What to do in Canterbury

Activities, attractions and tours

Canterbury Cathedral featuring a church or cathedral, heritage architecture and a city
Westgate Gardens and Towers featuring heritage architecture, a castle and signage
Canterbury which includes a garden, kayaking or canoeing and a river or creek
Canterbury which includes a river or creek, heritage architecture and a house
Canterbury

Places to Visit in Canterbury

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Canterbury, England while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Canterbury attractions from NZ$24, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Canterbury tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 12 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Canterbury. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

Explore thousands of activities with free cancellation and no added fees.

Design your experience with airport transfers, excursions, day tours & more.

Get an insider's look in what to book before you travel.

Recommended things to do in Canterbury

Number of things to do
12
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Dover Castle Admission Ticket: NZ$24
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Canterbury

Discover the most popular places to visit in Canterbury

Canterbury Cathedral featuring a church or cathedral, heritage architecture and a city

Canterbury Cathedral

5/5(16 reviews)

This 1,400-year-old establishment is known for its breathtaking Gothic ceilings, its outstanding historical collections and its choir.

Canterbury Cathedral
University of Kent

University of Kent

4/5(1 review)

Enjoy the student vibe when you visit University of Kent during your trip to Canterbury. Make time to visit the area's stunning cathedral or simply enjoy its lively bars.

University of Kent
Marlowe Theatre

Marlowe Theatre

Get tickets for a show at Marlowe Theatre, a popular theatre in Canterbury. Make time to visit the area's stunning cathedral or simply enjoy its lively bars.

Marlowe Theatre
Westgate Gardens

Westgate Gardens

Explore the great outdoors at Westgate Gardens, a lovely green space in Canterbury. Make time to visit the area's stunning cathedral or simply enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Westgate Gardens
Wingham Wildlife Park

Wingham Wildlife Park

3/5(1 review)

Visit the native and exotic animals who live at Wingham Wildlife Park during your trip to Canterbury. Wander the area's waterfront or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.

Wingham Wildlife Park
Westgate Gardens and Towers showing a small town or village, heritage architecture and a bridge

Westgate Gardens and Towers

Find out about the history of Canterbury when you spend time at Westgate Gardens and Towers. Make time to visit the area's stunning cathedral or simply enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Westgate Gardens and Towers
Chilham Village

Chilham Village

Find out about the history of Chartham when you spend time at Chilham Village. Make time to visit the area's stunning cathedral or simply enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Chilham Village
St. Martin's Church

St. Martin's Church

Explore one of England’s first Christian churches to see Roman architecture, famous tombs and a rich sense of history.

St. Martin's Church

Howletts Wild Animal Park

5/5(1 review)

See the exotic and native animals who call Howletts Wild Animal Park home during your trip to Canterbury. Make time to visit the area's stunning cathedral or simply enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Howletts Wild Animal Park

Explore areas of Canterbury

Canterbury which includes a garden, 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 Roman Museum and Marlowe Theatre.

The King's Mile

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Canterbury

Photo by Paul Lowe 👣

Ashford

Dover showing a fountain, heritage architecture and a square or plaza

Dover

Folkestone

Folkestone

Ramsgate

Ramsgate

Walmer Castle and Gardens which includes a bridge and château or palace as well as a small group of people

Deal

Photo "Faversham" by Penny Mayes (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Penny Mayes (CC BY-SA)

Faversham

Photo "Petham" by Roy Gray (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Roy Gray (CC BY-SA)

Petham

Photo by Laurence Hamilton-hopkins

Barham

Frequently asked questions

Is Canterbury worth visiting?
Famous for its views and family-friendly attractions, discovering cool things to do in Canterbury is simple. Remember to add Whitstable Beach to your itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Canterbury?
Start your day with a visit to Whitstable Beach and Tankerton Beach. Then, tour other areas of Canterbury for local restaurants and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Canterbury?
You can't leave without exploring Whitstable Beach, rated the top tourist attraction in Canterbury.
Is three days enough to stay in Canterbury?
Three days will be enough time to tick off many city attractions, including Whitstable Beach, Marlowe Theatre and Tankerton Beach. The average stay in Canterbury is two days. If you have the urge to extend your break, Dover isn't far away.
Is Canterbury a walkable city?
It all comes down to what you plan to see and do in Canterbury. Several top attractions, such as Marlowe Theatre and Howletts Zoo, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Canterbury's best neighbourhoods, The King's Mile is 0.16 kilometres away from downtown, while Thannington is 3 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Canterbury with kids?
Planning what to do in Canterbury with kids has never been easier. Whether you're travelling with toddlers or teenagers, there are loads of family-friendly sights to keep everyone busy here.

What to do in Canterbury for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Canterbury, with activities for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Shepherd Neame Brewery or Barnsole Vineyard.
Are there free things to do in Canterbury?
One of the best ways to discover free things to do in Canterbury is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on interesting neighbourhoods, parks and other attractions you can visit without reaching into your pocket. Whitstable Beach is one place that doesn't charge an admission fee.