Visiting Times and Groups

General Visiting Times:

St Martin’s Church is open to general visiting between 11am and 3pm Wednesday to Sunday.
There is a Sunday Service at 9am each week and a brief service of prayer on Thursdays at Midday, during which time you can only look round the churchyard (unless you wish to join the service – all are welcome!)

If you wish to book a tour or a talk, or are a large group, please see below

You may wish to contact us before visiting anyway, as the church is occasionally closed for private events. You can email or call us using the details found HERE. 

Information for tour groups and larger groups

Tour or larger groups are most welcome but must be booked in advance by prior arrangement in order to be able to visit the church. Larger groups visits normally take place at a pre-agreed time during general opening house but groups and tours can sometimes be accommodated outside of general opening hours if this is required, please discuss this if you need to when booking your visit.

Donations for pre-booked groups are £5 per person with the group’s own guide, or £7.50 per person for a tour given by a church guide. We have to charge because our operational costs and repairs are funded by the local congregation and gifts from visitors.

TO BOOK A TOUR OR LARGER GROUP: Please contact the Senior Visitor Host by phone or email to arrange your visit using the contact details that can be found HERE. 

Regrettably, we cannot be resonsible if a large group is not able to visit the inside of St Martin’s because they have not booked in advance, however the Churchyard is always open.

UNESCO World Heritage Tours

St Martin’s Church is part of the Canterbury World Heritage Site; the other two parts are Canterbury Cathedral and St Augustine’s Abbey. You can book a special tour of all three parts of the Canterbury World Heritage Site – more information about the tours may be found at the website www.canterburyunescotour.co.uk.

Vehicle Access

Vehicle access via North Holmes Road is southbound only (no vehicle access from A257 St Martin’s Hill). On-street parking is available in North Holmes Road and St Martin’s Avenue. Restrictions apply Mon-Fri 8am-6.30pm (pay at machine, display ticket, maximum stay 2 hours)

Accessibility

Visitors should be aware that due to the historical and geographic nature of the site there is very limited access for wheelchair users, due to the many steps up a steep hill with further steps inside the church. There are no ramps or lifts. Not accessible for motorised scooters.
There are currently no toilets on site.
Large print guides are available and guide dogs are very welcome.