Canterbury, United Kingdom: travel guide
A cathedral city of medieval lanes and Chaucer's pilgrims
A UNESCO World Heritage city and spiritual heart of the Anglican Communion. Its magnificent Norman Cathedral, medieval streets, and the story of Chaucer's pilgrims draw millions of visitors every year.
About Canterbury
Canterbury is a historic cathedral city in Kent, long a destination for pilgrims. Its Cathedral, the mother church of the Anglican Communion, is a mix of Norman and Gothic work and is closely linked with Thomas Becket.
The old centre is small and walkable, with medieval streets, timber-framed houses, the surviving Westgate Towers and gardens beside the River Stour. You can take a punting trip on the river, visit the Roman Museum, or learn about Chaucer's Canterbury Tales through the city's heritage attraction. Independent shops and tea rooms fill the lanes.
Canterbury suits history lovers and day trippers from London. Spring and summer give pleasant weather for the river and gardens, and the city is quieter in winter.
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Currency
- GBP
- Time zone
- Europe/London
Last updated
Top places to visit in Canterbury
Canterbury Cathedral
church · 4.8 rating · about 2 h · entry £17 (≈ ₹2,080)
The spiritual heart of English Christianity and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The shrine of Thomas Becket, murdered here in 1170, drew pilgrims from across Europe. The stained glass and fan vaulting are exceptional.
Westgate Towers & Gardens
Heritage · 4.5 rating · about 1 h · entry £5 (≈ ₹630)
England's largest surviving medieval city gateway (1380) straddles the road into Canterbury. The tower can be climbed for rooftop views over the city; the riverside gardens below are free and charming.
Canterbury Roman Museum
Museum · 4.5 rating · about 1.3 h · entry £10 (≈ ₹1,260)
Built directly over the site of a Roman town house, with original mosaic floors still in situ. The museum tells the story of the Roman occupation of Britain through excellent displays and in situ archaeology.
Canterbury Howletts Wildlife
wildlife-park · 4.6 rating · about 8 h · check the fee at the gate
A day trip from Canterbury to Howletts Wild Animal Park — the spectacular 90-acre wildlife park with the iconic 50+ rare species, the famous gorilla and elephant breeding programmes.
Canterbury Punting Tour
river-punting · 4.7 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Canterbury Punting on the Stour — the spectacular guided traditional boat tour along the River Stour through the historic city, with the iconic Old Weavers House views.
Canterbury Tales Experience
medieval-experience · 4.5 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
The Canterbury Tales — the spectacular medieval immersive experience reenacting Geoffrey Chaucer's 1387 pilgrim tales, with the iconic costumed characters, the rich literary heritage.
Canterbury St Augustine Abbey
unesco-abbey · 4.6 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
St Augustine's Abbey — Canterbury's spectacular 597 AD ruins of the Benedictine monastery founded by Augustine, with the iconic UNESCO World Heritage status, and the rich Christian heritage.
Canterbury Beaney House
art-museum · 4.6 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge — Canterbury's spectacular Victorian-Tudor museum, library, and art gallery (1899), with the iconic Eastbridge Hospital, and the rich heritage.
Canterbury St Martin Church
oldest-church · 4.6 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
St Martin's Church — the spectacular oldest parish church in continuous use in the English-speaking world (since 580 AD), with the iconic Saxon walls and the UNESCO heritage.
Canterbury Greyfriars Garden
franciscan-chapel · 4.6 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Greyfriars Chapel and Garden — Canterbury's spectacular 1267 Franciscan chapel (England's oldest Franciscan building), with the iconic riverside gardens and the peaceful atmosphere.
Where to stay in Canterbury
- Town Centre about GBP 130 per night
Stratford is compact — stay in the centre to walk to Shakespeare's Birthplace, the RSC, and the river. Book early as accommodation fills fast.
Hotels
- ABode Canterbury 4-star · GBP 120 to GBP 300 per night
Where to eat
- The Refectory Canterbury British, Café, Seasonal · about GBP 28 per person
- The Goods Shed Canterbury Modern British, Seasonal, Farm-to-table · about GBP 50 per person
Getting to Canterbury
Nearest airport: London, City Airport (LCY), about 76 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
Getting around
- Bus
- Walking
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Frequently asked questions about Canterbury
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Canterbury?
- The highest-rated places in our Canterbury guide are Canterbury Cathedral, Canterbury Punting Tour, Canterbury Howletts Wildlife, Canterbury St Augustine Abbey, Canterbury Beaney House.
- Where should I stay in Canterbury?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Canterbury: Town Centre.
- How do I get around Canterbury?
- Ways to get around Canterbury covered in our guide: City bus, Walking.