🇬🇧United Kingdom · Places to discover
What to see in Canterbury?
41 places selected by the community - landmarks, nature, hidden restaurants and activities.
Landmarks & heritage
8 places
1Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0Landmark
Eastbridge Hospital of St Thomas
A 12th-century medieval hospice founded to welcome poor pilgrims coming to venerate Becket. Still functioning as a residence for the elderly, its medieval halls are open to the public.
2Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0Landmark
The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge
Library, museum and art gallery combined in a free Victorian building open to all. The local collections on Canterbury's history and medieval objects are well worth visiting.
3Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0Landmark
Westgate Towers
England's greatest surviving fortified medieval gateway, dating from 1380. Climb to the top for a panoramic view over the old town's rooftops.
- 4
Landmark
Landmark
Mercery Lane Medieval Lanes
Paved lane from the 14th century running from High Street to the cathedral, lined with corbelled houses. The framed view of Christ Church Gate is one of the city's most striking architectural compositions.
- 5
Landmark
Landmark
Christopher Marlowe Birthplace
Commemorative plaque and Tudor house where dramatist Christopher Marlowe was born in 1564, contemporary and rival of Shakespeare. Little publicised in guidebooks, it stands on St George's Street.
- 6
Landmark
Landmark
Canterbury Roman Walls
Impressive remains of the Roman ramparts of Durovernum Cantiacorum, some sections still reaching 6 metres in height. A walking circuit allows you to trace nearly the entire perimeter.
- 7
Landmark
Landmark
Old Weavers House
A half-timbered 16th-century house built over the Stour, once home to Huguenot refugee weavers. One of Canterbury's most photographed buildings, and rightly so.
- 8
Landmark
Landmark
Canterbury City Walls
Roman and medieval ramparts, partly walkable, encircling the historic centre. A walk along the northern walls reveals unusual views of the city and private gardens.
Museums
2 places
9Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 3.0Museum
Canterbury Roman Museum
An underground museum built around an in situ Roman mosaic discovered during the 1942 bombing raids. A fascinating immersion into 2nd-century Durovernum Cantiacorum.
- 10
Museum
Museum
Beaney House of Art and Knowledge
A flamboyant Victorian building housing art collections, local archaeology, and a public library. Free admission and an authentically local atmosphere, away from tourist routes.
Religious sites
7 places
11WikipediaReligious site
St Augustine's Abbey
The majestic ruins of an abbey founded in 597 by St Augustine, among England's oldest. Less visited than the cathedral, it offers a remarkably contemplative atmosphere.
12Wikimedia CommonsReligious site
Canterbury Cathedral
A Gothic masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage site, seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury since the 6th century. The medieval stained glass and Norman crypt alone merit the visit.
13Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0Religious site
Greyfriars Chapel
England's first Franciscan establishment, built above the River Stour around 1267. A hidden gem tucked into a tranquil garden, often overlooked even by regular visitors.
14Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0Religious site
St Augustine's Abbey
Founded in 597 by St Augustine, this ruined abbey is one of England's earliest Christian sites. The site is part of the UNESCO World Heritage collection and reveals fascinating Saxon foundations.
- 15
Religious site
Religious site
St Martin's Church, Canterbury
England's oldest church in continuous use, pre-dating the arrival of St Augustine. Small and unassuming, it conceals Roman walls integrated into its Saxon structure.
- 16
Religious site
Religious site
St Martin's Church
England's oldest church in continuous use, dating from the Roman period. Discreet and often overlooked by hurried visitors, it contains visible Roman stones built into its walls.
- 17
Religious site
Religious site
Canterbury Cathedral
A masterpiece of 12th-century Gothic architecture and seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The tomb of Thomas Becket and the medieval stained glass are absolutely breathtaking.
Nature
8 places
18Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0Nature
Chartham Hatch Village & North Downs Way
A sleepy village west of Canterbury, the ideal starting point for reaching the North Downs Way through Kent's cherry orchards. In spring, the blossom is spectacular.
- 19
Nature
Nature
Larkey Valley Wood
Community woodland south of the city, managed by local residents since the 1990s. Daffodils in spring, mushrooms in autumn: a living forest that tourists completely overlook.
- 20
Nature
Nature
Fordwich
England's smallest medieval town, 3 km from Canterbury, featuring a Tudor town hall and a riverside pub on the Stour. Its rural setting and tranquillity make it a perfect cycling escape.
- 21
Nature
Nature
Blean Woods National Nature Reserve
One of England's largest ancient woodland complexes, 5 km north of the city. A paradise for butterflies (including the rare Heath Fritillary), with signposted trails for all durations.
