FAQs - Updated: 14th July 2023
What can I do in the Cathedral?
We are open for visitors and worshippers.
Our current opening times can be seen here
We do have some closures planned which can be viewed here
Which services are taking place?
Current information can be found here
Do I need to book for services?
No, attendees can just turn up for the vast majority of our services. Occasionally large and popular services may need to be booked in advance. We will publish this information on our website.
How much does it cost to visit?
Rochester Cathedral is free to visit but we encourage voluntary donations of £5 per person.
Charges do apply for group and education visits find out more here
Will the toilets be open?
Our disabled toilets are open within the Cathedral. We have public toilets open in the Garth for visitors.
How do I access the Cathedral?
Entry is via the North Door or the West Door (opposite the Castle).
Is there level access?
Level access is available at the North Door.
Can I get refreshments in the Cathedral?
Yes, the Café in the Crypt is open Monday - Saturday. Find out more here
Where can I buy souvenirs?
Our shop is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Find out more here
Can I visit the Library?
The Library is currently closed.
For more information on the Library, please click here
Are dogs allowed in the Cathedral?
Unfortunately, we are unable to allow dogs or other animals, in the Cathedral. Guide dogs and assistance dogs are permitted. This is due to concerns around the behaviour of dogs and the impact of them on our visitors.
Cathedral Clock
Our clock chimes every quarter hour except between 11pm - 6am. During this time it will only chime on the hour.
To keep the cathedral clock accurate it has been fitted with a device called a pendulum regulator, this is basically a small computer that communicates with the atomic clock and regulates the pendulum each hour to keep the clock in time. The regulator takes its reading from the action of the hour strike and therefore the clock keeps chiming on the hour, 24 hours a day.
We do have a night silencer fitted to the quarter chimes and these are disengaged between 11pm and 6am.
Bells
The duty verger will chime one of the bells 5 minutes before services every morning and evening, and the bell ringers ring before principle services on Sunday morning and at other key times of the year. Practice nights for the bellringers are on Thursdays. On occasion bells will ring at other times.
Photography
Photography is allowed when visiting the Cathedral with some exceptions. We respectfully ask visitors and worshippers not to take photographs or make videos during acts of worship and events.
