Things to Do in Canterbury, United Kingdom

Canterbury, located in Kent, southeastern England, is a historic cathedral city that has been a pilgrimage destination for over 800 years. The city is dominated by its magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Canterbury Cathedral, where Thomas Becket was murdered in 1170, making it one of the most important Christian sites in Europe. The medieval streets are lined with timber-framed buildings, independent shops, and cozy pubs, while the River Stour meanders through the city center. Beyond its religious significance, Canterbury offers a rich tapestry of history spanning Roman ruins, medieval architecture, and literary connections to Geoffrey Chaucer's famous Canterbury Tales. The city seamlessly blends its ancient heritage with modern university life, creating a vibrant atmosphere where students mingle with pilgrims and tourists. With excellent connections to London and proximity to the Kent coast, Canterbury serves as both a fascinating day trip destination and a perfect base for exploring southeastern England.

Top Things to Do in Canterbury

Canterbury Cathedral Tour

Explore the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral, seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury and mother church of the Anglican Communion. The cathedral houses stunning medieval architecture, beautiful stained glass windows, and the shrine where Thomas Becket was martyred. Audio guides provide fascinating insights into 1,400 years of history and the building's role in English Christianity.

Booking Tip: Adult admission costs around £17, with discounts for students and seniors. Book online in advance for small savings and guaranteed entry during peak times. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds, and consider the evening choral services which are free to attend.

Canterbury Tales Walking Tour

Follow in the footsteps of Chaucer's pilgrims on a guided walking tour through Canterbury's medieval streets. These tours bring the famous Canterbury Tales to life while exploring the city's historic sites, ancient city walls, and hidden corners. Professional guides share stories of medieval life, pilgrimage traditions, and the characters that inspired Chaucer's masterpiece.

Booking Tip: Walking tours typically cost £12-20 per person and last 1.5-2 hours. Book with established local operators who provide small group experiences for better interaction. Morning tours are ideal as attractions are less crowded, and guides often offer insider tips about the best local spots.

River Stour Punt Tour

Experience Canterbury from a unique perspective on a traditional punt along the River Stour. These gentle boat trips glide past medieval buildings, ancient bridges, and the cathedral's towering spires while a skilled punter navigates the shallow waters. The 40-minute journey offers excellent photo opportunities and peaceful views of the city's historic architecture from the water.

Booking Tip: Punt tours cost around £15-20 per adult and operate April through October, weather permitting. Book directly with Canterbury Historic River Tours for the most authentic experience. Afternoon tours offer the best lighting for photography, but morning trips are quieter and more peaceful.

Canterbury Roman Museum Visit

Discover Canterbury's ancient Roman past at this fascinating underground museum built around actual Roman ruins. The museum showcases mosaics, artifacts, and reconstructed Roman rooms that bring the ancient city of Durovernum Cantiacorum to life. Interactive displays and authentic archaeological remains provide insight into daily life in Roman Britain nearly 2,000 years ago.

Booking Tip: Admission costs around £9 for adults with family tickets available. The museum is small but packed with information, allowing 1-2 hours for a thorough visit. Combine with other Canterbury attractions for better value, and visit during weekday mornings for a more intimate experience with fewer crowds.

Ghost Walk Tour

Explore Canterbury's darker history on an atmospheric evening ghost walk through the city's ancient streets and alleyways. These entertaining tours combine historical facts with spine-chilling tales of hauntings, executions, and mysterious occurrences that have shaped Canterbury's supernatural reputation. Professional storytellers guide groups to locations associated with paranormal activity and medieval mysteries.

Booking Tip: Ghost walks cost £10-15 per person and typically run Friday and Saturday evenings year-round. Book with Canterbury Ghost Walks or similar established operators who provide engaging theatrical performances. Dress warmly as tours run in all weather, and arrive early as group sizes are often limited.

Getting There

Canterbury is easily accessible by train from London, with high-speed services from London St. Pancras taking just 56 minutes via Southeastern Railway, while regular services from London Victoria and London Charing Cross take around 1.5 hours. The city is well-connected by road, located just off the A2 and M2 motorways, making it about a 1.5-hour drive from central London. National Express coaches provide regular services from London Victoria Coach Station and other major UK cities, offering a budget-friendly alternative to rail travel. For international visitors, Canterbury is approximately 1 hour by car from Dover ferry ports and about 1.5 hours from Gatwick Airport.

Getting Around

Canterbury's compact city center is best explored on foot, with most major attractions within a 10-minute walk of each other. The historic streets are largely pedestrianized, making walking both pleasant and practical. Local bus services operated by Stagecoach connect the city center with residential areas and nearby attractions, while the city offers several Park & Ride schemes for visitors arriving by car. Cycling is popular and bike rental shops are available near the city center. For longer journeys to coastal towns or countryside attractions, local bus services and trains from Canterbury West and Canterbury East stations provide good connections throughout Kent.

Where to Stay

City Center

Westgate Area

St. Dunstan's

University of Kent Area

Sturry Road

Wincheap

Food & Dining

Canterbury's dining scene reflects both its historic character and vibrant student population, offering everything from traditional English pubs to international cuisine. The city center features numerous gastropubs serving locally-sourced Kent ingredients, including fresh seafood from nearby Whitstable and local ales from Shepherd Neame brewery. Independent restaurants along the cobbled streets offer Italian, Indian, Thai, and modern British cuisine, while traditional tea rooms provide afternoon tea experiences in historic settings. The Goods Shed, a daily farmers' market and restaurant, showcases the best of Kent's local produce, and the city's many pubs range from medieval coaching inns to contemporary establishments. Student-friendly cafes and budget eateries cluster around the university areas, ensuring options for every taste and budget.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Canterbury is late spring through early autumn (May to September) when the weather is warmest and most attractions operate full hours. Summer months offer the longest days and warmest temperatures, perfect for walking tours and outdoor activities, though this is also peak tourist season with larger crowds and higher accommodation prices. Spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) provide an excellent balance of pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and beautiful seasonal colors in the city's gardens and surrounding countryside. Winter visits have their own charm with Christmas markets and atmospheric cathedral services, though some outdoor attractions may have reduced hours and weather can be unpredictable.

Insider Tips

Visit Canterbury Cathedral during Evensong services (usually 5:30 PM) for free entry and beautiful choral music in an authentic worship setting

Explore the hidden Eastbridge Hospital, a 12th-century pilgrims' hostel that most tourists miss but offers fascinating insights into medieval pilgrimage

Take advantage of the Canterbury Cathedral Lodge for unique accommodation actually within the cathedral precincts, offering unparalleled early morning and evening access to the grounds

Things to Do in Canterbury