Canterbury holidays

Good to know for Canterbury holidays

Planning a holiday in Canterbury? Here are some essential tips and useful information to help you make the most of your visit to this historic city.

Getting to Canterbury

By train: Canterbury is well-connected by train, with two main stations: Canterbury West and Canterbury East. Direct services from London St Pancras International take around 55 minutes, while trains from London Victoria and Charing Cross take about 1 hour 30 minutes. For schedules and tickets, check the National Rail website.

By car: Canterbury is easily accessible via the M2 and A2 from London. Parking can be limited in the city centre, so consider using one of the Park and Ride facilities located on the outskirts of the city.

By bus: National Express and other coach services operate routes to Canterbury from various UK cities. The main bus station is located in the city centre, providing easy access to local attractions.

Getting around

Walking: Canterbury is a compact city, making it easy to explore on foot. Most of the main attractions are within walking distance of each other.

Cycling: The city is bike-friendly, with several cycle paths and bike hire options available. Cycling is a great way to explore the scenic countryside surrounding Canterbury.

Public transport: Local buses operated by Stagecoach provide convenient transport within the city and to nearby areas. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available.

Best time to visit

Weather: Canterbury enjoys a temperate maritime climate, with mild winters and warm summers. The best time to visit is during late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October) when the weather is pleasant and the tourist crowds are smaller.

Events: Plan your visit around key events such as the Canterbury Festival in October, a two-week celebration of arts and culture, and the annual Medieval Pageant and Family Trail in July. These events offer a unique way to experience the city’s vibrant culture.

Accommodation

Variety: Canterbury offers a wide range of accommodation options, from historic inns and boutique hotels to modern B&Bs and self-catering apartments. Popular areas to stay include the city centre, which is close to major attractions, and the peaceful outskirts for a more relaxed stay.

Booking tips: It’s advisable to book your accommodation well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons and major events.

Local attractions

• Canterbury Cathedral: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the cathedral is a must-visit for its stunning Gothic architecture and historical significance.

• St Augustine’s Abbey and St Martin’s Church: These historic sites, also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, offer a fascinating glimpse into Canterbury’s rich history.

• The Canterbury Tales: This interactive attraction brings Chaucer’s famous stories to life, providing an entertaining way to learn about medieval England.

• Westgate Gardens: A beautiful spot for a leisurely stroll along the River Stour, featuring lovely gardens and historic city walls.

Dining and shopping

• Food: Canterbury has a diverse culinary scene, with a variety of restaurants, cafes, and pubs offering everything from traditional British fare to international cuisine. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy a meal at one of the city’s historic inns or riverside cafes.

• Shopping: The city centre is home to a mix of high-street stores, independent boutiques, and charming markets. The King’s Mile area is particularly popular for its unique shops and artisan stores.

Practical tips

• Currency and banking: The currency in Canterbury is the British Pound (£). ATMs are widely available, and most establishments accept credit and debit cards. Currency exchange services can be found at banks and dedicated exchange offices.

• Language: English is the primary language spoken in Canterbury. Most locals are friendly and willing to help with directions or recommendations.

By keeping these tips in mind, you'll be well-prepared to enjoy your holiday in Canterbury, immersing yourself in the city’s rich history, culture, and charming atmosphere.

Best things to do in Canterbury

Canterbury offers a rich slice of two thousand years of English history, with Roman and early Christian remains, a ruined Norman castle and a splendid cathedral that looms over a medieval warren of time-skewed Tudor buildings

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Westgate Tower: Climb up to the battlements of the largest and most important of Canterbury’s seven city gates for lovely views across to the cathedral and over the gardens below.

The best districts

• Cathedral Precincts: The precincts are entered through the ornate, early 16th-century Christ Church Gate, where Burgate and St Margaret’s Street meet. This junction, the city’s medieval heart, was originally called “Bullstake” because cattle were baited and chased in the street here, as it was thought this would tenderize their meat.

