively bars.

Westgate Gardens

Canterbury Roman Museum

You can study the exhibits at Canterbury Roman Museum, a museum with a storied past, during your travels to Canterbury. Make time to visit the area's stunning cathedral, or simply enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Canterbury Roman Museum

Beaney House of Art & Knowledge

You can browse the exhibits at Beaney House of Art & Knowledge, a museum with a storied past, during your trip to Canterbury. Make time to visit the area's stunning cathedral, or simply enjoy its lively bars.

Beaney House of Art & Knowledge

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
See all 1,021 properties in Canterbury Cathedral
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, don't miss the opportunity to enjoy Canterbury River Tours for a unique perspective of the city from the water. Additionally, consider taking a guided tour of Canterbury to explore its rich history and stunning architecture, making your trip both informative and memorable.

Food and drinks

Experience local flavors at Shepherd Neame Brewery, a charming spot 9 miles from Canterbury Cathedral, perfect for a romantic evening. Alternatively, visit Barnsole Vineyard, 8 miles away, for delightful wines in an entertaining atmosphere. Don’t miss dining options near the cathedral for a unique culinary experience.

Shopping

The closest shopping option is the Old Synagogue, located just 0.1 miles from Canterbury Cathedral, offering unique gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, check out the Ashford Designer Outlet and Capel le Ferne Farmers Market, both around 13 miles away, for a wider variety of shopping experiences.

Recreation

At Canterbury Golf Club, enjoy a round of golf surrounded by beautiful landscapes, enhancing your outdoor experience just a mile from the cathedral. For relaxation, visit Duncan Down, a peaceful recreational area five miles away. For family fun, try Herne Bay Mini Golf, located seven miles away, offering adventure and sports vibes.

Adventure

Embark on an exhilarating hike along the Leas Promenade, 15 miles from Canterbury Cathedral, where you can soak in stunning outdoor scenery. For a thrilling experience, head to Lazer Rush, located 5 miles away, for exciting laser tag adventures. Don’t miss the family-friendly Marsh Maize Maze, 16 miles away!

Nightlife

In Canterbury, the Marlowe Theatre provides a romantic cultural experience with captivating performances just 0.2 miles from the Cathedral. For family fun, MFA Bowl Whitstable offers arcade adventures 6 miles away, while AMF Bowling Margate, located 15 miles away, promises exciting entertainment for all.

Find the best attractions near Canterbury Cathedral

Canterbury Cathedral offers a wealth of attractions for visitors, including stunning views of the cathedral itself, beautiful grounds, and the rich culture of the City of Canterbury. Explore the nearby Canterbury Museum for more local history, or enjoy the outdoor experiences in the surrounding reserves and beaches. With its blend of history and natural beauty, there's plenty to see and do in and around this iconic landmark.

  • University of Kent: Just a mile from Canterbury Cathedral, this modern university boasts a vibrant campus life and stunning architecture, set against a backdrop of lush gardens. It's a great spot to experience the energy of student life and explore cultural events.
  • Whitstable Harbour: Located 6 miles away, this picturesque harbor is perfect for enjoying scenic views and watching the boats come and go. With charming shops and seafood eateries, it's an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll.
  • Whitstable Beach: Also 6 miles from the cathedral, this inviting beach offers a relaxing atmosphere with golden sands and refreshing sea breezes. Perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or enjoying a beachside picnic.

Best time to go to Canterbury Cathedral

Visitor numbers around Canterbury Cathedral is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. 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.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January42.3°F (5.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
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 SunnyAverageSlightly High
June59.2°F (15.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
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 LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Canterbury Cathedral

To save money on your trip to Canterbury Cathedral, consider visiting between November and January when hotel rates are lower. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals and filter hotel prices from low to high. Enjoy free activities like Whitstable Beach and Dane John Gardens nearby. Don't forget to book a package that combines your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can unlock exclusive discounts and cash back for future stays. Keep an eye out for the best rates and availability to maximize your budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Canterbury Cathedral are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May and July to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Canterbury Cathedral is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and type of hotel you’re looking for. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near Canterbury Cathedral with your flights and activities by booking an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.