Welcome to Southwark Cathedral.
Today people come from near and far to visit us and we look forward to welcoming you. Whether you're passing through, or looking for a new spiritual home, we hope you enjoy your visit.
Opening Hours
Cathedral
Monday - Saturday | 9am - 6pm
Sunday | 8.30am - 5pm
Cathedral Offices
Monday - Friday | 10am - 4.30pm
Shop
Monday - Friday | 10am - 4.30pm
Saturday | 10am - 5pm
Sunday | 11am - 3pm
Cafe
Monday - Friday | 9am - 5pm
Saturday | 8am - 5pm
Sunday | 9.30am - 4pm
Attending a Service
All are welcome to attend our acts of worship, the times for our regular services can be found here. Please note visiting restrictions may apply.
Recommended Visiting Times
If you do not wish to attend a service then you are very welcome to explore the Cathedral, we highly recommend visiting during the following times as access to parts of the Cathedral are restricted during services:
Sunday
12.30pm – 3pm and 4pm – 5pm
Monday – Friday
9am – 5pm
Saturday
9.30am - 3.45pm & 5pm - 6pm
The Cathedral plays an active role in the community, and there may be times when we are closed or areas of the Cathedral are restricted to visitors due to a service or an event taking place. We recommend you check our closures which can be found here
We will do our best to accommodate those that wish to pray or light a candle during these closure times although this may not always be possible.
Hourly Prayers
The Cathedral has established the practice of having hourly prayers throughout the day from 10.30am to 4.30pm. These prayers are led by our Day Chaplains and last approximately two minutes. During the prayers, all visitors are requested to remain still and are invited to join in saying The Lord's Prayer in their native language.
Photography and Filming
The Cathedral is primarily a place of worship and we believe that those who are here to worship can do so undisturbed. A number of Cathedral's do not allow photography but we do encourage it outside of services and events.
Photography is not permitted during our any of our services or events.
Fees apply for photographs which are taken with intent to use commercially or which may be used for financial and commercial gain by an individual or business. Although special arrangments may be made regarding copyright, the intellectual property of Southwark Cathedral, its contents and environs will remain that of The Dean and Chapter of Southwark Cathedral at all times.
Anybody wishing to photograph or film within the Cathedral precint for the above or other reasons such as commercial projects, promotional images, wedding photography or images for public broadcast should contact the Development Director by email or telephone on 020 7367 6704 for further details.
Drop In Tours
Our Cathedral Guides offer a drop-in tours on Tuesdays and Thursdays, subject to the availablity of the guides.
Please enquire at the Welcome Desk to see if a Guide is available and if so, meet the Guide the font in the Cathedral.
These tours lasts around 45 minutes and are free but donations are very welcome.
Souvenir Map and Cathedral Guidebook
There is also a Souvenir Map available which costs £3, or the more extensive Cathedral Guidebook, priced at £5.
Both of these items are available in the Cathedral Shop, Cathedral Welcomers or from our Welcome Desk at the north entrance.
Group Visits
The Cathedral is a busy and active place of worship. All groups no matter their size must pre-book their visit and there is a mandatory charge. We are willing to consider large groups six days a week (excluding Sundays), although these are subject to services and other activities taking place. We do also offer a wide range of tours which can be tailored to your needs.
For further information and how to book your group visit to the Cathedral please visit here.
School Visits
School groups can visit the cathedral by booking with the Education Centre. For more information, visit here.