Christmas Afternoon Tea with Cathedral Carol Service
Guests enjoy a festive afternoon tea in the Refectory Restaurant featuring finger sandwiches, sausage rolls, scones with clotted cream and preserve, and seasonal sweet treats. After tea, a member of the team escorts guests over to Canterbury Cathedral to attend the carol service from reserved seats in an allotted area.
What to Expect
Includes guaranteed seats to Canterbury Cathedral's popular Christmas Carol Service.
Event Details
Ages
All ages (Under 3s eat for free)
Neighborhood
The Precincts
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Canterbury Cathedral Lodge
Food & Drink
The festive tea includes finger sandwiches, traditional or vegan sausage rolls, scones with clotted cream and strawberry preserve, macaroons, caramelised apple cake, eclairs and mince pies; a glass of Prosecco is an optional extra.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Festive food and carol-service seekers
Vibe
Festive and relaxed
Energy Level
Low
Budget
££
Photo Friendly
Moderate
Weather Sensitivity
Low
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: £35 per person, or £41 with a glass of Prosecco; under 12s £14; under 3s eat for free.
- Hours: Tables available at 14:45, 15:00, and 15:15; the Carol Service is at 17:00.
- Parking: On-site parking is very limited. Guests can drop off luggage at the Lodge and arrange an electronic permit for nearby city car parks.
- Accessibility: Blue Badge parking permit holders should contact the Lodge directly.
Tips & Advice
- Choose 14:45, 15:00 or 15:15 when booking, as the Lodge asks guests to state their preferred table time.
- Tell the Lodge about allergies or dietary requirements when booking so the team can note them in advance.
- Budget for full payment at booking, and note that cancellations are refundable only if the places can be resold.
- The event is marked fully booked; contact the Lodge about its waiting list before travelling or making arrangements.
- If driving, enter “Burgate, Canterbury” in sat nav rather than the Lodge postcode to follow the recommended route.
Special Events & Promotions
- Under-3s eat for free.
- Under-12s have a reduced-price ticket.
- The afternoon tea has an optional Prosecco-inclusive ticket.
- The tea is followed by the Cathedral Carol Service on December 23 and 24, with guaranteed service tickets and seats in an allotted area.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there still space to book?
The event is fully booked, but a waiting list is operating; call or email the Lodge to enquire.
What food is served at the afternoon tea?
The menu includes finger sandwiches, sausage rolls, scones with clotted cream and preserve, macaroons, cake, éclairs and mince pies.
What happens after the tea?
A team member escorts guests to the Cathedral Carol Service; each guest has a guaranteed service ticket and a seat in an allotted area.
Can dietary requirements be accommodated?
Advise the Lodge of allergies or dietary requirements when booking.
Where can I park, and how do I reach the Lodge by car?
On-site parking is very limited. Enter “Burgate, Canterbury” in your sat nav, drop off luggage at the Lodge, then use a nearby city car park.
More Christmas Events near Canterbury
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