Canterbury Cathedral Travel Guide: History, Tips & Visitor Info

Step into over 1,400 years of history at Canterbury Cathedral, one of the most revered religious sites in the United Kingdom and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the medieval city of Canterbury, Kent, this awe-inspiring Gothic masterpiece is not only the mother church of the Anglican Communion but also a place of pilgrimage, architectural wonder, and living worship.
 

As your virtual tour guide, I’ll walk you through the essentials: what to see, when to visit, how to get there, and why this historic cathedral should be on your England itinerary.

📍 Quick Facts

Location: Canterbury, Kent, England

Founded: 597 AD by St. Augustine

Rebuilt: 1070–1077 (Norman Romanesque), later Gothic additions

Famous for: Murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket (1170)

UNESCO Status: World Heritage Site (since 1988)

Religious Significance: Seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury

🏛️ A Brief History of Canterbury Cathedral

Founded in 597 AD by St. Augustine, who was sent by Pope Gregory the Great to convert the Anglo-Saxons, Canterbury Cathedral is considered the birthplace of English Christianity.

Key historical moments:

1070: Rebuilt in the Norman Romanesque style after fire damage.

1170: Archbishop Thomas Becket was murdered inside the cathedral—a shocking event that turned Canterbury into a major pilgrimage site.

14th–15th centuries: Stunning Gothic elements were added, including the Perpendicular nave and Bell Harry Tower.

Through plagues, reformations, civil wars, and world wars, the cathedral has endured as a symbol of resilience and faith.

🕍 Highlights Inside Canterbury Cathedral

✝️ 1. The Martyrdom Site of Thomas Becket

Visit the exact spot where Thomas Becket was brutally murdered by knights of King Henry II in 1170. Today, the area is marked by a symbolic sculpture and remains a sacred place of reflection.

⛪ 2. The Nave

Soaring arches, intricately carved stone, and beautiful stained glass windows greet you in the nave, one of the finest examples of English Gothic architecture. It's the perfect introduction to the cathedral’s majesty.

🪟 3. The Stained Glass Windows

Many of the stained glass panels date back to the 12th century and depict biblical stories, English kings, and pilgrim journeys. The “Miracle Windows”, in particular, are visually stunning and tell tales of healing attributed to Becket.

🏰 4. Bell Harry Tower

Standing over 235 feet tall, Bell Harry Tower is the crowning feature of the cathedral. Its fan-vaulted ceiling and central lantern bring heavenly light into the heart of the building.

🧱 5. The Crypt

The Norman Crypt is the oldest part of the cathedral still in use. Quiet and atmospheric, it contains chapels, medieval frescoes, and is used for smaller services.

🪦 6. The Cloisters and Chapter House

The peaceful cloisters offer a serene walking path beneath decorative stonework arches. Nearby, the Chapter House is where monks once gathered to read scripture.

🏰 7. Tombs of Royalty and Archbishops

Notable burials include:

Henry IV and Joan of Navarre

The Black Prince (Edward of Woodstock)
Their tombs are elaborately crafted and steeped in history.

🎟️ Tickets & Visitor Information (2025)

🎟️ Tickets can be purchased online via the official Canterbury Cathedral website.

⏰ Opening Hours

Monday–Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Sunday: 12:30 PM – 4:30 PM (worship only in the morning)

Last entry: 30–60 minutes before closing

Special closures may apply for religious events.

🧭 How to Get to Canterbury Cathedral

By Train:

1 hour from London St Pancras to Canterbury West

1.5 hours from London Victoria to Canterbury East

Both stations are a 10–15 minute walk to the cathedral.

By Car:

M2 or M20 motorways lead directly into Canterbury.

Park & Ride options available.

By Coach:

National Express coaches run daily from London and nearby cities.

📸 Best Photo Spots

🙏 Worship and Services

As an active place of worship, the cathedral hosts:

Daily Eucharist and Evensong

Sunday Mass

Special seasonal services (Easter, Christmas)

📌 All visitors are welcome to attend services for free.
Photography is not permitted during services.

🛍️ Shops & Cafés

Cathedral Shop: Books, gifts, and souvenirs themed around faith, history, and architecture.

Cathedral Lodge Café: Cozy spot for tea, coffee, and light snacks.

City Centre: Numerous restaurants, pubs, and bakeries within walking distance.

🗓️ Best Time to Visit

🕊️ Try to visit early in the morning or during Evensong for a peaceful experience.

🧠 Fun Facts About Canterbury Cathedral

The murder of Thomas Becket inspired Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales.

The cathedral choir is one of the oldest in the world, dating back to the 6th century.

The cathedral has survived fire, earthquake, war damage, and Henry VIII’s dissolution.

It was featured in the 1964 film Becket, starring Richard Burton and Peter O’Toole.

It is still the mother church of 85 million Anglicans worldwide.

🧳 Nearby Attractions

After exploring the cathedral, why not enjoy these nearby highlights?

🏛️ Canterbury Roman Museum

An underground museum showcasing Roman mosaics and ancient artifacts.

🏰 Westgate Towers

The largest surviving medieval city gate in England—climb for city views!

🚤 River Stour Boat Tour

Take a punting tour through Canterbury’s peaceful medieval waterways.

🛍️ Canterbury City Centre

Charming cobbled streets, boutiques, and cafés make this a perfect spot for wandering.

🏁 Final Thoughts

A visit to Canterbury Cathedral is not just a step back in time—it’s a walk through the soul of England’s spiritual heritage. With its magnificent architecture, moving history, and tranquil grounds, it offers a deep and memorable experience for travelers, pilgrims, and history lovers alike.

So whether you come for quiet reflection, stunning photography, or rich cultural insight, Canterbury Cathedral will leave you inspired and uplifted.