Planning a day trip to Canterbury or maybe a short weekend getaway and not sure where to start? You’re not alone. When you’re researching things to do in Canterbury, you’re probably looking for, what is actually worth visiting, how to soak up the charm, and how to utilise the limited time you have in this beautiful city.
After visiting Canterbury a few times, we’ve rounded up the best things to do, from must-see landmarks to some local gems.
Whether you’re escaping for a romantic weekend, or planning a solo day trip from London, this guide will help you make the most of your time. We’ll share the best places to eat, what to see, and a few insider tips to make your trip feel effortless.
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Best things to do in Canterbury
If you love places with character, storybook charm and slower pace, then you’ll fall in love with Canterbury.
This is one of England’s most important pilgrimage sites, with a blend of centuries old history and modern-day warmth.
And we are about to explore some of the world-famous landmarks that make this an ideal day trip from London, or a relaxing weekend getaway.
Canterbury Cathedral
You don’t have to be religious to visit this incredible cathedral, that draws tourists and pilgrims here year on year.
It’s an amazing spot to admire the gothic architecture, spend some time in the peaceful gardens, or soak up the history that has spanned centuries.
Canterbury Cathedral was founded over 1400 years ago, by St Augustine. But it is more famously known for the murder of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Beckett back in 1170.
Pilgrims flock to the same spot in which Thomas was murdered by four knights. We felt this quiet, somber moment as we stopped on the spot, that is marked on the wall with swords, that was said to have killed him.
If you love history, architecture, a place to pray, or explore this famous UNESCO World Heritage Site, then this is a must see on your visit to Canterbury.
The must visit spots in Canterbury Cathedral, the home to the Archbishop of Canterbury, is the rainbow coloured stained glass windows in the choir and nave, explore the cold, moody, atmospheric and mysterious crypt, which is the oldest part of the cathedral.
It left us quietly inspired.
Address: Cathedral House, 11 The Precincts, Canterbury, CT1 2EH
Opening Times: usually between 10am-5pm, but you can check their website for seasonal variations
Ticket prices: £18.00 per adult. We’d recommend booking online in advance. Plus, your ticket offers a multi-day ticket, allowing you multiple entries within one year.
Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds
Be respectful: This is still a place or worship, so dress modestly and voices low.
Website: Canterbury Cathedral
St Augustine’s Abbey
Just outside Canterbury’s ancient city walls, is the incredible St Augustine’s Abbey.
It’s peaceful, atmospheric, and steeped in over 1000 years of history.
St Augustine’s Abbey, was founded by St Augustine in 598 AD. He was a monk sent from Rome to baptise the pagan King Ethelbert of Kent, the first Anglo-Saxon monarch to convert.
It was once a thriving and important monastery. That was until King Henry the VIII dissolved the monasteries, which sadly left the abbey in ruins.
As you wander through the ruins, just imagine how grand this would have once been. You can learn more about the history of St Augustine’s Abbey, as you wander the green landscape.
Along with Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine’s Abbey is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We loved how peaceful it was here, just listening to birdsong, the bright blue sky on a summer day, and the stillness from within the grounds. It’s the ideal location for a monastery.
Take a wander through the remains of the great church, cloisters, and monastic buildings; you’ll feel how small you are against the giant brickwork.
Learn more about the history of the abbey, through interactive displays in the visitor centre.
Address: Longport, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 1PF
Opening times: 10am-5pm check out the website for seasonal variations
Tickets: Members enter for free, or £9 per adult.
Best time to visit: Early morning or late evening to avoid the crowds
Website: St Augustine’s Abbey
St Martins Church
Just a short distance from St Augustine’s Abbey is St Martins Church. Now it might not look like much, compared to the other UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Canterbury, but this is the oldest church that’s been in continuous use in England.
It is believed to have originally been used by queen Bertha of Kent, a Christian queen, who worshipped here. Her husband King Ethelbert, later converted to Christianity when St Augustine bastised him.
This is the perfect spot for anyone who wants to step back into history and experience the quieter, more reflective side of Canterbury.
And unlike the cathedral, there are no crowds or tour groups, just peace and a lovely little hidden gem that shouldn’t be missed when you visit Canterbury.
Although it might be small, you must check out the oldest section of the church, with bricks still in place from when the Romans built the church.
The font that still stands is 900 years old and is thought to have come from the cathedral.
