Canterbury Cathedral Beyond the Tourist Route
Canterbury Cathedral is one of England’s most important religious buildings, but most visitors see only the nave and a few highlights. The cathedral has hidden gems—from the spectacular crypt to the magnificent library—that reveal its full significance and nearly 1,500 years of history.
This guide reveals Canterbury Cathedral beyond the tourist route, explaining what makes it special, where to find hidden corners, and understanding its place in English history.
Understanding Canterbury Cathedral’s Significance
Canterbury Cathedral is England’s first purpose-built Anglican cathedral, founded in 597 AD. Its significance includes:
Historical firsts: First cathedral in England built specifically as a cathedral for Augustine’s mission.
Thomas Becket: Archbishop Becket was murdered here in 1170, making the cathedral one of Europe’s most important pilgrimage destinations for centuries.
Anglican tradition: The cathedral established patterns that influenced English cathedral building for centuries.
Royal burials: Four kings are buried here (William the Conqueror, Henry IV, Edward the Black Prince, and an unidentified medieval king).
Architectural influence: The cathedral’s architecture influenced countless other English churches.
World Heritage Site: Together with St. Augustine’s Abbey, it forms part of the Canterbury UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What makes the cathedral special is its combination of historical significance, architectural beauty, and spiritual importance that has continued unbroken for over 1,400 years.
Essential Hidden Corners to Visit
1. The Crypt
The crypt beneath the cathedral is spectacular but surprisingly under-visited by tourists. This is where medieval pilgrims would have approached the cathedral, and it contains some of the most historically significant architecture.
What makes the crypt special is its atmosphere and age. The crypt is where early Christian worship happened in Canterbury, and the Norman architecture here is particularly impressive. The space feels ancient and sacred in ways the upper church doesn’t quite match.
Location: Beneath the nave, accessed from steps near the crossing
Opening: Generally accessible during cathedral hours (check for services that may restrict access)
Cost: Usually free with cathedral admission
What to expect: Ancient Norman architecture, atmospheric lighting, historical displays. Allow 20-30 minutes.
Historical note: This is likely where early Christian worship in Canterbury took place, and where early medieval pilgrims would have approached the church.
2. The Trinity Chapel
The Trinity Chapel is a beautiful 15th-century side chapel that most visitors miss. Built between 1484 and 1517, it’s a magnificent example of Perpendicular Gothic architecture with beautiful stained glass and intricate woodwork.
What makes the Trinity Chapel special is its beauty and craftsmanship. The chapel’s fan-vaulted ceiling, beautiful stained glass, and carved woodwork are among the cathedral’s finest Perpendicular details, yet many visitors never discover it.
Location: Off the south aisle of the nave
Opening: Generally accessible during cathedral hours (may be used for services)
Cost: Free with cathedral admission
What to expect: Beautiful 15th-century architecture, stained glass, and carved woodwork. Allow 10-15 minutes.
Architecture note: The chapel’s fan-vaulted ceiling is particularly sophisticated for its time, showing the advancement of English architectural techniques.
3. The Martyrdom Chapel
The Martyrdom Chapel commemorates those who died for their faith during the Reformation and later religious conflicts. The chapel contains beautiful windows and a moving atmosphere of courage and sacrifice.
What makes the Martyrdom Chapel special is its focus on those who died for belief rather than power or wealth. Unlike many cathedral monuments to kings and archbishops, this chapel remembers ordinary people who gave their lives for their faith.
Location: Off the north aisle of the nave
Opening: Generally accessible during cathedral hours (may be used for services)
Cost: Free with cathedral admission
What to expect: Beautiful windows, commemorative displays, and moving atmosphere. Allow 10-15 minutes.
Historical significance: The chapel reflects Canterbury’s role in religious conflicts that shaped England’s Reformation.
4. The Library
The Cathedral Library is one of England’s most important historic libraries, containing ancient manuscripts and printed books dating back to the 8th century. While generally only open to scholars, some exhibitions allow public access.
What makes the library special is its collection and age. The library contains some of England’s oldest printed books and valuable manuscripts, showing Canterbury’s role as a center of learning for over 1,400 years.
