Things to Do in Canterbury: Day Trips, Walking Tours & More

Top Attractions in Canterbury

If you are looking for places to visit in Canterbury, you are on the right page. This city is famed for its splendid cathedral and unique shopping streets. Moreover, it is surrounded by storied countryside and charming villages where you can find old buildings and beautiful green spaces. In the following details, we have provided the top 10 best places in Canterbury along with their unique features and addresses. 

1. Canterbury Cathedral

Canterbury Cathedral is one of the most attractive places to visit in Canterbury, which is a historical and religious landmark with a rich past. This is the first church of England established by St. Augustine in 597. Its architectural grandeur and stunning stained glass make it a must-visit destination. The cathedral’s long history, including its role as a major pilgrimage site, provides a glimpse into the past and a chance to appreciate the enduring power of faith and art. 

Address: 11 The Precincts, Canterbury CT1 2EH England

2. Westgate Gardens

If you are looking for a place for a picnic in Canterbury, then Westgate Gardens can be an ideal choice. Annually, it attracts many visitors from the world and displays green and beautiful scenes near the River Stour and Westgate Towers. This is also a popular place for a peaceful space to inspire a scene in the anime series Sakura Quest. It also consists of large lawn areas and is famous for the 200-year-old Oriental Plane Tree, which has a girth of nearly nine metres. 

Address: Westgate Grove, Canterbury CT1 2BQ, England

3. The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge

Another best things to do in Canterbury is to visit the Beaney House of Art & Knowledge. It is a diverse cultural hub in the city, offering a range of experiences from art exhibition galleries, library resources, and a varied programme of events. This is also praised for its welcoming atmosphere, which gives you services under one roof of books, ideas, information, and a heritage collection. Moreover, its galleries are modern and well-equipped, providing a stimulating space to explore the collections. 

Address: 18 High Street, Canterbury CT1 2RA, England

4. Howletts Wild Animal Park

Visiting the Howlettes Wild Animal Park is the best choice if you are worried about what to do in Canterbury. It is home to over 390 animals, including many endangered species such as giant anteaters, the largest herd of African elephants, gorillas, leopards, and monkeys. After being here, you can witness real conservation in action, see animals up close, and learn about the park’s work, like breeding, feeding elephants, and reintroducing rare animals. 

Address: Bekesbourne Lane, Canterbury CT4 5EL, England

5. St. Augustine's Abbey

There are several reasons to visit St. Augustine’s Abbey, which is a historically significant site that offers a unique glimpse into England’s past. It is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can explore ruins, visit museums, and experience virtual reality exhibits. It was founded in the late 6th century by St. Augustine, marking the beginning of the rebirth of Christianity in southern England. Moreover, for almost 1000 years, it was a centre of learning and spirituality. 

Address: Longport, Canterbury, CT1 1PF, England

6. St. Martin's Church

This is the oldest church in the English-speaking world that is still in use for regular worship. It offers a glimpse into over 1400 years of history and Christian worship. Its unique architecture, a blend of Roman, Saxon Windows, Norman are the reasons of its beauty. Furthermore, it's part of the Canterbury UNESCO World Heritage Site, adding to its historical and cultural significance. Private tours or group visits can be arranged by contacting the church and it typically open for public during specific hours. 

Address: St. Martins Court, North Holmes Road, Canterbury, CT1 1QS, England

7. Canterbury Roman Museum

One of the other most tourist attractions in Canterbury is the Roman Museum, which offers a unique glimpse into Roman life in Britain, particularly in Canterbury. This is famous for housing one of the UK’s only remaining in situ Roman pavement mosaics. The museum is built around the Roman townhouse, providing a tangible connection to the past. Moreover, it is designed to be engaging for families, with themed trails and beautiful displays. 

Address: 11A Butchery Lane, Canterbury CT1 2JR England

8. The Marlowe Theatre

The Marlowe Theatre is another best places in Canterbury, renowned as one of the UK’s leading regional theatres and is famous for its dedication to presenting high-quality theatre and live performance, which reflects a diverse range of communities and creates a welcoming and inclusive space. It is deeply connected to the city’s heritage, particularly the legacy of Christopher Marlowe, a Canterbury resident. Additionally, the theatre’s commitment to heritage and its impact on local youth through workshops contributes to its reputation. 

Address: The Friars, Canterbury CT1 2AS, England

9. The Malthouse Theatre

The Malthouse Theatre in Canterbury, England, is known for its unique and highly regarded arts venue that has been transformed from a former malthouse building. The best things to do in Canterbury to experience this popular venue for weddings and other special events, which offers a different and historic setting for celebrations. Moreover, the theatre is designed to be fully accessible, with a lift, wheelchair spaces, and companion seats to ensure that everyone can enjoy the programming. 

Address: The Malthouse Theatre, Malthouse Road, Canterbury, CT2 7JA, England

10. Great Stour Way

In Canterbury, the Great Stour Way is popular for walkers, cyclists, and birdwatchers to enjoy the route due to its amenities like parks and lakes. It is a three-mile surfaced path which connects Canterbury and Chartham. In the UK, it is a multi-user path, primarily for walkers and cyclists, that follows the course of the River Great Stour. This is also a part of the National Cycle Network route 18 and provides access to the Stour Valley and Kent Downs area. 

Address: Pilgrims Cycle Trail, Canterbury 

There are many things to do in Canterbury, and till now you have explored the 10 best places in this city.

