Canterbury Cathedral

Canterbury Cathedral is the Mother Church of the worldwide Anglican Communion and seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury. The Cathedral is both a holy place and part of a World Heritage Site. It is the home of a community of people who seek to make the Cathedral a place of welcome, beauty and holiness and take part in one of our 2,00 services each year.

Pilgrims and visitors have made their way to Canterbury Cathedral since the Middle Ages, especially to pray at the shrine to murdered Arhcbishop and Saint Thomas a Beckett.

It remains one of the most visited places in the country, and, just as importantly, a living community. Visitors have always been made welcome in the ancient tradition of Benedictine hospitality. We continue the tradition, warmly inviting everyone to share with us the beauty of one of the great holy places of Christendom.

Modern visitors can see:

• St Augustine’s original building beneath the floor of the Nave
• The site of Thomas a Beckett's murder
• Altar of the Sword's Point
• Over 1,200m of stained glass windows depicting inspirational stories of Medieaval men and women
• The Compass Rose
• The work of our stonemasons
• One of four original copies of the Magna Carta - signed by King John in 1215.

Schools

Our programmes link with the National Curriculum and RE syllabuses and teachers are very welcome to come for a visit to the Cathedral to discuss and plan their visit.

Booking a Visit

To find out more or to book a visit to the Cathedral, contact the friendly members of the Schools Department to discuss requirements. We can then check the Cathedral calendar and make a provisional booking. We will ask you to complete a booking form to confirm your visit and send it back to us.

Guided Tours can be arranged for all ages and abilities. They can relate to most curriculum areas including History, RE, Art, English/Chaucer and Science and are led by experienced volunteer tour guides or members of the Schools Department. Teachers should specify the focus of their visit on the booking form as well as identify their learning objectives. Guided tours last between 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes depending on the requirements and the suitability for the pupils.