The diocese is centred on Canterbury Cathedral and is the oldest see of the Church of England.

However, because of their roles as metropolitan bishop of the Province of Canterbury, Primate of All England and "first bishop" of the worldwide Anglican Communion, the archbishop (whose primary residence is at Lambeth Palace in London) is often away from the diocese.

Alternative episcopal oversight (for parishes in the diocese who reject the ministry of priests who are women) is provided by the provincial episcopal visitor (PEV), the bishop suffragan of Richborough (vacant).

There are three honorary assistant bishops licensed in the diocese: For organisational purposes, the diocese is divided into three archdeaconries,[5] containing a total of sixteen deaneries, which are further subdivided into parishes:[6] Canterbury Diocese comprises 202 parishes organised in 100 legal benefices.

[7] The Report of the Commissioners appointed by his Majesty to inquire into the Ecclesiastical Revenues of England and Wales (1835) noted the net annual revenue for the Canterbury see was £19,182.