Hozy

🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Places to discover

What to see in Canterbury ?

41 places curated by Hozy - landmarks, nature, hidden restaurants and activities.

Explore on the mapStays

MAP · OVERVIEW

Landmarks & heritage (17)

Canterbury CathedralWikipedia (en) - CC BY-SA

Canterbury 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.
Canterbury Roman WallsWikipedia (en) - CC BY-SA

Canterbury Roman Walls

Landmark

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.
Canterbury City WallsWikipedia (en) - CC BY-SA

Canterbury 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.
Mercery Lane Medieval LanesWikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SA

Mercery Lane Medieval Lanes

Landmark

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.
Greyfriars ChapelWikipedia (en) - CC BY-SA

Greyfriars 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.
Christopher Marlowe BirthplaceWikipedia (en) - CC BY-SA

Christopher Marlowe Birthplace

Landmark

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.
St Martin's Church, CanterburyWikipedia (en) - CC BY-SA

St Martin's Church, Canterbury

Landmark

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.
St Martin's ChurchWikipedia (en) - CC BY-SA

St 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.
Westgate TowersWikipedia (en) - CC BY-SA

Westgate 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.
Old Weavers HouseWikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SA

Old 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.
St Augustine's AbbeyWikipedia (en) - CC BY-SA

St 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.
Beaney House of Art and KnowledgeWikipedia (en) - CC BY-SA

Beaney House of Art and Knowledge

Landmark

A flamboyant Victorian building housing art collections, local archaeology, and a public library. Free admission and an authentically local atmosphere, away from tourist routes.
The Beaney House of Art & KnowledgeWikipedia (en) - CC BY-SA

The 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.
Eastbridge Hospital of St ThomasWikipedia (en) - CC BY-SA

Eastbridge 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.
Canterbury Roman MuseumWikipedia (en) - CC BY-SA

Canterbury 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.
St Augustine's AbbeyWikipedia (en) - CC BY-SA

St Augustine's Abbey

Landmark

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.
Canterbury CathedralWikipedia (en) - CC BY-SA

Canterbury Cathedral

Landmark

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.

Nature & parks (13)

Westgate GardensWikipedia (en) - CC BY-SA

Westgate 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.
FordwichWikipedia (en) - CC BY-SA

Fordwich

Nature

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.
Dane John GardensWikipedia (en) - CC BY-SA

Dane 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.
Larkey Valley WoodWikipedia (en) - CC BY-SA

Larkey Valley Wood

Nature

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.
Larkey Valley WoodWikipedia (en) - CC BY-SA

Larkey 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.
Dane John Gardens and Norman MotteWikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SA

Dane John Gardens and Norman Motte

Nature

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.
Hales Place Walled GardenWikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SA

Hales 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.
Blean Woods National Nature ReserveWikipedia (en) - CC BY-SA

Blean Woods National Nature Reserve

Nature

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.
Blean Woods National Nature ReserveWikipedia (en) - CC BY-SA

Blean 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.
Chartham Hatch Village & North Downs WayWikipedia (en) - CC BY-SA

Chartham 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.
River Stour PuntingWikipedia (en) - CC BY-SA

River 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.
Westgate GardensWikipedia (en) - CC BY-SA

Westgate Gardens

Nature

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.

Tooting Meadows and Stour River

Nature

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.

Viewpoints (5)

The King's MileWikipedia (en) - CC BY-SA

The 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.
View from Westgate Towers RoofWikipedia (en) - CC BY-SA

View from Westgate Towers Roof

Viewpoint

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.
St Martin's Hill CemeteryWikipedia (en) - CC BY-SA

St Martin's Hill Cemetery

Viewpoint

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.
Weavers LaneWikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SA

Weavers Lane

Viewpoint

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.
University of Kent Campus GardensWikipedia (en) - CC BY-SA

University 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 (6)

Canterbury Historic River TourWikipedia (en) - CC BY-SA

Canterbury 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.
Canterbury Tales Visitor AttractionWikipedia (en) - CC BY-SA

Canterbury 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.
St George's Street Farmers' MarketWikipedia (en) - CC BY-SA

St George's Street Farmers' Market

Activity

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.
Canterbury Punting CompanyWikipedia (en) - CC BY-SA

Canterbury 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.
Canterbury TalesWikipedia (en) - CC BY-SA

Canterbury Tales

Activity

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.

Marlowe 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.