18 BEST THINGS TO DO IN CANTERBURY.
Having grown up in Kent, Canterbury is a place I’ve always known well. That said, my early memories are a mixed bag, from family day trips wandering the city streets to, if I’m being honest, a rather tedious school visit to the cathedral. For years, I carried the assumption that Canterbury was, well, a little boring.
But as I’ve gotten older, my interests have thankfully shifted. I’ve found a new appreciation for history, culture and, perhaps most importantly, good food. So it felt like the right time to give Canterbury another chance.
After a few recent visits, I can confidently say I’ve been completely won over. Sitting on a sunny café terrace with an Americano in hand, I found myself watching a group of schoolchildren shuffling through the streets, far more interested in messing about than the centuries of history surrounding them. It made me smile. Some things never change. But from where I was sitting, Canterbury was a wonderful place to be.
In this guide, I’ll share the very best things to do in Canterbury, and why it’s a city that, in my opinion, is more than worth a visit.
Why is Canterbury worth visiting?
Canterbury is best known for its magnificent cathedral, and rightly so. It’s one of the city’s biggest draws and a place that has shaped Canterbury’s identity for centuries. But it really shouldn’t be the only reason to visit.
What makes Canterbury so appealing is its character. It’s a compact and wonderfully walkable city, where cobbled streets, crooked timber-framed buildings and hidden corners give it a quirky charm. You can spend a morning wandering without any real plan and still stumble across something interesting.
There’s also a lively, youthful feel thanks to its student population, which brings plenty of energy to the city. Independent coffee shops and cosy cafés are dotted throughout the centre, perfect for a slow start to the day, while evenings lend themselves to relaxed dinners or a glass of wine in one of the many inviting wine bars.
Add in layers of history at every turn, and Canterbury quickly proves itself to be far more than a one-sight destination.
Best 18 things to do in Canterbury
Canterbury is ideal for a day trip, a couple of days, or to use as a base to explore Kent more widely. Here are the best things to do.
1/ Visit the Cathedral
Let’s get it out of the way first. If you come to Canterbury, you really should visit the cathedral.
This UNESCO-listed landmark is the city’s most famous sight. Leave aside 1-2 hours to explore the Cathedral – being sure to take in the grounds, the collections and details like stained glass. You can also join a tour within the Cathedral – details are displayed on the website here.
It can be sensible to book ahead, especially if you are visiting for only one day. Tickets are £18 for adults and children are free.
2/ Shop vintage
Canterbury has some trendy vintage stores like Karma, but another way to shop thrift is to visit one of many charity stores around the city. Vintage pieces for far less. Our favourites were Demelza and Store 50, but there are lots (see map) to find.
3/ Explore the River Stour
Running gently through the city, the River Stour creates a really lovely sense of peace in the city. You can stroll along its banks, cross its pretty bridges, or even take a traditional punt for a slightly different perspective.
4/ Visit the Abbey
The ruins of St Augustine’s Abbey are another of Canterbury’s historic highlights. Once a significant religious site, today it offers a quieter, more reflective experience than the cathedral. It may be worth a visit if you enjoy history without the crowds. Keep in mind that the abbey is only open on weekends.
5/ Take in the Beaney House of Art & Knowledge
A bit of a hidden gem, the Beaney is part museum, part gallery and part library – and it’s free to enter. Inside, you’ll find an eclectic mix of exhibits, from local history to art collections, all housed in a beautiful building (don’t miss the stained glass) right in the centre of town.
On our recent visit, we loved the eclectic art from local artists. And there was an exhibition about famous TV shows, like the Clangers and Bagpuss – which offered a healthy dose of nostalgia.
For anyone visiting with children, the Beaney offers some great activities for kids, they toys and craft tables.
6/ Pause for coffee
Canterbury has a growing coffee scene and one that I very much enjoy exploring when I visit. If you’re a fussy coffee-seur try Garage Coffee Roasters (which also has an outpost in Margate that I am rather fond of). Lazix café (for a lovely vibe), Felons Coffeehouse (spacious and modern)
7/ Grab a bite from a food stall
On our latest visit to Canterbury, we were heartened to see some lovely food carts hidden in streets around the city. You may not find them on maps, but if you get a whiff of something delicious in the air – follow it. That’s how we found the House of Momo – a food truck selling steamed and fried dumplings, as well as some super tasty samosa and chicken dishes too.
8/ Nose around art galleries
If you enjoy art, you’ll find plenty of small galleries dotted around the city. Many showcase local artists, alongside famous names, and they’re often quiet enough that you can browse at your own pace. We liked Clarendon Fine Art as well as Castle Fine Art, found on the Old Buttermarket.