Other Top Attractions Around Canterbury

If you are a student, traveler, or visitor, you may have the question of what to do in Canterbury after being here. However, there are different things to do, and the most famous one you have explored in the above section. Now, around Canterbury, there are top attractions that you can visit and gain a unique perspective.

1. National Gallery

The National Gallery in the UK is a world-renowned art museum with a vast collection of European paintings. It was founded in 1824, and now it is a house of over 2000 paintings. This is a major national institution in the UK, owned by the British government and known for its iconic artworks like Sunflowers by Van Gogh. One of the great things to do in Canterbury is to visit the National Gallery, which is free of charge. 

Address: Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN, England

2. Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum is a hub of natural history, a vast collection of specimens, and a center for scientific research. This museum is located on Exhibition Road in South Kensington and is one of the three major museums in that area, alongside the Science Museum, Victoria, and the Albert Museum. Furthermore, the Natural Museum is a leading center of scientific research, utilizing its unique collections and expertise to address significant challenges in the natural world. 

Address: Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, England

3. Dover Castle

Among some ultimate places in the UK, Dover Castle is a historic fortress located on a high chalk in Dover, England. It is renowned for its strategic position overlooking the Strait of Dover and its unique blend of architectural styles spanning centuries. It is also known as a gateway of the realm and a guardian of England due to its vantage point on the cliffs. Dover Castle has features not found in many other castles, with a counter-tunnel dug during the siege of 1216. 

Address: Castle Hill Road, Dover, CT16 1HU, England

4. V&A - Victoria and Albert Museum

This is the world’s largest museum of decorative arts and design with a vast collection spanning 5000 years of history. Visiting the Victoria and Albert Museum is one of the great things to do in Canterbury. This is because it has a unique collection from Europe, North America, Asia, and North Africa, which reflects the global influence of design and art. While visiting, you can also understand the relation between arts and design together. 

Address: Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL, England

5. Westminster Abbey

If you want to see the most famous church in the UK, you must visit Westminster Abbey. It is a major site for royal weddings, burials, and coronations. It was initially built by Henry III in 1245, and in 1987 it became the UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its historic and symbolic significance. Despite its historical significance, Westminster Abbey remains a working church and hosts daily services and religious events. 

Address: 20 Dean's Yard Broad Sanctuary, London SW1P 3PA, England

There are many top attractions around Canterbury city, and till now, you have read about the five most popular places.

Must-Do Experiences in Canterbury

Canterbury is just an hour from central London, and if you love visiting historic attractions, then this is a wonderful city for you. There is a lot to see, but for everything you must know when and how to explore in Canterbury. If you are planning to visit Canterbury, here are some observations and tips that may help you get the most out of your visit. 

• The Cathedral is a must-see UNESCO World Heritage Site in Canterbury, which offers you stunning architecture and a rich history.
• Riverside gardens in Canterbury are perfect for picnics and relaxing breaks; if you want a peaceful stroll, then you must add them to your to-do list.
• Canterbury’s popularity is hidden in its historic places, you can take a boat tour along the River Stour for a unique perspective and learn about its history from experienced guides.
• Most attractions in Canterbury are its free art gallery, library, and visitor information center, which you must experience here.
• If you are interested in wildlife, then Howlette's Wild Animal Park can offer a variety of animals and keeper talks for you.
• Most of the student accommodation in Canterbury is near famous shops, restaurants, malls, and pubs, which can give you a unique exposure.
• You can enjoy free activities like walking along the city walls, visiting Westgate and Dane John Gardens, and exploring the city's historic churches.

Conclusion

To conclude, we have discussed the things to do in Canterbury and which are the most popular places to visit for students, visitors, and travelers. While exploring the city, you must know how you can make your experience unforgettable, therefore, we have shared some tips in this blog. There are some places like Riverside, Canterbury Cathedral, Canterbury Roman Museum, and Westgate Gardens located near the best student accommodation in UK, Canterbury. So, if you are a student and looking for housing options, you can bring your query to our experts and get the best affordable housing solutions.

FAQs

1. What’s the Best Time of Year to Explore Canterbury Attractions?

The best time to explore Canterbury’s attractions is during spring and autumn. You can enjoy blooming flowers in spring when the weather is mild, making it pleasant for walking and sightseeing. Also, to visit Canterbury festival, featuring music, theatre, and art, the best time is May.

2. Is Canterbury a Good Place for Families and Kids to Visit?

There is no doubt, Canterbury is a good place for families and kids to visit because this place offers a mix of historical attractions, fun activities, and natural beauty. You can find here a variety of activities such as museums, parks, tours, and river boat rides for a great family-friendly vacation.

3. Are There Any Guided Tours Available in Canterbury?

Including walking tours and river tours, there are several guided tours available in Canterbury. These offer daily walking tours to explore the city’s history with themed and private tours. Canterbury Historic River Tours also provides a unique perspective and expert-guided tours within the city itself.

4. Can You Explore Canterbury on Foot, or Is Transport Needed?

There are numerous cycling routes available in Canterbury that are traffic-free for people who like walking. Many attractions are within the city walls, and the center is quite flat and easy to navigate. You can explore medieval streets and other areas on foot and enjoy the unique identity of the winding lanes and streets.

5. Are There Student-Friendly Attractions or Hangout Spots in Canterbury?

There are some student-friendly spots where they can get heavy discounts or free entry, such as Canterbury Cathedral, Westgate Gardens, Historic Streets and Westgate Towers, Canterbury Roman Museum, and Marlowe Theatre.