Canterbury is a captivating historic city in the southeast of England that is vibrant and unique, a wonderful mix of old and new. Walk along its ancient walls to find a city brimming with culture and history, a lively shopping scene, festivals and fun and plenty of places to relax, eat, drink and picnic. Canterbury has it all. Find things to do for free, on a budget, or on a cultural or retail trip, our guide to Canterbury is packed full of ideas and inspiration for a perfect visit to this city.
See Kent, Know Kent
This round-up is part of our See Kent, Know Kent blog series, with guides for visitors and residents for what’s on and things to do and see in the Garden of England. Check our Areas in Kent menu for even more great ideas and inspiration for visits to other parts of the Garden of England. See our blog – top things to do with kids in Canterbury – for lots more family-friendly ideas and inspiration. Find the best event venues with our What’s On in Canterbury guide.
ATTRACTIONS IN CANTERBURY
CANTERBURY’S HISTORY & HERITAGE
Steeped in history and heritage, Kent immediately conjures up images of Canterbury Cathedral. For over 1,400 years, this cathedral has served as a place of worship. As you enter this hallowed space, with its soaring vaulted ceilings and captivating cloisters, you can’t help but feel the weight of history. It’s one of three UNESCO sites in the city, along with St Martin’s Church and St Augustine’s Abbey.
Witches & Wives
For a glimpse into Canterbury’s past, look out for the historic Ducking Stool near King’s Bridge by the Old Weavers’ House. This stool holds a supposed dark history, as it is said it was used as a test for witches. The belief was that if someone dunked underwater for a few minutes and survived, they were a witch! The ducking stool also served as a punishment for ‘scolds’, a term used for nagging or gossiping wives. Here, husbands could pay to have their wives dunked in the hopes of curbing their supposed bad behaviour.
Medieval Meanderings
Step back in time and explore Canterbury’s magnificent city walls! Wrapping around the city centre, these impressive defensive structures date back to the late 3rd Century, when the Romans first built them. Considered some of the most well-preserved medieval walls in southeast England, they offer a glimpse into the city’s rich history.
As you wander through Canterbury, keep an eye out for sections of the wall peeking through in various locations.
CANTERBURY’S RETAIL TREATS
Canterbury’s a shopper’s paradise! From The King’s Mile to the vast Whitefriars Shopping Centre offers a variety for retail therapy. Explore the many independent shops on the cobbled side streets or browse the bustling high street. Whether you seek designer labels, unique artwork, or the perfect book. With its vibrant mix of high street stores, independents, and boutiques, street stalls, time spent shopping in Canterbury will fly by.
Canterbury Markets
Regular seasonal markets include the popular Christmas market, Santa’s Grotto, grottos for pawsome pets, fun activities, rides and lots more family fun. The Canterbury City Centre Market is due to return this year. There are a variety of street traders in the city all year round along the main street. Don’t miss vintage, craft markets and more at Westgate Hall too.
Food for Thought
With cafes, bars, and restaurants aplenty, you’ll find an abundance of choice around every corner. Fancy a sweet time making fudge head to Fudge Kitchen for their fudge-making experiences where you can participate in one to two hours of sticky hands-on fun!
CANTERBURY’S CITY PARKS
Canterbury offers a surprising abundance of outdoor spaces to enjoy.
Gardens & Play
Right at the top of the city is a hidden gem in plain sight the Westgate Gardens. This riverside haven provides the perfect spot to relax after exploring Canterbury. There are little hideaways and open spaces for all ages, and a great play area with Toddlers Cove.
Festivals & Fauna
For a vibrant outdoor experience, head to Dane John Gardens. This park frequently hosts events, from foodie festivals to music festivals (in addition, for more festival details see below under Festivals & Family Fun in Canterbury), offering a delightful way to spend a few hours away from the city buzz. Explore the sculptures, stroll the pathways, or relax with a picnic and watch the world go by.