Location: Usually accessed by guided tour only (check with cathedral)
Opening: Generally only accessible by guided tour (exhibitions may have public access)
Cost: Guided tour prices vary (check with cathedral)
What to expect: Magnificent library spaces, historical displays, glimpses of rare books and manuscripts. Allow 30-45 minutes if accessible.
Scholarly note: The library is a working research library, not just a museum, which makes it particularly special for those who love books and learning.
5. The Bell Harry Tower
The Bell Harry Tower (the central tower) offers spectacular views across Canterbury and the surrounding countryside. While many visitors see the tower from below, fewer climb it for the views.
What makes the tower climb special is the perspective it offers on Canterbury and its surroundings. From above, you can appreciate the cathedral’s layout and its relationship with the city and surrounding countryside in a way that’s impossible from ground level.
Location: Central tower of the cathedral
Opening: Generally accessible during cathedral hours (climb may be restricted during services or bad weather)
Cost: Usually £3-5 additional to cathedral admission (check current prices)
What to expect: Spectacular views across Canterbury, across to the North Downs and towards the sea. Allow 20 minutes for the climb.
Climb note: The tower has many steps (around 70) and narrow spiral staircase in places. Good fitness and comfortable shoes are essential.
Understanding Canterbury Cathedral Architecture
Canterbury Cathedral has been built and rebuilt over 1,400 years, with architectural styles from different periods:
Norman (late 11th-12th century): The crypt, parts of the nave, and some other areas date from the Norman period after the 1174 fire.
Early English Gothic (late 12th-13th century): Rebuilding after the fire introduced Gothic elements like pointed arches and ribbed vaulting.
Decorated Gothic (late 14th-early 16th century): Extensions and rebuilding in the Decorated style, with elaborate window tracery and architectural details.
Perpendicular Gothic (late 15th-early 16th century): The Bell Harry Tower, Trinity Chapel, and other areas show the Perpendicular style’s emphasis on vertical lines and decorative restraint.
Victorian and later (19th-20th centuries): Various restorations and reconstructions have maintained the cathedral while adapting it to changing needs.
This layering of architectural styles makes the cathedral a palimpsest of English church building across nearly a millennium and a half.
Canterbury Cathedral Walking Route
Here’s a walking route covering key areas and hidden corners in 1-2 hours:
Start: Nave (allow 10-15 minutes)
Descend to: Crypt (allow 20-30 minutes)
Return to: Nave and explore south aisle
Explore: Trinity Chapel (allow 10-15 minutes)
Explore: Martyrdom Chapel (allow 10-15 minutes)
Explore: North aisle and ambulatory
End: Climb Bell Harry Tower (allow 20 minutes) if accessible
Total distance: Approximately 0.5 miles within the cathedral
Total time: 1.5-2.5 hours (depending on pace and tower climb)
Total cost: Cathedral admission (approximately £12.50 adult) plus tower climb fee if applicable
Canterbury Cathedral Photography Tips
The Nave: The nave’s length and height make it spectacular for interior photography. Use a wide-angle lens to capture its scale.
The Crypt: The crypt’s ancient architecture and atmospheric lighting make for excellent photography, especially with high ISO capability.
Stained Glass: The cathedral’s windows are spectacular, particularly the windows in the nave and Trinity Chapel. Use a telephoto lens to capture details.
The Tower: The view from the tower offers spectacular perspectives on the cathedral and city. Early morning or late afternoon light is best.
The Gardens: The cathedral’s surrounding gardens are particularly beautiful in spring and summer, with the cathedral as a backdrop.
Canterbury Cathedral Etiquette
Respect Worship: The cathedral is first and foremost a place of worship. Don’t enter during services or when prayers are happening.
Keep Noise Down: The cathedral’s acoustics are designed for liturgical worship, not chatter. Respect others’ desire for quiet contemplation.
Don’t Block Access: Don’t block access for other visitors, particularly in narrow aisles or the crypt.
Ask Permission: Don’t take flash photography during services or in areas where it’s prohibited. Always ask first if unsure.
