A message from the Dean

We are delighted to welcome you to Rochester Cathedral and hope you enjoy your visit. The Cathedral celebrates and affirms all people regardless of ability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or sexuality – all are included within the hospitality and love of God. Please be mindful of your neighbour as you move around the Cathedral and remember others may be praying. You are invited to light a candle at one of the votive stands and rest awhile. I hope the beauty of this sacred place will help refresh and restore you and we will see you back soon. Please consider making a donation to help keep this Cathedral open for future generations to enjoy. Go well.

The Very Reverend Dr Philip Hesketh AKC DL Dean of Rochester

What’s On

Rochester Cathedral has a vibrant programme of concerts, exhibitions and activities throughout the year. Here’s some of the events taking place soon. Visit our What’s On page to discover more about upcoming events

 
 

Coming soon at Rochester Cathedral

Events input
Medway Sunlight Rotary Young Photographer Exhibition
Jan 17
Medway Sunlight Rotary Young Photographer Exhibition

An exhibition of photography by talented young photographers. Inspired by the theme ‘Wonderful Water.’

Apple Tree Pruning Workshop
Jan 23
Apple Tree Pruning Workshop

Join our Head Gardener for expert advice on pruning. A fun and informative practical session.

Ticketed

Chorister Experience Day
Jan 28
Chorister Experience Day

Come and see what it’s like to sing in the Cathedral Choir. Open to boys and girls in school years 2 to 5.

Apple Tree Pruning Workshop
Jan 30
Apple Tree Pruning Workshop

Join our Head Gardener for expert advice on pruning. A fun and informative practical session.

Ticketed

Upcoming Closures

Occasionally Rochester Cathedral is closed to visitors for events. Any upcoming closures will be listed below. Unless otherwise stated, all services will continue to take place.

Upcoming Closures
Café closed all day
Jan 20
Café closed all day

The Café in the Crypt will be closed all day

Café closed all day
Jan 27
Café closed all day

The Café in the Crypt will be closed all day

Café closed all day
Feb 3
Café closed all day

The Café in the Crypt will be closed all day

Café closed all day
Feb 10
Café closed all day

The Café in the Crypt will be closed all day

Articles
A look back at 2024
A look back at 2024

2024 has been an incredible year at Rochester Cathedral. Dean Philip looks back at just some of the amazing things we’ve been up to.

Rochester Cathedral Hosts Royal "Together at Christmas" Community Carol Service
Rochester Cathedral Hosts Royal "Together at Christmas" Community Carol Service

Rochester Cathedral was privileged to host a special "Together at Christmas" Carol Service on 2nd December, celebrating local community heroes and the spirit of human connection during the festive season. The event, supported by The Royal Foundation, was part of a nationwide series of community carol services.

Introducing the new look 604 Gin
Introducing the new look 604 Gin

Our popular 604 Gin has had a redesign. The stunning new label is inspired by the intricate architectural details of Rochester Cathedral, England’s second oldest Cathedral.

Cathedral garden project receives grant from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund
Cathedral garden project receives grant from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund

A project to transform parts of Rochester Cathedral’s secret gardens into a wellbeing space is underway thanks to a grant from the UK Share Prosperity Fund.

Journey to Mars in February at Rochester Cathedral
Journey to Mars in February at Rochester Cathedral

Marvel at the spectacle of the red planet. Luke Jerram’s Mars: War and Peace is coming to Rochester Cathedral in February 2025. The incredible artwork follows his previous astronomical artworks Museum of the Moon and Gaia, which drew record visitor numbers to the Cathedral in 2020 and 2022.

A Year in Review | 2023
A Year in Review | 2023

Dean of Rochester, Philip Hesketh looks back at 2023 at Rochester Cathedral in this short video.

Rochester Cathedral receives grant to support the Music Department
Rochester Cathedral receives grant to support the Music Department

Rochester Cathedral was thrilled to be the recipient of a grant from the Cathedral Music Support Programme. They join 28 other Anglican and Roman Catholic cathedrals and churches in receiving a share of £500,000 awarded by the Cathedral Music Trust.

Rochester Cathedral win at the Heart of KAB Awards
Rochester Cathedral win at the Heart of KAB Awards

Rochester Cathedral win Philanthropic Partner of the Year at the annual award show organised by the Kent Association for the Blind.

Earliest known recording of a live Cathedral choir rediscovered.
Earliest known recording of a live Cathedral choir rediscovered.

A chance discovery has uncovered, what is believed to be the earliest live recording of a Cathedral choir. It was recorded nearly 100 years ago in 1926 right here in Rochester.

Choir performs at St Paul's Cathedral for the 369th Clergy Support Trust Festival
Choir performs at St Paul's Cathedral for the 369th Clergy Support Trust Festival

Our choir were honoured to perform at St Paul’s Cathedral alongside the choirs of St Paul’s Cathedral and Durham Cathedral on the 7th May.

Announcing Draco Roffensis: The Rochester Dragon
Announcing Draco Roffensis: The Rochester Dragon

Our summer exhibition opens on the 1st June. Meet Draco Roffensis - a spectacular dragon inspired by Textus Roffensis. Find out how you can get involved with creating this amazing artwork.

Part of Textus 900

Goodbye to the Fenland Black Oak Table
Goodbye to the Fenland Black Oak Table

After over a year at Rochester Cathedral, the Fenland Black Oak Table has left Rochester Cathedral. A look back over the events and activities we’ve hosted around this spectacular table

Diocese of Rochester

The Cathedral is the seat of the Bishop of Rochester and Mother Church of the Diocese of Rochester. The diocese covers West Kent and the London Boroughs of Bromley and Bexley. Discover more

Who's who in your Cathedral

Find out who is in the Cathedral team here.

Safeguarding

The care and protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults visiting and participating in Cathedral activities is important to us. You can find out more about our safeguarding policies here.