- 22
Nature
Nature
Tooting Meadows and Stour River
Wetland meadows at the town's edge where the Stour branches into several streams. A pastoral walk favoured by locals for spotting herons and aquatic wildlife, far from any tourist infrastructure.
- 23
Nature
Nature
Larkey Valley Wood
Oak and hornbeam woodland south of Canterbury, crisscrossed by quiet trails along the Nailbourne valley. Wonderfully undiscovered, perfect for countryside walking well away from the tourist trail.
- 24
Nature
Nature
River Stour Punting
Punting down the Stour from Canterbury's gardens, gliding beneath medieval ramparts and hanging gardens. A unique perspective on the city that precious few visitors ever experience.
- 25
Nature
Nature
Blean Woods National Nature Reserve
One of England's largest sessile oak forests, a few kilometres north of Canterbury. Haven for the rare marsh fritillary butterfly and numerous lesser spotted woodpeckers.
Parks & gardens
5 places
26Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0Park
Dane John Gardens
A Victorian public garden with a Saxon tumulus and a commemorative column offering clear views of the cathedral. Best visited early in the morning before the crowds arrive.
- 27
Park
Park
Dane John Gardens and Norman Motte
Victorian park laid out around an 11th-century Norman motte, with a commemorative column at the summit offering views over the ramparts. Daily retreat for city-centre residents.
- 28
Park
Park
Westgate Gardens
A public park along the Great Stour river, lined with century-old plane trees and ever-present ducks. A favourite picnic spot for locals, ideal for unwinding after the cathedral.
- 29
Park
Park
Hales Place Walled Garden
A restored Victorian walled garden maintained by volunteers, hidden behind red-brick walls in a residential neighbourhood. A heritage kitchen garden growing heritage vegetable varieties and climbing roses.
- 30
Park
Park
Westgate Gardens
A municipal park alongside the Great Stour, lined with century-old plane trees and swans gliding beneath medieval arches. The locals' favourite spot for lunch on the grass.
Viewpoints
5 places
- 31
Viewpoint
Viewpoint
University of Kent Campus Gardens
The university campus offers open green spaces with a spectacular view of the cathedral from the hilltop. Relaxed atmosphere with student cafés and free exhibitions at the Templeman.
- 32
Viewpoint
Viewpoint
St Martin's Hill Cemetery
Romantic old cemetery on the eastern hill overlooking the city, with gravestones dating from the 17th century and a clear view of the cathedral. Dog walkers frequent it; tourists ignore it.
- 33
Viewpoint
Viewpoint
Weavers Lane
Half-timbered houses from the 16th century overlooking the Stour, once inhabited by Huguenot refugee weavers. One of Canterbury's most photographed views, yet beautiful away from peak hours.
- 34
Viewpoint
Viewpoint
View from Westgate Towers Roof
360° panorama over Canterbury's medieval rooftops with the cathedral in the background. The best viewpoint in the city, often overlooked in favour of the cathedral itself.
- 35
Viewpoint
Viewpoint
The King's Mile
A stretch of the medieval High Street (Palace Street / King Street) lined with timber-framed houses dating from the 15th to 17th centuries. Less crowded than High Street, it represents Canterbury's true architectural character.
Activities
6 places
- 36
Activity
Activity
Canterbury Tales
Immersive recreation of Chaucer's pilgrims in the medieval buildings of St Margaret's Church. More serious than it appears, with faithful sets and well-researched narration.
- 37
Activity
Activity
St George's Street Farmers' Market
Kent producers' market held Wednesday and Friday mornings. Local hops, apples, artisan cider and regional cheeses: the culinary soul of the county in the open air.
- 38
Activity
Activity
Canterbury Historic River Tour
A 45-minute guided cruise on the Stour passing beneath the city walls, medieval gardens and water mills. The commentary on the city's history is precise and well-researched.
- 39
Activity
Activity
Marlowe Theatre
Canterbury's principal performance venue, offering theatre, dance and music of national quality in a contemporary building opened in 2011. Check the programme before you arrive.
- 40
Activity
Activity
Canterbury Punting Company
Punt hire and guided tours on the Stour from Westgate Gardens. Local guides share anecdotes about the medieval city invisible from street level — a radically different way to experience Canterbury.
- 41
Activity
Activity
Canterbury Tales Visitor Attraction
An immersive recreation of Chaucer's tales set within the medieval surroundings of St Margaret's Church. Essential for understanding why Canterbury was the pilgrimage destination for all of medieval England.
Also 🇬🇧 in the United Kingdom
