Cathedral Church of St Thomas of Canterbury
Portsmouth, England · PO1 2HH
Diocese of Portsmouth
Your visit at a glance
Cathedral Church of St Thomas of Canterbury is a Church of England (Anglican) church at High Street, Portsmouth in Portsmouth, England. Sunday services include Holy Communion at 08:00 and Cathedral Eucharist at 09:30. Confirm the current schedule with the church before travelling. Church Near Me lists the address, contact details and what to expect below.
Worship together
Church service times
The usual schedule recorded for this church. Check the official church notice or newsletter for this week’s arrangements. Times are local to the UK.
- Sunday08:00
Holy Communion
- Sunday09:30
Cathedral Eucharist
- Sunday11:15
Choral Mattins (term time)
- Sunday18:00
Choral Evensong
- Weekdays08:30
Morning Prayer
- Weekdays17:30
Choral Evensong (Wed/Fri term time)
The church & its community
About Cathedral Church of St Thomas of Canterbury
Portsmouth Cathedral, the Cathedral Church of St Thomas of Canterbury, stands at the heart of Old Portsmouth and traces its origins to a chapel built in the 1180s by the merchant Jean de Gisors and dedicated to Thomas Becket. It became a cathedral in 1927 when the Diocese of Portsmouth was created. The cathedral has a distinctive blend of medieval, 17th-century classical and 20th-century work, and continues to serve as a centre of Anglican worship for the maritime city.
- Christian tradition
- Church of England (Anglican)
- Town & country
- Portsmouth, England
- Postcode
- PO1 2HH
- Diocese
- Diocese of Portsmouth
A little preparation helps
Planning your first visit
- Choose a service. Check the church’s current notice for changes, especially at Christmas, Easter or on bank holidays.
- Plan your arrival. Use the address below and ask about the entrance, parking or public transport if you need help.
- Let someone welcome you. Tell a steward or welcomer it is your first visit; you can ask where to sit and how to follow the service.
What is worship in this tradition usually like?
Anglican (Church of England) worship follows the rhythm of the Book of Common Prayer and Common Worship. Sunday services often range from a said early-morning Holy Communion to a main mid-morning Sung Eucharist or Morning Prayer, and many parishes hold Choral Evensong later in the day. Services blend set liturgy, hymns, Scripture readings and a sermon. Everyone is welcome, whether you are exploring faith or returning to church.
This describes the wider tradition. The format at this particular church may vary.
Visit with confidence
Accessibility and facilities
Access information recorded for this church:
- Wheelchair access
Other listed facilities and activities
- Cathedral choir
- Café
- Shop
- Old Portsmouth waterfront
Ask the church about your particular requirements, including the route from the entrance to seating and toilets. A listed feature may not describe every part of the building.
Questions to ask about access →Questions about Cathedral Church of St Thomas of Canterbury
Where is Cathedral Church of St Thomas of Canterbury?
Cathedral Church of St Thomas of Canterbury is located at High Street, Portsmouth, Portsmouth, PO1 2HH, England. You can open directions to it using the map link on this page.
What denomination is Cathedral Church of St Thomas of Canterbury?
Cathedral Church of St Thomas of Canterbury is a Church of England (Anglican) church, part of the Diocese of Portsmouth. You can read more about the Church of England (Anglican) tradition, its beliefs and how it worships on our denomination guide.
What time are services at Cathedral Church of St Thomas of Canterbury?
The listed schedule for Cathedral Church of St Thomas of Canterbury is Sunday 08:00 (Holy Communion); Sunday 09:30 (Cathedral Eucharist); Sunday 11:15 (Choral Mattins (term time)); Sunday 18:00 (Choral Evensong); Weekdays 08:30 (Morning Prayer); Weekdays 17:30 (Choral Evensong (Wed/Fri term time)). Confirm with the church before travelling, especially on holidays or for special services.
How do I contact Cathedral Church of St Thomas of Canterbury?
You can contact Cathedral Church of St Thomas of Canterbury through its website using the details in the contact panel on this page.
Can anyone attend Cathedral Church of St Thomas of Canterbury?
Yes. Like almost all Christian churches in England, Cathedral Church of St Thomas of Canterbury welcomes visitors and newcomers to its public services, whatever your background or experience of church.