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Canterbury, United Kingdom - Things to Do in Canterbury

Things to Do in Canterbury

Canterbury, United Kingdom - Complete Travel Guide

Canterbury, a UNESCO World Heritage city in Kent, is one of England's most historically significant destinations. Home to the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral, the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury and mother church of the Anglican Communion, this medieval city has been a pilgrimage site for over 800 years. The city's cobbled streets, ancient city walls, and timber-framed buildings create an atmospheric backdrop that transports visitors back through centuries of English history. Beyond its religious significance, Canterbury offers a vibrant blend of history and modern university life. The presence of the University of Kent and Canterbury Christ Church University brings youthful energy to the ancient streets, creating a unique atmosphere where medieval architecture coexists with contemporary culture. Visitors can explore Roman ruins, medieval churches, charming riverside walks along the River Stour, and excellent museums, all within easy walking distance of each other.

Top Things to Do in Canterbury

Explore Canterbury Cathedral

Marvel at one of England's most important religious buildings, where Thomas Becket was martyred in 1170. The cathedral's stunning Gothic architecture, beautiful stained glass windows, and peaceful cloisters offer a profound spiritual and historical experience. Don't miss the crypt, one of the oldest parts of the building dating back to Norman times.

Booking Tip: Cathedral entry costs around £17 for adults, with discounts for students and seniors. Book online in advance for small savings and to guarantee entry during busy periods. Visit early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and better photography light.

Take a Canterbury Tales Walking Tour

Follow in the footsteps of Chaucer's famous pilgrims through Canterbury's medieval streets. These guided tours bring the city's rich literary and historical heritage to life, visiting key locations mentioned in The Canterbury Tales and exploring hidden corners of the old city. Many tours include visits to ancient churches, medieval buildings, and sections of the old city walls.

Booking Tip: Walking tours typically cost £10-15 per person and last 1.5-2 hours. Look for tours that include entrance to The Canterbury Tales attraction or cathedral access. Book tours that start from the cathedral or Buttermarket for central meeting points.

Discover St. Augustine's Abbey Ruins

Explore the atmospheric ruins of one of England's most important monasteries, founded by St. Augustine in 598 AD. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers fascinating insights into early Christian England through its excavated foundations, museum displays, and audio guide narration. The peaceful grounds provide a contemplative contrast to the busier cathedral area.

Booking Tip: English Heritage site entry costs around £8 for adults. Consider purchasing an English Heritage membership if visiting multiple sites. The audio guide is included and highly recommended for understanding the complex's significance and layout.

Punt on the River Stour

Experience Canterbury from a unique perspective with a gentle punt trip along the River Stour. These traditional flat-bottomed boats offer peaceful views of the city's medieval buildings, ancient bridges, and riverside gardens. The relaxing journey provides excellent photo opportunities and a chance to see Canterbury's historic architecture from angles impossible on foot.

Booking Tip: Punting costs around £15-20 per adult for 40-minute trips, running April to October. Book afternoon slots for the best light and weather. No advance booking usually required, but arrive early during summer weekends and school holidays.

Visit The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge

Discover Canterbury's premier museum and art gallery, housed in a beautiful Tudor Revival building. The Beaney combines local history exhibits, fine art collections, and interactive displays covering everything from Roman Canterbury to contemporary culture. The museum also features regular temporary exhibitions and has an excellent collection of artifacts related to the city's pilgrimage heritage.

Booking Tip: Entry is free, making it perfect for budget travelers or rainy day activities. The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday, with extended hours on Thursdays. Check their website for special exhibitions and family-friendly events during school holidays.

Getting There

Canterbury is easily accessible by train from London, with high-speed services from London St. Pancras taking just 56 minutes, while slower services from London Victoria and London Charing Cross take around 1 hour 30 minutes. The city has two railway stations: Canterbury East (for London services) and Canterbury West (for services from other parts of Kent and the south coast). By car, Canterbury is approximately 60 miles southeast of London via the M2 and A2, though parking in the city center can be challenging and expensive. National Express coaches also connect Canterbury to London and other major UK cities, offering a budget-friendly alternative to train travel.

Getting Around

Canterbury's compact historic center is easily explored on foot, with most major attractions within a 10-minute walk of each other. The city operates a park-and-ride system from several locations outside the center, which is highly recommended for drivers. Local bus services connect the city center with residential areas and the universities, while the Crab & Winkle Way provides a scenic cycling and walking route to the nearby coast at Whitstable. Many streets in the historic core are pedestrianized, making walking pleasant and safe, though the medieval layout can be confusing for first-time visitors.

Where to Stay

City Center near Cathedral
Westgate area
University of Kent campus area
St. Dunstan's district
Northgate area
Near Canterbury West Station

Food & Dining

Canterbury's dining scene reflects its dual character as both a historic pilgrimage destination and a vibrant university city. The city center offers everything from traditional English pubs serving local Kent ales and hearty fare to contemporary restaurants focusing on locally-sourced ingredients from the Garden of England. Don't miss trying local specialties like Kentish lamb, fresh seafood from nearby Whitstable, and locally brewed ales from Shepherd Neame, Britain's oldest brewery. The presence of international students has also created a diverse food scene with excellent Indian, Italian, and Asian restaurants, while the weekly farmers' market showcases the best of Kent's agricultural produce.

Top-Rated Restaurants in United Kingdom

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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Makars Mash Bar

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Rules

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St. John

4.5 /5
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Berners Tavern

4.5 /5
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Rabbit British Bistro

4.6 /5
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Dinner by Heston Blumenthal

4.6 /5
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When to Visit

The best time to visit Canterbury is from late spring to early autumn (May to September) when the weather is warmest and most attractions have extended opening hours. Summer brings the most tourists but also the liveliest atmosphere, with outdoor events and festivals. Spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds and beautiful colors in the city's parks and gardens. Winter visits have their own charm, especially around Christmas when the cathedral hosts special services and the city is beautifully decorated, though some attractions may have reduced hours and weather can be unpredictable.

Insider Tips

Purchase a Canterbury Attraction Passport for discounted entry to multiple sites including the Cathedral, St. Augustine's Abbey, and The Canterbury Tales
Visit the cathedral for Evensong service (usually 5:30pm) to experience the building's acoustics and spiritual atmosphere for free
Take the free Red Bus shuttle that connects the park-and-ride sites to avoid city center parking fees and traffic restrictions

Explore Activities in Canterbury