‘Climb the Corona’ Tour and Afternoon Tea – Monday 1st & Monday 8th September

The Corona Chapel was built in the 12th century to house the crown – ‘corona’ in Latin – of St Thomas Becket’s skull, which had been sliced off during his murder and was revered as a saintly relic.

Explore the chapel, usually closed to the public, giving you the opportunity to explore the tombs of Cardinal Reginald Pole and Archbishop Temple, and view the wonderful stained glass windows in more detail, before climbing the 95 steps to the top of the Corona Tower itself and experience amazing views across the city in all directions.

This tour offers a unique opportunity to see the city of Canterbury differently – as well as some hidden stone carvings atop the tower.

After the tour, a full afternoon tea will be served in the Refectory Restaurant at the Cathedral Lodge.

Monday 1st September – 1pm, 2pm and 3pm

Monday 8th September – 1pm, 2pm and 3pm

This event will begin with the Corona tower tour, lasting approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, with the afternoon tea following on from the tour.

Tickets to this event are £40 (10% discount for Friends of Canterbury Cathedral). Full payment is taken at the time of booking, which in the event of cancellation, a refund can only be issued if the tickets can be resold. Please advise a member of staff when booking of any allergies or dietary requirements.

To make a reservation, please call 01227 865350 extension 3, or email events@canterburycathedrallodge.org

Tour Restrictions:

Please note, you will be required to sign a disclaimer, to confirm you have understood and abide by these restrictions.

There are 95 steps up and down the Corona Tower.

Sensible shoes should be worn with enclosed toes.

Those taking the tour must be aged 16+ and be comfortable climbing 99 steps. Children 16-18 should be accompanied by an adult with the ratio of one adult to two children.

The tour is not suitable for those with a fear of heights or enclosed spaces.

If you have any health conditions which may affect your ability to climb or are in late pregnancy, we recommend that you consult your doctor before booking. These conditions could be but are not limited to: Angina, palpitations or heart conditions such as a narrowed heart valve, high blood pressure / poorly controlled blood pressure, respiratory conditions such as asthma, back, joint or limb pain or injury, arthritis, Labyrinthitis and Ménière’s disease, Vertigo, major surgery in the last 6 months, a fit or seizure in the last 6 months.

Please bring any essential medication with you (for example, asthma inhalers, diabetic medication etc.).

Both hands must be free to participate in the climb and large bags are not permitted on the tour.

This tour is not suitable for under 16s, and babies cannot be carried on the tour.

Any visitor under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any other substance which could impair judgement, co-ordination, and cause risk to yourself, and others will not be admitted to the tour.

Please note, this tour is weather dependent. In the event of severely inclement weather or high wind where the Corona Tower tour is not possible to go ahead, there will be an in depth tour of the Cathedral’s Archives, displaying some fascinating parts of their historic collections, relating to the Cathedral buildings and grounds.