What’s On
Rochester Cathedral has a vibrant programme of concerts, exhibitions and activities throughout the year. There is something for everyone.
We publish information about our upcoming events here and on our social media pages.
On occasion, Rochester Cathedral is closed for large events or services. Please check for any upcoming closures here
Please note, Textus Roffensis is currently off display so it can be ‘rested’ to ensure it survives another 900 years. A facsimile is in place until Textus Roffensis returns in Spring 2026
Coming soon at Rochester Cathedral
Over the Christmas period the Shop and Cafe will be operating different hours to usual.
The Café will be closed between Christmas Eve and the 28th December. It will reopen on the 29th. It will close again on New Years Day.
The Shop will be closed from 15:00 on Christmas Eve and will reopen on Boxing Day. It will close again on New Years Day.
Hours will return to normal from the 2nd January.
Relax and enjoy a musical break over lunchtime in the beautiful setting of Rochester Cathedral. Our Lunchtime Recital Series will be held on selected Mondays throughout the year.
Our performer on Monday 5th January will be our Director of Music Adrian Bawtree. He will be performing a programme of organ music.
Free
All are welcome at our annual Blessing of Chalk service
All are welcome to join us for our annual Blessing of the Plough service where we celebrate Kent’s farming traditions.
Don’t miss
All are welcome to join us for our annual Blessing of the Plough service where we celebrate Kent’s farming traditions.
An exhibition inspired by biblical animals from the artists behind the Come Eat With Me exhibition
Music & Performance
Relax and enjoy a musical break over lunchtime in the beautiful setting of Rochester Cathedral. Our Lunchtime Recital Series will be held on selected Mondays throughout the year.
Our performer on Monday 5th January will be our Director of Music Adrian Bawtree. He will be performing a programme of organ music.
Free
Friends of Rochester Cathedral Event
The City of Rochester Orchestra will perform in a concert of Viennese music in the Cathedral Nave. This will be the fourth such concert in what has become an annual event and fundraiser.
Ticketed
Relax and enjoy a musical break over lunchtime in the beautiful setting of Rochester Cathedral. Our Lunchtime Recital Series will be held on selected Mondays throughout the year
Free
An Evening of Radiohead - performed live by a full band, vocalists and string quartet in the ethereal surroundings of Rochester Cathedral.
Ticketed
An Evening of Radiohead - performed live by a full band, vocalists and string quartet in the ethereal surroundings of Rochester Cathedral.
Ticketed
Set sail on a musical voyage beneath Whales at Rochester Cathedral. Join celebrated shanty group The Silver Darlings for an evening of rousing sea songs.
Ticketed
Join the internationally acclaimed BBC Big Band, conductor Barry Forgie, and special guest vocalist Emer McParland, for an evening of world-class music inspired by the ocean. Expect numbers such “Beyond the Sea”, “Anchors Aweigh”, “How Deep Is the Ocean,” and “Anything Goes” - alongside a sparkling collection of big band and swing classics - all performed in the BBC Big Band’s inimitable swinging style.
TIcketed
A programme including music inspired by the sea (and those that live in it). This concert will include organ performances by our Music Department.
Ticketed
Exhibitions
An exhibition inspired by biblical animals from the artists behind the Come Eat With Me exhibition
Family Activities
Join us for a captivating family event exploring the timeless and dramatic story of Jonah and the Whale retold using puppets and songs.
Suitable for children aged 4 - 11
Free but pre-booking essential
Join us for a captivating family event exploring the timeless and dramatic story of Jonah and the Whale retold using puppets and songs.
Suitable for children aged 4 - 11
Free but pre-booking essential
Tours and Talks
Come on a guided tour of Rochester Cathedral or come along to a talk.
Discover Rochester Cathedral on a guided tour this January. Find out when tours will take place here
Discover Rochester Cathedral on a guided tour this February. Find out when tours will take place here
Adult Learning
Join our Head Gardener for expert advice on pruning. A fun and informative practical session in our beautiful secret gardens.
Join Professor Meric Srokosz as he talks about how global warming is impacting our oceans and the changes affecting all life in the sea from the smallest plankton to the largest sea creatures, the “leviathans of the sea”. This talk will explore the changes taking place, their effect on sea creatures, and end with a biblical reflection and challenge.
Free but prebooking essential
Join our Head Gardener for expert advice on pruning. A fun and informative practical session in our beautiful rose garden
How to get here for an event
Rochester Cathedral has good transport links with Kent, London and the South East. We are situated just outside London. Rochester Station is just five minutes walk from the Cathedral and the train takes just 35 minutes from Central London. Find out how to get here on our visiting information page



