The picturesque riverside setting, abundance of independent shops and eateries, and steadfast cultural scene make Canterbury a gem of quintessential Britain, but it’s also home to centuries of history and a rich artistic legacy.
It’s well worth booking a few nights here to immerse yourself in everything it has to offer, but the compact centre and pedestrianised streets make Canterbury an ideal day trip, as pretty much everything is within walking distance. Read on for the best things to do in Canterbury, from cultural highlights and must-see landmarks, to family activities and top-rated restaurants.
Visit the Canterbury Cathedral
Dominating the skyline and boasting over 1,400 years of history to its name, England’s first Cathedral draws visitors in year after year, and it’s definitely a must-visit for a day out in Canterbury. Highlights include the Romanesque crypt, a perpendicular nave and medieval stained glass windows. It’s unsurprisingly one of the most visited places in the country - we’d recommend giving yourself a couple of hours here, as there’s a vast amount to explore.
Top Tip
After you’ve finished exploring, stop in for a bite to eat at The Old Buttermarket, located just a few steps from the entrance of the Cathedral. Outdoor tables in the square make it the perfect spot for a bit of people-watching, and the food’s seriously good, too.
Tick off all three of Canterbury’s World Heritage Sites
It’s not just the Cathedral that’s a World Heritage Site here - Canterbury’s home to three of them, and if you’re looking to get a real feel for the history of the place, you can visit the entire trio pretty easily. Take a wander around the outside of the city walls and you’ll find the ruins of St. Augustine’s Abbey, originally a burial ground for the Anglo-Saxon Kings of Kent; nearby, The Church of St. Martin is widely recognised as the oldest church in Britain still in use. You can actually do all three via a self-guided linear walk.
Soak up some culture at The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge
The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge is where you want to be if you’re looking for a whistle-stop culture tour of Canterbury. A combination of art gallery, museum, and library, this Grade II listed Victorian building pulls out all the stops, with over 1,000 artefacts on permanent display, and regular temporary exhibitions.
Catch a performance at Marlowe Theatre
Canterbury’s literary and artistic prestige is immortalised through all manner of pubs, street names and landmarks - perhaps none more famous than the Marlowe Theatre, named after the playwright Christopher Marlowe, who was born and educated in the city. Regular performances include major West End musicals, dance, stand-up comedy, orchestral concerts, music gigs and children's shows. Basically, if you’ve got something in mind, the chances are it’ll be showing it at some point - so plan ahead and book accordingly.
Take a trip on The River Stour
The River Stour runs through the city, and regular punting and river tours are a great way to soak up the atmosphere and the history from a unique vantage point. It’s a chance to see some of the picturesque parts of Canterbury that you might otherwise miss, and if you choose a guided tour, you’ll get a good helping of history (and humour) along the way, too. Shared or private tours are both available, and most tend to last around 45 minutes. You can book in advance, but it’s not essential.
Embark on a pub crawl
Given the fact it’s home to three universities, the number of pubs in Canterbury shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. It’s worth doing some research ahead of time, though, as there’s a few that really shouldn’t be missed if you’re after some proper British pub-hopping. Our favourites? The Parrot (widely agreed to be Canterbury’s oldest pub), The Thomas Becket (a great one for those who like a quirky backdrop to their pint), The Dolphin for its top-notch pub garden and live music; and The Lady Luck for the city’s best rock’n’roll vibes.
Stroll through the city centre
It’s tempting to cram in tours galore when you visit Canterbury, but one of the best ways to take in what the city’s all about is really just to stroll through. Its Medieval heritage pervades the streets, and you’ll often see all sorts of performers throughout the High Street, but it rarely feels oppressively crowded. It’s one of those places where you can take a spontaneous turn and find yourself face to face with gorgeous architecture, a quirky independent shop, or a tranquil park - and it’s pretty hard to get lost.
Search for hidden treasure
If you fancy upping the stakes (and the pace) while you explore, you can discover the city via The Great UK Outdoor Treasure Hunt. The experience lasts two and a half hours, but it also means you’ll pack a lot of sightseeing in. You’ll work together to solve clues, crack puzzles, and undergo a series of mental and physical tests in the hope of winning the treasure. A great one for families or group events, though you can do it as a pair, too.
Get your rock’n’roll fix at The Lady Luck
This rock’n’roll gem of a pub at the end of the High Street is the go-to for live music in Canterbury. It’s also home to an old-school jukebox, board games aplenty, and a secluded courtyard garden. Bartenders at The Lady Luck serve up a great range of cocktails and craft beers with friendly service. The food here’s not an afterthought - it’s consistently voted as one of the city’s top spots for a bite to eat, and has plenty of vegan and vegetarian options.