9/ Sample English Wine
Kent is often referred to as the Garden of England, and it’s also known for its growing wine scene. While you’ll need to venture slightly beyond the city for vineyards – Corkk Wine Bar allows you to try them from within the city gate.
A beautiful wine bar, they often host tastings. Or you can pop in for a glass – they always have English sparkling options to try. As they sell English wine, you could take a bottle to enjoy at home too.
10/ Cosy up in a pub
As any English city worth it’s salt, Canterbury has a grand selection of pubs. There’s The Old Buttermarket (an excellent stop after visiting the Cathedral), Old Weavers House (an excellent location) and The Dolphin (cosy pub with board games.)
If you happen to be visiting on a Thursday evening and enjoy trivia, stop by the Two Sawyers for their weekly pub quiz.
11/ Enjoy Italian food
Canterbury has some excellent restaurants, and many of them happen to be Italian. You can find the usual chains, or which Pizza Express is worth considering for a lowkey lunch because of the riverside location. Beyond this, consider Il Posticino (intimate), Olive Grove (a popular choice) or A Tavola (the one that caught our eye.)
12/ Stock up at the Goods Shed
Close to Canterbury West train station, the Goods Shed is a farmers’ market and food hall rolled into one. It’s a great place to pick up local produce, grab something to eat, or simply soak up the atmosphere.
Wild Goose serves up wine and a more formal lunch menu, whilst you can sample wine on tap at another stall, or have your pick of croissants and cinnamon buns at a coffee stand. Ideal as a stop as you get off the train, or just before you leave the city.
13/ Visit the coast
One of Canterbury’s biggest advantages is its proximity to the coast. Kent has some fantastic seaside towns, including Margate and Whitstable, both known for their creative scenes, excellent restaurants and independent shops. And yes, there are some genuinely lovely sandy beaches in Kent too, particularly around Thanet.
If you’re staying in Canterbury for a couple of days and fancy some sea air, consider heading to Margate or Ramsgate. Both are lovely towns within easy reach of Canterbury on the train. You can also take a coastal walk between the two, should you need to burn off one too many Mo-Mos.
You can find our detailed guide to visiting Margate here. As well as some ideas for different Kent coastal towns to visit here.
14/ See some gardens
Canterbury has a few pleasant gardens to explore. The first is Westgate Gardens (free to enter). Another option is Franciscan Gardens, which is larger and requires a small fee to entre (£4). The Cathedral gardens are also included in your Cathedral entrance ticket.
15/ Historical walking tour
Canterbury has so much history and perhaps the best way to put the various statues, blue plaques and old city gates into context is to take a walking tour.
Tours last 90 minutes and are quite inexpensive at £15. Although it doesn’t include entry into the Cathedral, you do explore the grounds with this tour.
16/ Small Museums
Canterbury has a handful of smaller museums that are well worth dipping into. The Roman Museum offers a glimpse into the city’s ancient past, while Westgate Towers and the Kent Museum of Freemasonry provide something a little different.
17/ See a show at The Marlowe
The Marlow is Canterbury’s theatre – and it’s a lovely modern one at that. From music, comedy and drama, to opera and dance performances – The Marlow has a vast array to choose from. Be sure to check “what’s on” when you visit.
18/ Take a yoga class with a twist
Now for something entirely different, in Canterbury you can take a yoga class….with puppies at Pawsome Yoga. Honestly, this really does sound like my idea of heaven. Dates aren’t that frequent, so book in advance if this is something you’re keen to do.
Or, if you want something even more alternative, you can take a yoga class with goats (yes you read that correctly) in the countryside (probably requires a car to get there.)
Where to stay in Canterbury
Canterbury has a lovely selection of hotels to choose from. For ease of access, it’s best to stay inside or close to the city gates. Here are some ideas:
BUDGET: Holiday Inn Express Canterbury.
MID-RANGE: The Hugo or Hampton Hotel are both well located.
LUXURY: The Falstaff, romantic hotel just outside the city gate.
How to get to Canterbury
Canterbury is well connected, making it an easy destination for a short break.
If you’re staying in London and short of time, a tour to Canterbury and Dover may be the best way to see as much as possible.
By train, you can reach Canterbury from London in under an hour on high-speed services, or just under two hours on standard routes. If you’re driving, the city is accessible via the M2, though parking in the centre can be limited. There is also a park and ride option that you can take advantage of.
If you’re already in Kent, Canterbury is also easy to reach from nearby towns and the coast, making it a great base for exploring the wider area.
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
British travel writer and long-distance hiker, native to Kent. Emma has walked the Camino de Santiago more than ten times, completed trails across Europe from the Corfu Trail to the Fisherman’s Trail, and covered thousands of kilometres on foot. She always writes from first-hand experience. Her goal? Inspire just one person to go on their first long-distance hike.
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