Canterbury Cathedral, England, United Kingdom

Canterbury Cathedral is one of the most important religious and historical sites in the United Kingdom. Located in the city of Canterbury in Kent, it is the mother church of the worldwide Anglican Communion and the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury. Together with St Augustine’s Abbey and St Martin’s Church, the cathedral has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988.

Founded in 597 by St Augustine, the cathedral was rebuilt by the Normans in the 1070s and enlarged over the following centuries, which gave it a striking combination of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. It is especially famous for the murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket in 1170, an event that turned the cathedral into one of the main pilgrimage destinations of medieval Europe.

What to See

Visitors can explore the vast interior: the tall Perpendicular nave, the choir, the Norman crypt and the Martyrdom, the spot where Becket was killed. A single candle in the Trinity Chapel marks the place where his shrine stood until it was destroyed in 1538. The building is renowned for its stained glass, some of the oldest in England, which shows biblical scenes and the miracles attributed to Becket. The peaceful cloisters and gardens offer a quieter space away from the main church.

The cathedral also holds daily services, concerts and exhibitions, so visitors experience it both as a historic monument and as a living place of worship. Audio guides and guided tours give a deeper insight into its long history.

Practical Information

In 2026 an adult ticket costs £18 from October to March, £19.50 from April to September and £21 at weekends in July and August. The ticket is valid for 12 months, and up to two children aged 17 and under enter free with each paying adult. The cathedral is open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 17:00 and on Sunday from 12:30 to 17:00, with last admission at 16:00. Booking online is recommended in peak season, and parts of the building may close for services or special events.

Canterbury is easy to reach from London: high-speed trains from St Pancras International take about 55 minutes to Canterbury West, while trains from Victoria to Canterbury East take around an hour and a half. The cathedral is a 10–15 minute walk from either station through the historic city centre.