Address: 1 North Holmes Road, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 1QJ
Opening times: 11am – 3pm daily. Check their website for any seasonal variations
Entry fee: free
Best time to visit: Any time
Roman Museum
Underneath the cobbled streets of Canterbury are the remains of a once Roman Town House, with mosaic flooring, but they also discovered underfloor heating, and wall paintings.
It was initially discovered back in 1868, when workmen started digging trenches for drainage, when unknowingly they discovered the beautiful Roman Mosaic floor that was preserved.
Fast forward to the bombing during the Second World War, when a shop underwent renovation work after bomb damage in the cellar.
Head underground and learn about what Roman life would have been like in Durovernum Cantiacorum (present day Canterbury).
Get an insight into daily Roman life, wander through the marketplace, and learn about the food available, the textiles used for clothing and even play a 2000-year-old board game (very similar to chess and draughts).
Finally, you’ll reach the intact Roman mosaic flooring that’s been preserved.
We were amazed to witness this incredible piece of work, considering the lack of tools and technology available compared to the present.
The highlights to look out for at the Roman Museum are the beautifully preserved mosaic floor, that’s still in their original position. Discover the artefacts and everyday objects as you explore the marketplace and the townhouse.
This is the best thing to do in Canterbury if you’re travelling with kids, with interactive exhibits, including hands on displays where you can try to design your own mosaic floor, try on a Roman-style helmet and more.
There is even a detailed recreation of what Roman Canterbury would have once looked, which brings the whole city to life.
Address: Canterbury Roman Museum, Butchery Lane, Canterbury, CT1 2JR
Opening hours: 10am – 5pm, check website for any changes in opening times.
Entry fee: £11 per adult.
Website: The Roman Museum
Westgate Towers
You can’t miss Westgate Towers, with its striking medieval architecture; that’s been watching over Canterbury for 600 years.
It was originally built to protect Canterbury during the Hundred Year War. But as time passed and the threat reduced, it was then converted into the city’s gaol, then later into a police station and now a museum with an incredible viewpoint over Canterbury.
Climb the stairs to the museum, where the staff are so knowledgably. On our visit, the guide answered all our questions, while sharing historical facts about Westgate towers.
What was interesting, was that all prisoners held within the gaol, were both male and female, and of all crimes.
In the display room, you can learn about the restraints that would have been used and the inmates that would have been held here.
After exploring the museum, head up a further set of stairs to the viewing tower. Where you’ll get panoramic views across Canterbury.
You can not only see why this would have been a vantage point for a defensive tower, but also why inmates of the prison tried to escape.
Yup, prisoners attempted to escape from the top of the tower, with information on who made those attempts and whether they were successful or not.
This is a brilliant way to learn about Canterbury’s defensive past, as you trace the line of the old city walls.
The highlights of the Westgate Tower are the viewing platform and the museum.
Address: 1 Pound Lane, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2BZ
Opening hours: Sunday to Friday 12pm-4pm check their website for any seasonal variations
Entry fee: £4 per adult
Best time to visit: any time
Enjoy free entry to the museum and tower, if you have a meal at The Pound Restaurant.
Website: Westgate Towers
Westgate gardens
Just adjacent to Westgate Towers and running along the banks of the River Stour, is Westgate Gardens.
This tranquil spot, that’s ideal for slowing things down and maybe even enjoying a picnic lunch during the summer months.
During spring and summer, the brightly coloured flowers pop as they bloom.
If you’re travelling with children, head to the Toddler’s Cove Playground, to entertain them with an equipped play area.
Spot wildlife as you explore the gardens and take bird food to feed the bird species that call this area home.
Not only is this a free thing to do in Canterbury, but perfect for all ages.
Address: St Peter’s St, Canterbury CT1 2BQ
Opening times: Dawn till dusk
Entry fee: Free
Best time to visit: Any time during Spring to Autumn
The Crocked House
The Crooked House gets its name from… you guessed it, that it looks as if it is about to topple over at any minute.
It was built in the 17th century, but it wasn’t until renovation work was carried out on the chimney that the building started to slip, sideways. A metal rod is in place to secure it and prevent the building from collapsing.
It is now a bookshop with hundreds of different books and genres on display.
Browse the books, or just take a look inside, for a unique experience in Canterbury.
Address: 28 King St, Canterbury CT1 2AJ
Opening times: 10am-5pm
Entry fee: Free
Best time to visit: All year round
Punting on the River Stour
This probably was one of our favourite things to do in Canterbury, but it is a very popular attraction.
Punting on the River Stour offers a different perspective of Canterbury, but from the waterways.
