• Canterbury

  • 1-2 Days
1-2 Days
  • gallery-first-image

  • A beautiful and highly popular ancient walled city on the River Stour in Kent, 100 km southeast of London and 25 km northwest of Dover. The city became a major focus of pilgrimage to its famous Canterbury Cathedral, following the 1170 martyrdom of Thomas Becket. Stroll the gorgeous medieval cobble streets, visit the iconic Cathedral and the nearby impressive St Augustine’s Abbey and St Martin’s Church, the interesting Roman Museum and the other museums and art galleries in the city.

    Enjoy the gardens and parks scattered around, the great restaurants, pubs, and bars. For shopping, explore the Whitefriars and Kings Mile Shopping Centers and the vibrant Cathedral Quarter with its small independent shops and boutiques.

    Canterbury, the surrounding countryside and the 24 km coastline and beaches, offers a great variety of indoor and outdoor attractions and activities. Enjoy a Canterbury Historic River Tour, or Canoeing, Kayaking, and Paddle boarding adventure in the river, at Fordwich or Grove Ferry, 4 and 7 km north of Canterbury respectively.

    Visit the bohemian seaside town of Whitstable and its beautiful beaches, boutique shops, art galleries, and great seafood restaurants, 12 km north of Canterbury center. Three km east of Whitstable you will find the beautiful seaside town of Herne Bay with its seaside gardens and great beaches. Families should visit Howletts Wild Animal Park, 10 km east of the city.

    More in the city surroundings are the Blean Woods National Nature Reserve, 7 km northwest of the city, and the Kent Down, Wye National Nature Reserve, 10 km to the south, both have enjoyable hiking trails with beautiful landscapes.

    On the way to Dover, consider a visit and a guided tour at Simpsons Wine Estate, 15 km southeast of Canterbury, and enjoy their Roman Road Chardonnay.

    Spend at least 1-2 days in Canterbury and its surroundings. If you plan to have Canterbury as your base while visiting Kent, be sure to visit both Dover 27 km southeast, the Dover Castle and the White Cliffs of Dover, and Maidstone 43 km to the west, with their respective attractions in and around the cities.

    For more information visit the Canterbury Visitor’s Information Center at Beaney Art Museum and Library, 18 High Street, Canterbury. canterburyinformation@canterbury.gov.uk

    Read More