• The King’s Mile: The stretch from the cathedral up Sun Street and Palace Street, including Guildhall and the Borough, serves up picturesque historic buildings housing several quirky independent shops, galleries and restaurants.

Parks and gardens

• Westgate Gardens: Fringing the River Stour, the pretty, flower-filled Westgate Gardens make a splendid spot for a picnic or a riverside stroll; you can’t miss the two-centuries-old, unfeasibly chubby Oriental plane tree, with a girth of a whopping 29ft.

• Franciscan Gardens: A haven of serenity with the river gurgling past a drift of scattered wildflowers.

Historical monuments

• Canterbury Cathedral: Dominating this historic university town, the ancient cathedral – seat of the Primate of All England, the Archbishop of Canterbury – can’t fail to inspire a sense of awe.

• Greyfriars Chapel: This tiny Franciscan chapel, with its own pretty walled gardens, makes a tranquil hideaway just a few steps from the city centre.

• Old Weavers House: This wonky, half-timbered building is one of the most photographed buildings in Canterbury, and is now inhabited by a couple of fancy restaurants, making much of their picturesque riverside location.

Museums

• Roman Museum: Discover a spectacular Roman townhouse, complete with mosaic floors, now preserved in situ in the city’s subterranean Roman Museum.

Day trips from Canterbury

Canterbury's central location in Kent makes it an excellent base for exploring some of the region's most charming towns and scenic resort areas. Here are some top day trip destinations, each offering unique attractions and experiences. For accommodation options, check out the provided links. Check our best deals on hotels in Kent.

Whitstable: seaside charm

Just a short drive or train ride from Canterbury, Whitstable is famous for its oysters and charming seafront. Stroll along the pebble beach, explore the harbour, and enjoy fresh seafood at the local restaurants. The town also boasts unique shops and galleries. For accommodation options, check out hotels in Whitstable.

Herne Bay: family-friendly fun

Herne Bay is a classic British seaside town, perfect for a family day out. Enjoy the sandy beach, visit the historic pier, and explore the seafront gardens. The town also has a variety of cafes and ice cream parlours. For a comfortable stay, explore cheap hotels in Herne Bay.

Deal: historic and picturesque

Deal is a picturesque town with a rich maritime history. Visit Deal Castle, take a walk along the award-winning pier, and explore the charming streets filled with independent shops and cafes. The town's seafront promenade offers stunning views of the English Channel. Discover the best deals on hotels in Deal for your visit.

Faversham: market town charm

Faversham, one of England’s oldest market towns, is known for its historic buildings and vibrant market. Visit Shepherd Neame Brewery, the oldest brewer in Britain, and explore the charming streets lined with medieval and Georgian buildings. For accommodation, check out deals on hotels in Faversham.

Dover: iconic cliffs and history

Dover, known for its iconic White Cliffs and historic castle, is a must-visit destination. Tour Dover Castle, take in the breathtaking views from the cliffs, and learn about the town’s significance during WWII. For a memorable stay, explore hotels in Dover.

Margate: art and beach

Margate is a vibrant seaside town known for its sandy beaches and thriving arts scene. Visit the Turner Contemporary art gallery, explore the Old Town's shops and cafes, and enjoy the traditional amusement park, Dreamland. Check out cheap hotels in Margate for your stay.

These nearby towns offer a variety of experiences, from historic sites and cultural attractions to stunning natural landscapes and seaside fun. Each destination provides its own unique charm, making them perfect for enriching day trips from Canterbury.

Activities for families in Canterbury

From interactive museums that spark the imagination to a spot of mucking about on the river, there’s no shortage of family-friendly options on your Canterbury holidays.

• Interactive museums: The perfect place for the family to get together for an afternoon of art and culture, the Beaney House of Art and Knowledge has cases of stuffed animals, pinned butterflies, antiquities and archaeological finds, plus plenty more.

• Aquariums and zoos: Just three miles south of Canterbury, Howletts Wild Animal Park is highly regarded for its conservation efforts, saving and breeding rare species from around the world, and, where possible, returning them to the wild.

