St Augustine's Abbey

St Augustine's Abbey
View of Exterior Wall (c) English Heritage

This great abbey, marking the rebirth of Christianity in southern England, was founded shortly after AD 597 by St Augustine. Originally created as a burial place for the Anglo-Saxon kings of Kent, it is part of the Canterbury World Heritage Site, along with the cathedral and St Martin's Church.

The impressive abbey is situated outside the city walls and is sometimes missed by visitors. At the abbey, you can also enjoy the museum and free audio tour.

Opening Times:

April 2009 to March 2010Opening TimesOpening Days
1 Apr-30 Jun 10am-5pm Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1 Jul-31 Aug 10am-6pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1 Sep-1 Nov 10am-5pm Sat, & Sun.
2 Nov-31 Mar 10am-4pm Sat, & Sun.
24-26 Dec and 1 Jan CLOSED

How much does it cost?

Adult:
£4.30 until 31 Mar 2010 / £4.50 from 1 Apr 2010
Children:
£2.20 until 31 Mar 2010 / £2.30 from 1 Apr 2010
Concession:
£3.70 until 31 Mar 2010 / £3.80 from 1 Apr 2010
English Heritage Members:
Other:
Family Ticket: £10.80 until 31 Mar 2010 / £11.30 from 1 Apr 2010

How do I get there?

Address:
Kent - CT1 1PF
Road Access:
In Canterbury, 1/4 mile E of Cathedral Close
Train Access:
Canterbury East and West, both 3/4 mile
Bus Access:
From surrounding areas
Map Location:
Telephone:
01227 378 100, Local Tourist Information: Canterbury 01227 766567

What facilities are available?

Facilities Available:
Parking Suitable for people with disabilities Exhibition Museum Guidebooks Dogs allowed on leads Audio tours (included in admission price) Shop Hazardous Admission free for Overseas Vistor Pass holders

What facilities are available for groups?

Group Discount:
15% discount for groups of 11 or more visitors paying together. Free entry for coach driver and tour leader.
Coach Parking Facilities:
As there is no parking on site, please drop off outside monument and park at the coach park at Kingsmead, Canterbury
Group Booking:
Contact the site for a Group Booking Form and for opening times and prices from 1 April 2010.
Average Length of Visit:
1 1/2 hours
Guided Tours:

Monasteries, Magnificence and Misfortune: A short guide to one of the oldest monastic sites in England
A detailed tour of the Abbey grounds. Highlights include the grave of St Augustine and four Anglo-Saxon Kings of Kent, beautiful atmospheric remains of the impressive and important monastery that include the crypt, various chapels, the nave and cloister, as well as an impressive view of the city of Canterbury. Your tour guide will explain the Abbey’s historical and religious significance thus enabling you to catch a glimpse as to what this glorious building may once have been like.

Duration: Approx. 90 mins.

Minimum – maximum pax: 11-30

Advance booking required: Yes – 4 weeks

Call for prices and to book:01227 767 345

Joint Ticket with Canterbury Cathedral
Arrange an unforgettable day out to Canterbury World Heritage Site – and save money. This ticket gives access to BOTH St. Augustine’s Abbey and Canterbury Cathedral, located only a short walk from each other past St Martin’s, the oldest church in England and also part of the World Heritage Site.

Availability: Not valid for events.

Call for prices and to book:01227 767 345

Further Information:
Tours will take place every friday at 2pm and 4pm.

Further Info

Disabled access (all site can be viewed, but some steps).
A public pay car park is near by.