Take on the Old City tour, which takes you through historic Canterbury, and right through the heart. It’s an alternative way to learn about the city’s history.
There are a few companies that offer punting; we have used Westgate Punts and Canterbury Punting Co.
Both companies are excellent, offering tours along the River Stour.
If you are looking for an affordable, but private experience, then choose Westgate Punts, who offer either a 30-minutes nature reserve punt, or 1 hour nature reserve and old city route.
The Canterbury Punting Co offers both private and shared punts. They also offer tours around the city, a nature reserve, or a haunted tour.
You can check rates and available via the websites as follows:
Westgate Punts – Westgate Grove, Canterbury, Kent CT2 8AA
Canterbury Punting Company – Water Lane, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2NQ
Opening times: 10am-5pm
Entry fee: Prices start at £18 per person
Best time to visit: Get there early, for the first ride out, to avoid the crowds and to avoid disappointment. Or book online in advance.
Websites: Westgate Punts and Canterbury Punting Company
Walk the Crab and Winkle Way to Whitstable
Want to get off the beaten path, with a 7.5 mile walk from Canterbury to Whitstable? Then this would be ideal.
It’s a wonderful walking or cycling route, that takes its name from the railway line that once connected Canterbury with Whitstable, until its closure.
It is mainly flat, although there are a few sections of uphill, that will require some leg work. The terrain is mainly path, but there are a few sections that have loose gravel, and forestry tracks.
You can either start in Canterbury and end in Whitstable, or vice versa.
It’s a moderately challenging walk, and a great way to get out of the city and off the beaten path.
Address: Start in either Canterbury or Whitstable
Opening times: 24/7, although we would recommend walking during daylight hours, unless you have experience of nighttime hiking
Entry fee: Free
Best time to visit: All year round
Best places to eat in Canterbury
What better way to refuel after a day of sightseeing than having a spot of lunch or dinner in Canterbury.
The city’s dining scene is just as charming as its surroundings.
Whether you’re wanting a relaxing brunch, affordable bite to eat, or a romantic dinner, here are our recommendation on the best places to eat in Canterbury:
Cafe du Soleil
Tucked away beside the River Stour is Cafe du Soleil. It’s set in a historic wool store, with plenty of character. Exposed beams, soft lighting and views of the water, making this a romantic spot for a bite to eat.
The wood-fired menu and pizzas are always a hit, while the atmosphere feels warm and welcoming.
We loved how relaxed it felt, sitting out on the al-fresco riverside terrace, with a refreshing drink in our hands.
We ordered a starter of aubergine gratin, accompanied with Mediterranean bread. It was packed with so much flavour and the bread soaked up the delicious sauce.
We then ordered a spiced lamb pizza, with harissa mink yogurt, that’s cooked in the wood-fired oven. It was a real treat and definitely a highlight. We didn’t find it spicy, but that yogurt on the top really rounds all the flavours together.
You wouldn’t think yogurt should be on a pizza, but this is definitely one to try.
This is your number one dinner spot if you fancy pizza; that’s a good size and reasonably priced.
Location: Pound Lane, Canterbury
Price: ££
The Pound
Located next to the iconic Westgate Towers, The Pound is a restaurant and bar, that is actually set inside a former jail. Yes, this building was Canterbury’s old city jail.
The interior is full of character, and some of the private dining spaces are former cells.
This is a great little spot, for a cocktail, a hearty meal, or just a hot cup of tea on the terrace overlooking Westgate Towers.
While we waited for our timed nature reserve punting with Westgate Punts, we whiled away some time, with a hot cup of tea and a quick snack.
This is a better spot for lunch or dinner than hot drinks. But we can’t complain.
If you’re up for a bit of puzzles, then book into the escape in the towers experience.
Location: One Pound Lane, Canterbury
Price: ££
Lazix Cafe
This cozy little cafe is located next to the Roman Museum, with views of Canterbury Cathedral, and is a must.
It’s affordable, and the perfect spot for brunch or lunch, with a view.
Not only do they serve the best tea, but you can order cakes, fresh pastries, hearty sandwiches, and so much more.
It’s that kind of place, where you can sit back and people-watch, while you recharge, ready for more exploring.
We stumbled upon this place, when we needed our morning cup of tea. Initially we felt a little misled, by how compact the downstairs area was, with just a few tables and chairs.
We ordered a pot of tea and some cake, before we realised they had a further floor above.
