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
Coming soon at Rochester Cathedral
Celebrating the art of imitation, our 2024 Choral Pilgrimage explores music from the master of parody, Orlande de Lassus, alongside works by Josquin, Casulana and Bob Chilcott.
We will be tuning our organ during the day. We have to do this to keep all the pipes working correctly. It can be quite loud and disruptive so we apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Discover more about the rarely seen Sir Joshua Reynolds painting of former Bishop of Rochester John Thomas. Professor Robin Simon will be speaking about this stunning painting of Bishop Thomas. Also on display will be a self-portrait of Sir Joshua Reynolds.
Ticketed
Coming to Rochester for the Sweeps Festival? Pop into Rochester Cathedral over the weekend. We’ve got live music, stunning architecture and a chance to discover 1400 years of history.
2024 Highlights
Draco Roffensis: The Rochester Dragon has been inspired by illuminated artwork found within the pages of Textus Roffensis.
Sold Out Rochester Cathedral is opening its secret gardens to the public for one day this summer. Hidden behind the Cathedral are 3 acres of gardens. These are usually closed to the public but on the 8th June the gardens will be opened to ticket holders as part of a project to increase access to this beautiful space.
Ticketed
Music at Rochester Cathedral
Celebrating the art of imitation, our 2024 Choral Pilgrimage explores music from the master of parody, Orlande de Lassus, alongside works by Josquin, Casulana and Bob Chilcott.
Coming to Rochester for the Sweeps Festival? Pop into Rochester Cathedral over the weekend. We’ve got live music, stunning architecture and a chance to discover 1400 years of history.
Part of the 2024 Organ Festival Series
Jeremy Lloyd, Assistant Director of Music at Rochester Cathedral, performs this free recital as part of the Sweeps Festival. Performances will take place on Sunday at 13:00 and Monday at 12:00 and will last 1 hour.
This is a free recital
We are ‘all shook up’ as one of the UK's leading Elvis tribute acts along with an incredible live band perform in 'Elvis by Candlelight' at Rochester Cathedral..Organised by Kinda Dusty.
Ticketed
Part of the 2024 Organ Festival Series
Markus Eichenlaub from Germany will join us for our 2024 Organ Festival Series.
Tickets available online
Direct from Carnegie Hall, New York and following a run of sell-out shows across the UK and Australia, join us for an incredible night of Queen Anthems, performed at Rochester Cathedral, by candlelight. Organised by Kinda Dusty.
Ticketed
Part of the 2024 Organ Festival Series
Jamie Rogers from Canterbury Cathedral will join us for our 2024 Organ Festival Series.
Tickets available online
Part of the 2024 Organ Festival Series
Charles Francis from the USA will join us for our 2024 Organ Festival Series.
Tickets available online
Exhibitions
Draco Roffensis: The Rochester Dragon has been inspired by illuminated artwork found within the pages of Textus Roffensis.
24 top British sports stars have collaborated with international award-winning sculptor, Louise Giblin, to have their hands life cast. The casts will go on display in the Crypt of Rochester Cathedral from the 19th July - 31st August.
Organised by Abigail’s Footsteps
Family Activities
Tours and Talks
Come on a guided tour of Rochester Cathedral or come along to a talk.
Explore England’s second oldest cathedral with one of our experienced guides. 1400 years of fascinating history in 1 hour.
Discover more about the rarely seen Sir Joshua Reynolds painting of former Bishop of Rochester John Thomas. Professor Robin Simon will be speaking about this stunning painting of Bishop Thomas. Also on display will be a self-portrait of Sir Joshua Reynolds.
Ticketed
Explore England’s second oldest cathedral with one of our experienced guides. 1400 years of fascinating history in 1 hour.
Join our Head Gardener to explore some of Rochester Cathedral’s beautiful secret and public gardens.
Ticketed
Explore England’s second oldest cathedral with one of our experienced guides. 1400 years of fascinating history in 1 hour.
Explore England’s second oldest cathedral with one of our experienced guides. 1400 years of fascinating history in 1 hour.
Explore England’s second oldest cathedral with one of our experienced guides. 1400 years of fascinating history in 1 hour.
Explore England’s second oldest cathedral with one of our experienced guides. 1400 years of fascinating history in 1 hour.
Explore England’s second oldest cathedral with one of our experienced guides. 1400 years of fascinating history in 1 hour.
Explore England’s second oldest cathedral with one of our experienced guides. 1400 years of fascinating history in 1 hour.
Explore England’s second oldest cathedral with one of our experienced guides. 1400 years of fascinating history in 1 hour.
Explore England’s second oldest cathedral with one of our experienced guides. 1400 years of fascinating history in 1 hour.
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