ACTIVITIES & ADVENTURE IN CANTERBURY
Explore the city’s many parts, with tours, and boat rides, or try to escape the city’s old jail!
Canterbury Tours
Kent’s brimming with action, and Canterbury is no exception. Embark on a guided tour or explore the city at your own pace. Uncover the stories of Canterbury’s past, from Chaucerian statues to regal monarchs. See our tours and trips category for more details
Escape Adventure
Escape room adventures await at The Escape in the Towers at Westgate Towers with three games to choose from with one set inside former 1830s prison cells of the city.
Down on the River
Canterbury’s picturesque River Stour beckons! Enjoy a peaceful picnic by the riverside or take a punting tour for a unique city perspective. Venture further and explore the surrounding natural beauty. Head over to our tours and trips section for more information.
ART & CULTURE IN CANTERBURY
Canterbury is a treasure trove of art and culture! Explore modern galleries showcasing innovative works, or delve into museums brimming with captivating collections.
Galleries Galore
Exhibitions and workshops offer opportunities to expand your knowledge and unleash your creativity. Immerse yourself in the vibrant artistic and cultural scene that Canterbury has to offer! From modern art galleries to historic museums, plenty of art and culture can be found in Canterbury. See our Museums & Galleries category for ideas, and check out our Museums in East Kent guide.
Museums & Viewpoints
The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge is a must-see, an art gallery, library and visitor information centre which houses collections including silverware, mosaics, and sculptures. It has a vast collection, from displays of children’s favourites, Rupert Bear and Bagpuss to historical artefacts. It hosts local, national and international exhibitions, and runs several events, trails and workshops throughout the year. There’s the Canterbury Roman Museum – full of history and family fun too – little ones can play dress up, and there’s a free audio trail for fun facts about the museum and the city. The Westgate Towers Museum & Viewpoint offers impressive views of the city from this tower, built during the One Hundred Years’ War to defend Canterbury from foreign incursion. The Kent Museum of Freemasonry is in the heart of Canterbury and has a rare collection of national and international exhibits regarding Freemasonry history.
Chaucer & Royals
As you walk around the city you will see the Chaucer statue of the author of The Canterbury Tales, and other historical and artistic pieces including the Queen Bertha & King Æthelberht of Kent statues and the Bulkhead Statue.
WHAT’S ON IN CANTERBURY
Canterbury’s a haven for entertainment lovers! From captivating ballets and dazzling musicals to captivating children’s theatre productions, the city caters for all tastes, ages, and budgets. Enchanting cathedral concerts, captivating church plays, and a vibrant calendar of free festivals, arts celebrations, and lively carnivals ensure you’ll never be bored.
For the latest events see our What’s On category and filter for Canterbury.
Showtime
With many venues to choose from, you’re spoilt for choice. The city boasts three prominent theatres – The Marlowe, The Malthouse, and the Gulbenkian. The latter is also home to the Colyer-Fergusson Hall and a cinema. Also, the Westgate Hall showcases live productions and other events. The city also has a lively music scene in its many pubs and bars.
Movie Time
Catch the latest blockbuster or animation at the trio of cinemas in the city – the Curzon Canterbury, Curzon Canterbury Riverside and The Gulbenkian Cinema. Find out what’s on at the movies with our Films in Kent blog post.
FESTIVALS & FAMILY FUN IN CANTERBURY
Canterbury’s a haven for little adventurers! Throughout the year, the city is host to a wonderful range of festivals, exciting tours and trails, and engaging activities for kids. The Beaney offers fantastic events, while Canterbury Cathedral’s Gregory Trail brings history to life for instance. During school holidays, keep an eye out for special activities at the Gulbenkian Theatre, and The Marlowe and The Malthouse theatres – in addition to our what’s on section. There’s always something to spark imagination and create lasting memories in Canterbury! The bOing! Family Festival and Canterbury Festival are just two highlights. See our Festivals in Kent blog post for a guide to the major festivals in the Garden of England, plus a round-up of music, food and drink, and free and family-friendly festival guides too. For Carnival, fayres, pride and country shows don’t miss out with our blog full of what’s on when.