We found a snug table on the first floor. It was then that we noticed; they had a brunch menu.
Well, we couldn’t not try their food. And we were not disappointed.
Location: 10 Butchery Ln, Canterbury CT1 2JR
Price: £-££
Pho
If you’re craving something a little different, then look no further than Pho.
This vibrant Vietnamese restaurant brings a burst of flavour and freshness.
Pho specialise in authentic and freshly cooked Vietnamese food, from spring rolls, prawn crackers or morning glory for a starter, then breaking into one of their delicious main meals of curry noodle soup, pho, rice and curry. Before finishing it off with a traditional dessert.
We ordered the morning glory as a side, along with a prawn pho and chicken curry. Both were absolutely delicious and full of flavour. It’s the kind of food that makes you feel good after a day of exploring. It will certainly replace the calories you burnt in the day.
Location: 45 Burgate, Canterbury CT1 2HW
Price: ££
Practical tips for visiting Canterbury
Canterbury is a wonderfully compact, incredibly walkabout and surprisingly simple to reach, which makes this a perfect day trip from London.
And to help you plan your day trip, here are some things to know, before you go:
How to get there
Getting to Canterbury is so simple.
You could:
Train
Take a train from London St Pancras International Station to Canterbury West. The journey should take just over one hour to reach.
There are trains from London Victoria to Canterbury East, with a journey time of around one hour thirty minutes.
Both Canterbury East and Canterbury West are just a few minutes’ walk from the center of the city.
Prices start at around £30 for a return journey for one person.
You can book your train tickets with the Train Line.
Bus
National Express buses connect London Victoria Coach Station with Canterbury for as little as £20.00 per person for a return journey.
The journey time is longer at around 2 hours depending on traffic.
The earliest bus leaves around 7:30am and the last bus out of Canterbury is around 7:55pm.
Car
We drove to Canterbury from our home in West Kent, which took us about an hour to get there.
After plenty of research, we discovered the most affordable place to park was at the park and ride services on the outskirts of Canterbury.
We parked at the Wincheap Park and Ride. The car park is open twenty-four hours a day, and costs £4 for one car and up to 5 passengers. The bus between the car park and Canterbury is free.
The first bus leaves at 7am and the last bus is around 7:20pm and runs every 8 minutes.
Top tip: If you’re planning a day trip, the high-speed train is the easiest option. Taking a road trip around the UK, gives you flexibility to explore nearby villages or the Kent coast.
When to visit Canterbury
Canterbury is a year-round destination, with each season offering something different.
Off-season is ideal if you want to avoid the crowds and find affordable hotels, but will be cold, with some downpours of rain and on some rare occasions snow.
In our experience, the shoulder months of spring and autumn are ideal times to visit, as the weather starts to warm up and flowers start to bloom. Accommodation prices are often still reasonable.
The summer months offer the best weather, but accommodation is more expensive and there are more crowds.
We visited during the summer months on our day trip to Canterbury, and while it was crowded, it was still pleasant.
Where to stay
Canterbury might be a small town, but it is packed with history and plenty to do.
And while it is possible to take a day trip from London, you may want to make it a little special, with a weekend break, or a few days in the city.
If so, then these would be our recommendations on where to stay:
If you are looking for budget friendly, then YHA Canterbury, would be suitable. Share a 4-6 bed dorm with private or shared bathrooms.
We would recommend Premier Inn for mid-range travellers, who are looking for a bit more privacy, while keeping things relatively simple. This is our go-to hotel for comfortable stays.
For more luxury stays in Canterbury, we would recommend Hampton by Hilton. We have stayed in the Hilton chain hotels before, and they are a little more comfortable.
Conclusion
Canterbury is so easy to visit. It’s close enough to London for a spontaneous day trip, while still offering you the opportunity for a weekend escape, if you prefer to slow things down.
Enjoy a session of punting along the River Stour with a combined nature and history tour. Wander the cobbled streets and step inside the awe-inspiring cathedral, to savouring local cafes and cosy dinners. There are countless things to do in Canterbury that make every moment memorable.
Whether you’re drawn in by the history, charming streets, riverside views, or delicious local food, Canterbury blends character, convenience and relaxation into one perfect getaway.
To make the most of your trip, plan ahead, follow a mix of must-see sights and hidden gems, and take time to enjoy the slower pace. Because sometimes the best part of the city is simply wandering and getting lost.
Continue your travel planning, with these useful posts:
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- Tips on driving in the United Kingdom for the first time
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