Canterbury

Travel Guide

Canterbury Cathedral which includes a church or cathedral, a city and heritage architecture
Westgate Gardens and Towers showing signage, heritage architecture and a castle
Canterbury which includes a river or creek, kayaking or canoeing and a park
Canterbury which includes a house, a river or creek and heritage architecture
Canterbury

The old English charm of this university city is evident in its cobblestone streets, glorious cathedrals, fairy tale attractions and many pubs. 

Venture to the heart of Kent, between the countryside and the coast, and you’ll find the historical gem that is Canterbury. Explore fascinating traditions and religious landmarks, shop along the King’s Mile, enjoy family attractions or cruise along the river.

Start your day with breakfast at The Goods Shed. This permanent farmers market has an on-site restaurant that uses locally sourced produce. 

Head to the three landmarks that preserve the long history of Christianity in England and together form a World Heritage Site. Delight in the soaring spires of the sixth-century Canterbury Cathedral and the humble ruins of St. Augustine’s Abbey. Make the short walk to St. Martin’s Church, England’s oldest operating parish. In the church’s cemetery, visit the grave of famed artist Thomas Sidney Cooper. Then, see his legacy in the Sidney Cooper gallery. 

Explore the peaceful Westgate gardens and enjoy the views of the medieval Westgate Towers. Another medieval landmark is the Canterbury Castle, built by William the Conqueror. 

Take the kids to The Canterbury Tales, an attraction that recreates medieval life by bringing to life five of Geoffrey Chaucer’s stories. 

Nature lovers will like the Howletts Wild Animal Park with its herd of African elephants. Or, drive out to and hike around Ightham Mote, a historic countryside house with restaurant. At the end of the day, join the lively Canterbury pub scene and toast to this charming city. 

Canterbury is 1 hour from London by train and about 75 minutes from Gatwick airport by car. The town has a pedestrian-friendly downtown that is also great for cycling. There is a good local bus system, and trains and buses from Canterbury also give easy access to France, due to their connections to the ferry in Dover and the Eurostar high-speed train. 

Because it is so easy to visit and explore beautiful Canterbury, you’ll need a good excuse for not coming to see one of England’s favourite destinations!

Where to stay in Canterbury

Canterbury showing a park, kayaking or canoeing and a river or creek

The King's Mile

4.5/5(14 area reviews)

While there might not be top attractions in The King's Mile, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Canterbury Cathedral and Canterbury Roman Museum.

The King's Mile
The Falstaff Hotel
The Falstaff Hotel
3 out of 5
8-10 St Dunstan Street Kent, Canterbury, England
The price is S$172 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
S$172
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Canterbury. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,006 reviews)
"I loved this hotel! It had a great history and the location was amazing. I would stay here again in a second."

Reviewed on 8 Jul, 2025

The Falstaff Hotel
Hampton by Hilton Canterbury
Hampton by Hilton Canterbury
3 out of 5
7 St. Margaret's Street, Canterbury, England
The price is S$248 per night from 18 Jul to 19 Jul
S$248
18 Jul - 19 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Canterbury. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"Nice clean room and very friendly and helpful staff"

Reviewed on 6 Jul, 2025

Hampton by Hilton Canterbury
ABode Canterbury
ABode Canterbury
4 out of 5
30-33 High St, Canterbury, England
The price is S$183 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
S$183
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Canterbury. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the bar and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Disappointed with quality of breakfast, room 223 was good, but toilet system needs repairing as constant dripping and cistern filling up"

Reviewed on 6 Jul, 2025

ABode Canterbury
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Alma Court
Alma Court
2 out of 5
Military Rd, Canterbury, England
Stay at this apartment in Canterbury. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and concierge services. Popular attractions Canterbury Cathedral and Whitstable ...
Alma Court
Beautiful Family Town Home With Private Parking
Beautiful Family Town Home With Private Parking
2 out of 5
Canterbury
Stay at this residence in Canterbury. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Canterbury Cathedral and Whitstable Beach are located ...
4/10 (1 review)
Not proper quality control by Expedia before listi
"The property was not the standard I expect of Expedia. The heating was on a schedule such that at night the temperature in the house was around 6 degrees giving me a backache until I asked the owner to keep the temperature at a constant 23 degrees. There no toiletries provided till I asked the owner ..."

Reviewed on 17 Mar, 2025

Beautiful Family Town Home With Private Parking
The Best Apartment in Canterbury
The Best Apartment in Canterbury
3.5 out of 5
Canterbury
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Canterbury. Enjoy free WiFi, in-room washers/dryers, and in-room soaking tubs. Popular attractions Canterbury Cathedral and ...
The Best Apartment in Canterbury
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Canterbury

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
131
5 - Excellent 52%
4 - Good
101
4 - Good 40%
3 - Okay
13
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
3
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
2
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Amazing City. Lovely shops, variety of eateries. Plenty to see and do. Chap helpful in Canterbury Tales when explaining closure due to recent issues & continued to discuss historical facts with us.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

The walking tour took two hours and was very informative. There is so much interesting history in Canterbury. Lots of good places to eat.

5/5 - Excellent

SteveJay

Excellent place for a weekend break. Easy drive from London. Loads of pubs and restaurants. Has theatre and cinemas. Cathedral is the main attraction. The seaside town of Whitstable is only about 15 mins drive away.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Our visit was to attend a race event a Lydden Hill, perfect location!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Sad closed shops and the most homeless I have ever seen in a town

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Lovely place with plenty of history.