Practical Information
Opening Hours: The cathedral is generally open Monday-Saturday 9:30am-5:30pm (last admission 5pm) and Sundays 12:30-2:30pm (last admission 2:30pm). Check current times as they vary by season and events.
Admission: Approximately £12.50 adult, £11.50 concession, £7.50 child. Check current prices as they vary.
Climb Access: The tower climb is generally available and costs approximately £3-5 additional. Check with cathedral as it may be restricted by weather or other factors.
Guided Tours: The cathedral offers guided tours led by knowledgeable guides. These are excellent for understanding the cathedral’s history and architecture.
Facilities: The cathedral has a shop, café, and toilets. These are generally open during cathedral hours.
Accessibility: The cathedral is generally accessible to wheelchair users, though some areas (like the crypt and tower) may have limited access or stairs.
Seasonal Cathedral Visits
Spring (March-May): Good weather for exploring the cathedral and gardens. Services and events become more frequent as Easter approaches.
Summer (June-August): Best weather but most crowded. Early morning or late afternoon offers quieter times. Special services and events happen regularly.
Autumn (September-November): Good weather and fewer crowds than summer. The cathedral is particularly beautiful in autumn light.
Winter (December-February): Quietest time but coldest. The cathedral is atmospheric in winter light. Some services and events may be less frequent.
Combining Cathedral with Other Canterbury Sites
Canterbury has more than just the cathedral and St. Augustine’s Abbey:
St. Augustine’s Abbey: Founded in 598 AD, this was where Christianity in England began. The ruins are spectacular and worth visiting alongside the cathedral.
City Walls: Canterbury’s medieval walls can be walked in about 30 minutes, offering good views and a sense of the city’s historic layout.
River Stour Walk: A pleasant walk along the river, connecting the cathedral with other parts of the city and offering good views.
The Dane John Gardens: A beautiful public park on a mound overlooking the city, with excellent views and a sense of space.
Canterbury Roman Museum: The museum has excellent displays on Canterbury’s Roman past and early Christian history.
Understanding Thomas Becket and the Pilgrimage
Thomas Becket’s murder in the cathedral in 1170 transformed Canterbury into one of Europe’s most important pilgrimage destinations. Pilgrims came to worship at the site of his martyrdom, and the cathedral became wealthy and powerful through their offerings.
The pilgrimage route that developed became known as the Pilgrims’ Way, running from London to Canterbury. Pilgrims would travel this route, stopping at various holy sites along the way, before arriving in Canterbury to worship at Becket’s shrine.
The pilgrimage tradition made Canterbury wealthy and influential, with the cathedral becoming one of England’s most important religious sites. The Becket Chapel in the cathedral commemorates his memory and murder, though his original shrine was destroyed during the Reformation.
Understanding this history helps explain why Canterbury Cathedral became so important and wealthy, and why its influence spread across England and Europe.
A Final Thought
Canterbury Cathedral is England’s first purpose-built cathedral and one of its most historically significant religious buildings. While the nave and main areas are spectacular, the cathedral’s hidden gems—the crypt, the Trinity Chapel, the library—reveal its full significance and nearly 1,500 years of continuous religious tradition.
The key to appreciating Canterbury Cathedral is to explore beyond the obvious. Yes, visit the nave and see the main highlights—they’re magnificent. But also descend to the crypt, explore the side chapels, understand the library’s importance, and experience the cathedral as a living place of worship that has served Christians for over a millennium and a half.
Canterbury Cathedral represents something truly remarkable in English history—the place where Augustine began his mission, where Becket was murdered, where kings are buried, and where Christians have worshipped continuously for over 1,400 years. It’s not just a beautiful building but a living spiritual tradition that has adapted and survived through centuries of change.
So explore the cathedral’s hidden corners, understand its history, and appreciate why this place has been so important for so long. The crypt, the library, the side chapels—they all tell parts of Canterbury’s extraordinary story.
This guide reveals Canterbury Cathedral’s hidden corners beyond the tourist route, from the spectacular crypt to the magnificent library, from side chapels to the bell tower climb. Canterbury Cathedral is England’s first purpose-built cathedral with nearly 1,500 years of continuous history. Explore its hidden gems and discover its full significance.