🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Places to discover
What to see in Canterbury ?
23 places curated by Hozy - landmarks, nature, hidden restaurants and activities.
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Landmarks & heritage (10)
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SACanterbury Cathedral
Landmark
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.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SACanterbury City Walls
Landmark
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.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAGreyfriars Chapel
Landmark
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.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SASt Martin's Church
Landmark
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.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAWestgate Towers
Landmark
England's greatest surviving fortified medieval gateway, dating from 1380. Climb to the top for a panoramic view over the old town's rooftops.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAOld Weavers House
Landmark
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.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SASt Augustine's Abbey
Landmark
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.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAThe Beaney House of Art & Knowledge
Landmark
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.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAEastbridge Hospital of St Thomas
Landmark
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.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SACanterbury Roman Museum
Landmark
An underground museum built around an in situ Roman mosaic discovered during the 1942 bombing raids. A fascinating immersion into 2nd-century Durovernum Cantiacorum.Nature & parks (7)
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAWestgate Gardens
Nature
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.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SADane John Gardens
Nature
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.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SALarkey Valley Wood
Nature
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.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAHales Place Walled Garden
Nature
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.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SABlean Woods National Nature Reserve
Nature
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.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAChartham Hatch Village & North Downs Way
Nature
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.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SARiver Stour Punting
Nature
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.Viewpoints (2)
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAThe King's Mile
Viewpoint
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.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAUniversity of Kent Campus Gardens
Viewpoint
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.Activities (4)
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SACanterbury Historic River Tour
Activity
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.Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SACanterbury Tales Visitor Attraction
Activity
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.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAMarlowe Theatre
Activity
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.Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SACanterbury Punting Company
Activity
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.