Canterbury Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Westgate Gardens and Towers featuring heritage architecture, a castle and signage
The old English charm of this university city is evident in its cobblestone streets, glorious cathedrals, fairy tale attractions and many pubs.

Venture to the heart of Kent, between the countryside and the coast, and you’ll find the historical gem that is Canterbury. Explore fascinating traditions and religious landmarks, shop along the King’s Mile, enjoy family attractions or cruise along the river.

Start your day with breakfast at The Goods Shed. This permanent farmers market has an on-site restaurant that uses locally sourced produce.

Head to the three landmarks that preserve the long history of Christianity in England and together form a World Heritage Site. Delight in the soaring spires of the sixth-century Canterbury Cathedral and the humble ruins of St. Augustine’s Abbey. Make the short walk to St. Martin’s Church, England’s oldest operating parish. In the church’s cemetery, visit the grave of famed artist Thomas Sidney Cooper. Then, see his legacy in the Sidney Cooper gallery.

Explore the peaceful Westgate gardens and enjoy the views of the medieval Westgate Towers. Another medieval landmark is the Canterbury Castle, built by William the Conqueror.

Take the kids to The Canterbury Tales, an attraction that recreates medieval life by bringing to life five of Geoffrey Chaucer’s stories.

Nature lovers will like the Howletts Wild Animal Park with its herd of African elephants. Or, drive out to and hike around Ightham Mote, a historic countryside house with restaurant. At the end of the day, join the lively Canterbury pub scene and toast to this charming city.

Canterbury is 1 hour from London by train and about 75 minutes from Gatwick airport by car. The town has a pedestrian-friendly downtown that is also great for cycling. There is a good local bus system, and trains and buses from Canterbury also give easy access to France, due to their connections to the ferry in Dover and the Eurostar high-speed train.

Because it is so easy to visit and explore beautiful Canterbury, you’ll need a good excuse for not coming to see one of England’s favorite destinations!

Where to stay in Canterbury

Canterbury showing a park, kayaking or canoeing and a river or creek

The King's Mile

While there might not be top attractions in The King's Mile, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Canterbury Cathedral and Marlowe Theatre.

The King's Mile
Holiday Inn Express Canterbury, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express Canterbury, an IHG Hotel
3 out of 5
A2 Upper Harbledown, Canterbury, England
The price is NZ$159 per night from 4 Jun to 5 Jun
NZ$159
per night
4 Jun - 5 Jun
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Canterbury. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Canterbury Cathedral ...
8/10 Very Good! (994 reviews)
EXCELLENT WILL BOOK AGAIN!
"Amazing Hotel friendly welcoming"

Reviewed on 11 May 2024

Holiday Inn Express Canterbury, an IHG Hotel
Hampton by Hilton Canterbury
Hampton by Hilton Canterbury
3 out of 5
7 St. Margaret's Street, Canterbury, England
The price is NZ$186 per night from 16 Jun to 17 Jun
NZ$186
per night
16 Jun - 17 Jun
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Canterbury. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (766 reviews)
"Everything superb except the bed was so so hard. Hardly had any sleep"

Reviewed on 19 May 2024

Hampton by Hilton Canterbury
ABode Canterbury
ABode Canterbury
4 out of 5
30-33 High St, Canterbury, England
The price is NZ$185 per night from 27 May to 28 May
NZ$185
per night
27 May - 28 May
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Canterbury. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Nice convenient location in the High Street, easy walkable from the station with lots of eating and drinking establishments nearby. Drinks at the abode bar were quite expensive better use local nearby facilities."

Reviewed on 19 May 2024

ABode Canterbury
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Carriage House a Relaxing 1-bed Cottage in Ash
The Carriage House a Relaxing 1-bed Cottage in Ash
3 out of 5
Canterbury
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Canterbury. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Wingham Wildlife Park and Grove Ferry Picnic Site ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"Excellent stay, really lovely, comfortable property, great launchpad for walks in Kent. Zach was a great host."

Reviewed on 6 May 2024

The Carriage House a Relaxing 1-bed Cottage in Ash
Lodge with Indoor Pool ideal for families with children
Lodge with Indoor Pool ideal for families with children
Canterbury
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Canterbury. Enjoy private pools and a garden. Popular attractions Canterbury Cathedral and West Blean & ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (10 reviews)
House review
"Property was lovely, a little hot at times, loved the pool and grounds"

Reviewed on 22 Sep. 2023

Lodge with Indoor Pool ideal for families with children
The Chestnuts - sleeps 21 guests  in 7 bedrooms
The Chestnuts - sleeps 21 guests in 7 bedrooms
Canterbury
Stay at this vacation home in Canterbury. Enjoy a garden and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Wye National Nature Reserve and Chilham Village are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
We had a lovely relaxing time at the Chestnuts/ Chaucer House
"Very good location, very spacious including the outbuildings, great for walks, getting to Canterbury (15 min drive), to the north downs walks and other locations in Kent."

Reviewed on 2 Nov. 2022

The Chestnuts - sleeps 21 guests in 7 bedrooms
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Canterbury

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
4
" "5 - Excellent 44.44444444444444%
4 - Good
4
" "4 - Good 44.44444444444444%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 11.11111111111111%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
27 Oct 2019

Not well signposted, especially towards parking. So do your research first to avoid frustration.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
19 Aug 2019

Very Pretty Town

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
5 Aug 2019

Stunning, clean and picturesque

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
24 Jul 2019

Great location to stay to see the sights

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
24 Jun 2019

A compact and walkable city with lots to see and do. Unfortunately the Cathedral was under repair during our stay, but otherwise it was a very picturesque and pleasant place to visit.

Cities near Canterbury