About
St Augustine's Abbey traces the history of a monastery founded in AD 598, shortly after Augustine's mission from Rome brought a new Christian royal connection to Kent. King Ethelbert provided the land, and the community later grew into a major Norman abbey before parts became a Tudor royal palace. Today the excavated remains form part of Canterbury's World Heritage Site, with a museum displaying finds and stone carving from the buildings. The included audio guide helps turn low walls and empty spaces into a picture of the abbey at different stages, and families often find it useful for keeping children involved. There are benches for a picnic and toilets inside the museum, making this an easy addition to a day in Canterbury. Much of the site is accessible, but stairs into the crypt and other areas, uneven ground and unguarded drops require care. Dogs on leads are welcome in the abbey grounds.
OpenSee all times
- St Augustine's Abbey10:00 – 17:00
Opening times may change at short notice.
Open daily 10:00-17:00 until 24 October 2026, then daily 10:00-16:00 from 25 October to 1 November. From 2 November to 2026-12-20, open weekends 10:00-16:00. Check the official calendar for holiday and later dates.
Last admission is 30 minutes before closing.
EH members receive free standard admission with a valid membership card. National Trust membership alone does not cover admission. Ordinary advance booking is optional; special events can have separate arrangements.
Accessibility: Much of the site and museum is wheelchair accessible, but the crypt, cloister and Campanile mound have steps with no ramps or lift. Companion assistance may be needed. Set-down is available beside the entrance.
Parking: No on-site car park. Longport car park opposite is independently operated and charged; current tariffs and membership concessions are not confirmed.
PricingFree with English Heritage membershipEH memberFree entryNon-member£12.70
Free entry with English Heritage membership
Entry
Non-member prices
Adult£12.70
Child (5-17)£6.30
Concession£11.80
Family (2 adults, up to 3 children)£31.80
Family (1 adult, up to 3 children)£19.00
Pricing details
Standard-day walk-up price without voluntary donation. Dates vary: this tier is £10.90 off-peak and £14.50 peak. Book by midnight the day before to save up to 15%. Children under five enter free. EH members receive free standard admission with a valid membership card. National Trust membership alone does not cover admission. Ordinary advance booking is optional; special events can have separate arrangements.
Standard-day walk-up price without voluntary donation. Dates vary: this tier is £5.40 off-peak and £7.20 peak. Book by midnight the day before to save up to 15%. Children under five enter free. EH members receive free standard admission with a valid membership card. National Trust membership alone does not cover admission. Ordinary advance booking is optional; special events can have separate arrangements.
Standard-day walk-up price without voluntary donation. Dates vary: this tier is £10.00 off-peak and £13.60 peak. Book by midnight the day before to save up to 15%. Children under five enter free. EH members receive free standard admission with a valid membership card. National Trust membership alone does not cover admission. Ordinary advance booking is optional; special events can have separate arrangements.
Standard-day walk-up price without voluntary donation. Dates vary: this tier is £27.20 off-peak and £36.30 peak. Book by midnight the day before to save up to 15%. Children under five enter free. EH members receive free standard admission with a valid membership card. National Trust membership alone does not cover admission. Ordinary advance booking is optional; special events can have separate arrangements.
Standard-day walk-up price without voluntary donation. Dates vary: this tier is £16.30 off-peak and £21.80 peak. Book by midnight the day before to save up to 15%. Children under five enter free. EH members receive free standard admission with a valid membership card. National Trust membership alone does not cover admission. Ordinary advance booking is optional; special events can have separate arrangements.
ParkingParking not known
The Trust's page does not say how parking is charged.
Parking details
No on-site car park. Longport car park opposite is independently operated and charged; current tariffs and membership concessions are not confirmed.
Follow current signs and any operator conditions.
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