Visit the Gardens
Canterbury is full of green spaces. Along the riverside, Westgate Gardens is always a popular spot for a picnic; while Dane John Gardens, with its bandstand, tree-lined paths and seasonal flowers, is well worth a visit, even if just to walk through. Elsewhere, you’ll find Greyfriars Chapel and Franciscan Gardens tucked away 5 minutes from the High Street and the historic Lady Wooton’s Green next to St. Augustine’s Abbey.
Go paintballing
It’s pretty clear from its unabated popularity that paintballing’s worth the savage bruises that you’ll likely come away with. What’s the secret? Who knows - maybe we all just really enjoy pelting our friends and family. Deck yourselves out in camouflage for a couple of hours and let loose with 100 paintballs each. A great one for families, and a popular choice for stag and hen parties - though you can do it as a pair, too, if you just fancy heading out into the wilderness for a bit.
Stretch your legs in the Kent countryside
Its proximity to the coast one way, and Kent’s vast Area of Natural Beauty the other, makes Canterbury a prime base from which to explore. The Crab and Winkle Way is a well-worn cycle path that’ll take you from Canterbury West Station to the coastal town of Whitstable; if bikes aren’t your thing, make your way to Blean Wood National Nature Reserve, a fascinating Scientific Site of Special Interest that teems with flora, fauna and wildlife.
Top Tip
If you’re not averse to jumping in the car for a couple of minutes, Huckleberry Woods is well worth a visit. Book ahead and you can spend a few hours meeting miniature pigs, donkeys, Teddy Bear sheep and free-roaming alpacas, with sweet treats and tea provided in the Summerhouse to finish.
Check out the best indie shops
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to shopping in Canterbury. The High Street serves up plenty of choice, but if it’s independent shops you’re after, then it’s The King’s Mile you want to make a beeline for, a maze of small streets nestled between the Cathedral and The King’s School. You’ll find everything from independent jewellers to indie clothing stores, boutique art shops and specialist food and drink establishments here. Canterbury’s the perfect place for record collectors to take a jaunt down memory lane, too: check out Sounds Records near St. Peter’s Street, or head to Vinylstore Jr on Castle Street for everything from folk and rock classics, to hip hop and jazz.
Get your fill of viticulture at Chapel Down Winery
Admittedly, it’s a short drive from the city, but we included Chapel Down Winery in this list because it’s absolutely worth a visit if you’ve got even a small interest in English winemaking. Home to the UK’s wine industry leaders, here you’ll find rolling vineyards, award-winning tipples, and unrivalled expertise on native viticulture. Get to grips with it all from one of their award-winning Vineyard Tours, topped off with a tasting session.
Top tip
Make a break of it and book a stay at the nearby Little Silver Hotel. Traditional features complemented by contemporary touches, plus a sunbathing terrace, a garden, and a full English breakfast in the morning make this a perfect stop-over spot.
Make a night of it at The Abbots Barton Hotel
With traditional Gothic features offset by modern facilities, two acres of landscaped gardens, and free on-site parking, The Abbots Barton Hotel is a great base from which to explore the city. It’s just outside the centre, meaning you’re guaranteed a restful night’s sleep, but close enough to pop in and out as you please, with the Cathedral only half a mile away. The full English breakfast provided in the morning is worth getting up for, too.
More things to do in Canterbury
Looking for more things to do? It’s pretty hard to run out of activities and ideas for spending the day in Canterbury. Here are a few more of our favourites, including some of the best places to stop for a bite to eat, and free things to do.
Food Activities in Canterbury
Whether it’s handmade chocolate, artisanal cheeses, delicious afternoon teas or best-of-British street food you’re after, Canterbury’s got food activities in spades. Here are some of our top picks.
Stop in at Pork & Co.: This street-food marvel’s developed something of a cult following over the years. Take away or grab a seat and a craft beer to go with your food. Despite its name, there’s plenty for every palate: the mac and cheese toasties are out of this world.
Indulge in authentic Mexican cuisine at Cafe des Amis: Awarded the TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice in 2021, Cafe des Amis is the place to tuck into proper Mexican food in Canterbury. The menu’s full of dishes that draw on the earthy flavours of ancient Mexico, with a Mediterranean flourish.
Make a stop for afternoon tea at Tiny Tim’s Tearoom: It doesn’t get more quintessentially British than Tiny Tim’s, with its 400 year old location, 1930s inspired decor, and freshly-made afternoon teas.
Head off the beaten track for a cake at Queen Bee: Only a few steps from the heart of Canterbury, you’ll find fresh cakes, lunches, and hot drinks at this cosy cafe.
Browse The Farmers Market & Food Hall at The Goods Shed: Just next to Canterbury West train station, you’ll find a treasure trove of independent food suppliers, including a veg stall, a butchery, and the city’s only fishmonger; there’s also charcuterie, artisanal British cheeses and fine wines. It’s also home to a charming, rustic restaurant that showcases local ingredients at their finest. Don’t miss this one.