• Punting: Take a chauffeured punting trip through the city along the Stour, with some jaunts into the countryside – better still, punt yourself with each family member taking a turn.

Free things to do in Canterbury

From ancient architecture to natural beauty, there's something for everyone to enjoy on their holidays to Canterbury without breaking the bank.

• Free events: The Canterbury Festival is the grande dame of the city’s arts events, a high-culture affair offering an international mix of music, theatre and performance, with walks and live events thrown in, much of it free.

• Churches: Canterbury is replete with ecclesiastical gems, all free to visit. Start with St Dunstan’s, remarkable for holding the eternal remains of Sir Thomas More, before hitting lovely St Martin’s Church, one of England’s oldest churches, and perhaps the earliest Christian site in Canterbury.

• Free guided tours: Several organisations offer complimentary (though tips-based) guided walking tours of Canterbury, where you can learn about the city's compelling history and architecture.

Nature and outdoor activities

Canterbury is surrounded by beautiful countryside and offers numerous outdoor activities for nature lovers.

• Hiking: The pick of the region’s many fine trails is the Pilgrims' Way, a historic route that provides stunning views and a true sense of the area's heritage.

• Cycling: The delightfully named Crab and Winkle Way is a cycling route along the old railway track between Canterbury and the seaside town of Whitstable, just seven miles away – a lovely way to combine city, countryside and coast.

• Kayaking and canoeing: The River Stour is perfect for a peaceful paddle. Try Canoe Wild, with bases in Fordwich and Grove Ferry, who offer canoe, kayak and paddleboard rental and guided canoe/kayak paddles – from seal-watching at Pegwell Bay to sunset wildlife tours in Stodmarsh.

• Bird-watching: The lonely, marshy wetland of Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve, a square mile of reed beds, fens and pools in the Stour Valley, is especially good for twitchers, with bitterns, kingfishers and marsh harriers in residence, among many others.

Holidays to Canterbury are a treat for the tastebuds with the full range of Kent’s fabulous produce to the fore, not to mention some delicious drinks.

Some typical dishes

• Cobnuts: This tasty Kentish hazelnut, harvested between mid-August and October, can be bought at local farmers’ markets and found as an ingredient on menus throughout the county.

• Huffkins: An old-fashioned Kentish speciality – a soft, flat, small oval loaf with a deep dimple in the centre, occasionally filled like a bap, and often served warm.

Tapas dishes

• Tapas at The Goods Shed: Housed in an old brick goods shed, this is a highlight of any foodie visit to Canterbury. You’ll find traders selling local cheeses, breads, charcuterie, fresh produce, wine and beer, along with tapas and sharing plates.

Meat dishes

• Kentish Lamb: Though many of the famed Romney Marsh lambs are now farmed elsewhere, the appearance on menus of their prized, tender meat is the sure sign of a good restaurant.

• Game dishes: The region’s countryside provides excellent game, such as pheasant and venison, which are best sampled in a cosy local pub.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Whitstable Oysters: Just a short trip from Canterbury, the old fishing town of Whitstable is the place to eat these briny delicacies; there’s even an annual festival to give thanks for them.

Sweets and desserts

Canterbury’s traditional desserts are not to be missed. Try a Gypsy Tart, a traditional tart made with evaporated milk and muscovado sugar, creating a rich and sweet treat. Or there’s the comforting Kentish Pudding Pie, a delicious local dessert made with breadcrumbs, lemon, and sweet spices, often served with custard.

Local drinks

• Kentish Ale: The heartland of the old hop industry, Kent is known for its real ales. The biggest local name, and the nation’s oldest brewery, is Shepherd Neame, which produces characteristically earthy ales – Spitfire and Bishop’s Finger among them.

• Kent wine: Kent, where the soil conditions and geology are almost identical to those in France’s Champagne region, is home to some of the country’s most highly regarded vineyards. Try Chapel Down, which does superb fizz and excellent whites.