Located in the southern countryside of England, Canterbury is a city steeped in history and a must-visit destination while in England. Plus, many of the best things to do in Canterbury are in and within walking distance of the city centre. This makes it a perfect city in England by foot; Well, once you get there it is.
Over the years, we have visited Canterbury numerous times; And it is steeped in history. For example, people have lived here since Paleolithic times and, even in recent years, the Romans. All this makes it a perfect city to visit if you are interested in British history.
Not only that, Canterbury is just a stone’s throw from London, which takes about 70 minutes by train. This means you can easily visit for a day while visiting the best places in London.
So, to help you on your way, I’m sharing the top places in Canterbury that you must visit. That way, you can focus on the all-important exploration. Have a wonderful time visiting Canterbury.
1.) Canterbury Cathedral
After arriving at Canterbury East or West train station, be sure to stroll through the city center and visit Canterbury Cathedral. This is easily one of the best things to do in Canterbury, especially if you want to explore some Norman history from the city itself.
Now, you will need Get these tickets Canterbury Cathedral to enter but it’s worth it for sure. Not only that, you will be able to explore the Chapter House and the Great Cloister with this ticket.
Once inside, you can visit the northwest transept where Thomas Becket was martyred and the Trinity Chapel, which is nearly 1,000 years old.
The visit will take around 90 minutes and is well worth visiting in Canterbury.
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2.) Westgate Gardens River Walk
Westgate Gardens is a lovely place for a stroll, on the banks of the River Great Stour. It is very beautiful and the grounds are kept pristine.
Now, it will take around 20 minutes to walk around Westgate Gardens. It’s quite small, but perfect if you want some time away from the historic streets of Canterbury.
Don’t forget, you can easily join a visit to Westgate Gardens Westgate Towers Museum. This is a great place to learn more about the city’s defenses, especially from the 1300s. Also, you can get some beautiful views from the tower. himself
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3.) Canterbury Roman Museum
Not too far from the cathedral, worth a visit Roman Museum One of the best things to do in Canterbury if you’re exploring the city is, you guessed it, Roman history.
Located on Butchery Lane, the Roman Museum is a small destination for all the family. Once here, you will see the remains of the under-floor heating that the Romans perfected. Also, you will find many Roman mosaics that are incredibly well preserved.
The visit will take approximately 75 minutes and can easily be visited while walking around Canterbury’s city centre.
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4.) St. Augustine’s Abbey
Built in the 6th century, the ruins of St. Augustine’s Abbey Not to be missed when visiting Canterbury. Now, entry costs around £7-10, but it’s well worth it while in town, especially as this is the point where Christianity ‘began’ in England.
Honestly, even if you are not religious, it is a site that cannot be missed as it is one of the most important religious sites in all of Great Britain. Once here, you’ll wander around the ruins and learn a lot about the Abbey’s influence and importance throughout England.
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5.) St. Martin’s Church
After exploring the ruins of St. Augustine’s Abbey, be sure to visit nearby St. Martin’s Church. Yes, it may be small and quite quiet, but this site is extremely important; Historically at least.
Dating back to the 6th century, it is the oldest, continuously used, English-speaking church in the world.
The visit will only take 10 minutes and can easily be visited after exploring St. Augustine’s Abbey.
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6.) Canterbury City Walls
Once upon a time, long ago, Canterbury was a fortified city with massive walls that protected its inhabitants. Nowadays, the remains of the Canterbury City Walls are worth a visit, especially if you’re already near Canterbury East train station.
Today, you can stroll along the surrounding trails City walls And he also heads across the city WestgateThe last surviving gate steeped in history (and just shy of Westgate Gardens).
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7.) Bini House of Art and Knowledge
Tucked away on the high street, this Bini House of Art and Knowledge Easily one of the best things to do in Canterbury.
You see, you’ll be able to go inside this 1800s-era building that has tons of exhibits from local and international artists that are totally free to view.
It’s a great little place to visit, especially if you’re already in Canterbury’s city centre. Visits will take approximately 30 minutes.
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8.) Canterbury Castle
I know I care about the historical sites in Canterbury, but honestly there are too many to see; Notably the ruins of a Norman castle still remain within the city.
Located on Castle Street, visiting the castle is one of the best things to do in Canterbury while walking from Canterbury East train station. It’s just minutes away and you honestly can’t miss it.
Built nearly 1,000 years ago, Canterbury Castle is steeped in history; is a designated Royal Castle of Kent. Originally there were only three of these, Canterbury being one of them.
Just a heads up, at the moment, a lot of work is being done to make the ruins safe to visit. This means you won’t be able to go inside the grounds and will be greeted with some scaffolding.
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9.) Canterbury Punting
Okay, so you can’t visit Canterbury without venturing out on a great store punting. It’s similar to punting in Cambridge, where you’ll be pushed with a stick on a boat trip around the historic center of Canterbury.
Now, if you’re visiting at peak times, be sure Book your punting experience Online before visiting. They only have a limited number of punts and you don’t want them to be sold out when you visit.
You can easily choose to join a shared punt (around £10-30) or opt for a private punt (around £100-£150). Both are great options, it really depends on what kind of experience you want.
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10.) Chilham
If you’re visiting the wider area around Canterbury, be sure to stop at Chilham. It is a quaint, and very small village that is a perfect stopping point during the afternoon.
Filled with wood-framed houses and a few small streets, you can easily stroll around the entire village in 15 minutes. That being said, it is beautiful and quaint and they have some great places for lunch too.
Once here, close on Church Mouse Tea Room For their delicious, homemade, scones. It is very cozy and a place not to be missed if you have worked up an appetite.
Also, don’t forget about white horse For local brew. It’s a cozy, and very quaint little place perfect for whistling someone.
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