Canterbury, United Kingdom: travel guide
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.
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Currency
- GBP
- Time zone
- Europe/London
Top places to visit in Canterbury
Canterbury Cathedral
Church · 4.8 rating · about 2 h · entry GBP 17
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 GBP 5
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 GBP 10
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 · 4.6 rating · about 8 h
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
Activity · 4.7 rating · about 1 h
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
Heritage · 4.5 rating · about 1.5 h
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
Monastery · 4.6 rating · about 1.5 h
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
Museum · 4.6 rating · about 1.5 h
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
Church · 4.6 rating · about 0.8 h
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
Church · 4.6 rating · about 0.8 h
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 around
- Bus main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
- Walking main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.