Enjoy a slice of Italy at Il Posticino: Homemade pizzas, pastas, meats and desserts - Il Posticino has it all, with rich, Tuscan flavours that bring diners back time and time again. A great dinner choice.
Level up your burger game at Notorious BRG: Skip the chains and head straight for this hidden gem in Castle Street instead, where you can get your fast food fix in gourmet style. They’ve earned themselves serious bonus points with the fact you can change anything on the menu to make it vegan or vegetarian, too.
Dine by the river at Cafe du Soleil: In addition to its riverside setting (it even has its own private bridge), Cafe du Soleil serves up a fusion of flavours from Provence and Italy to create a menu bursting with modern Mediterranean cuisine. It’s a steadfast favourite in the city, and well worth booking ahead for.
Go plant-based at The Veg Box Cafe: Delicious breakfasts and lunches are cooked on the premises of this vegan joint every day, using local, organic and fair-trade products. Take a seat or head out with your compostable takeaway box, and chow down while you explore.
Tuck into fresh oysters at Chapman’s Seafood Bar & Brasserie: Now under the stewardship of executive chef Byron Hayter, Chapman’s continues its long-standing reign as the go-to destination for fresh fish and seafood in Canterbury.
Enjoy some serious ambience at Cafe Mauresque: This intimate, lantern-lit cellar restaurant combines flavours from Southern Spain and Northern Africa, with everything from tapas and paella, to tagines and slow-roasted pork belly on offer.
Get a taste of home-grown produce from The Pig at Bridge Place: This shabby-chic restaurant’s claim to fame is its Kitchen Garden. Everything begins with the Gardener and Forager, who source all the food, either from the garden itself, or within a 25-mile radius. One to visit for fresh fish, locally-brewed beers, amazing meats, and award-winning wines.
Find a unique gift (for yourself or someone else) at The Cheese Shop: If you like cheese, you can’t go wrong here - The Cheese Shop boasts a vast array of handmade British and Continental cheeses. Got a special occasion coming up? Don’t miss their incredible Celebration Cheese Cakes.
Make a stop at Madame Oiseau’s purple chocolate shop: Blink and you might miss it - but don’t, because it’s brimming with all manner of artisanal chocolates from self-taught chocolatier Sandrine May. Grab yourself a - rather decadent - mid-walk snack, or purchase a couple of slabs, bars or gift boxes for a special occasion.
Enjoy delicious fresh sushi at Mister Miyagi: Canterbury’s best sushi bar serves up authentic sushi, sashimi, nigiri and hoso-maki alongside rice dishes and Western-style offerings. Try the sushi sharing platter for a bit of everything.
Get your full English fix at The Beano Cafe: Canterbury’s favourite greasy spoon does exactly what you’d expect it to, with no delusions of grandeur - it fills you up with classic food at a good price. If you’re looking for a cheap fry-up, this is the place to be.
Pick up a coffee from Fond Coffee: This locally-run coffee shop is the place to go if you’re after velvety lattes (complete with top-class latte art, of course), delicious hot chocolates, and proper coffee. It’s well worth ducking away from the High Street for.
Watch fudge being whipped up in real time at Fudge Kitchen: You can watch this gloriously sugary concoction come to life at Canterbury’s specialty fudge shop, using traditional hand-crafted methods and a recipe that dates back to the 1800s. You might be lucky enough to get a free sample hot off the marble slab, too.
Free things to do in Canterbury
Canterbury’s not short of free attractions - here are some of our favourite activities that you can do on a day trip, no money involved.
Kent Museum of Freemasonry: This small museum, dedicated to freemasonry, is full of fascinating artefacts. You’ll find it hidden near Westgate, at the end of the High Street.
The Canterbury City Walls: Walking along what’s left intact of the city walls affords you plenty of unique look-out points, and if you finish at Dane John Gardens, you’ll get a great view across to the Cathedral.
Lilford Gallery: You’ll find works from both emerging and established artists here at the Lilford Gallery, spread out across two floors and housing an eclectic range of artwork. It’s free, unless you end up buying something - which we wouldn’t blame you for.
Statue of Geoffrey Chaucer: The ‘larger-than-life’ statue of Chaucer was unveiled in 2016, and it’s worth stopping for. Look closely and you’ll see 30 characters from the famous Canterbury Tales depicted on the plinth.
The Canterbury Labyrinth: Head to the University of Kent campus to find this labyrinth, created from Yorkstone and grass and executed with Medieval design. It offers great views across the city - it’s worth the hike up to the campus, though buses run regularly, too.
The Crooked House of Canterbury: This wonderfully wonky Jacobean building is one of Canterbury’s most photographed spots. Over the years, it’s been home to a gallery, an instrument shop, a school uniform shop and more - it’s currently the home of the Catching Lives Bookshop, which sells second-hand books to raise funds for the homeless and vulnerably housed in Canterbury.