CANTERBURY FUN FOR KIDS
It’s Playtime
Lots of runaround fun to be had at Westgate Gardens, and an impressive range of play equipment at Toddlers Cove with its swings, slides and wooden delights. During school holidays the Whitefriars Shopping Centre puts on many outdoor events – from Easter to half terms and including festive family fun during the Christmas holidays in Canterbury. In addition, there are plenty of museums full of family fun, and festivals full of children’s entertainment – see what’s on and things to do listings and select the Kids category and tag.
Workshops & Grottos
There’s a lot for little ones to do and see in Canterbury throughout the year – whether it’s workshops at the Beaney, Canterbury Cathedral, the Canterbury Roman Museum, or a very popular Santa’s Grotto and workshops in the centre of town during Christmas in Canterbury.
In addition, for more ideas for kids in Canterbury see our things to do listings for children.
FAQs About Visiting Canterbury
How much time do you need in Canterbury?
As long as you need – from a few hours to a week or more, there’s plenty to fill your time with action-packed events, attractions and activities.
How to get there?
In addition to two train stations, Canterbury West and East, there is a central city bus depot, three park and rides – at Wincheap, Sturry Road and New Dover Road, and plenty of bike parking it’s easy to get to the city, and you can walk around it easily. There are pay & displays in the centre of town, but lots of public transport options and the park and rides mean you can easily ditch the car and get there and around easily.
What are the top visitor sites in Canterbury?
The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge home to the tourist information centre is a good place to start. Other recommendations include the three UNESCO sights – Canterbury Cathedral, St Martin’s Church and St Augustine’s Abbey. In addition, top tips would also be punting, the Westgate Tower Museum and Viewpoint and Westgate Gardens. In addition, perusing the cobbled streets for a feel for this city is a must too.
What’s On in Canterbury
Additionally, see our What’s On in Kent section and select Canterbury as the region to find out what’s on – you can even select dates for your visit.
Is there lots to do if it’s raining?
Besides the variety of great attractions to visit – for instance, the cathedral, the Beaney, art galleries, the many shops, trip to the theatre and movies, the city is great to visit – whatever the weather.
Are there many cafes and restaurants?
The city has an abundance of eateries, hotels for afternoon teas, bars and venues to take a break and refuel while you are enjoying all the city has to offer.
Are dogs welcome in Canterbury?
Compared to many cities, there are plenty of dog-friendly places in the city – check out our Things to Do in Kent category and select Canterbury as the region and, in addition, the Dog Friendly tag for a full list of places that welcome fur babies.
THINGS TO SEE NEAR CANTERBURY
Animal Attractions
Check out our area pages for ideas for day trips to parts of Kent that are easily accessible from Canterbury such as Whitstable, Thanet – Broadstairs, Ramsgate and Margate, plus nearby animal attractions such as Wildwood in Herne Bay, Wingham Wildlife Park and Howlett’s Wild Animal Park in Bekesbourne. For highlights of more of Garden of England’s animal attractions see our Animals Adventures in Kent blog post for instance.
Vine Time
Don’t miss out on the many vineyards in Kent if you are staying for a longer trip – see our blog post for those offering tours & tastings.
Day Trips
Staying for a few days or more then head to Thanet with the quintessential seaside town of Broadstairs, or a day at trendy Margate or Ramsgate with its impressive Royal Harbour and arts scene. Famous for its oysters there’s Whitstable. For more ideas see our Areas in Kent pages.
See Kent, Know Kent
Picture Credit: © Main picture – Karen Cann, street scene – Inja Pavlić at unsplash.com, boat on river Jordy Muñoz all at unsplash.com, Beaney – Canterbury City Council. Toddlers Cove and Westgate Gardens – See Kent and David White at unsplash.com for the giraffes.
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