Bucket list destination:

Destination guide for Canterbury

Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom (UK)

Facade of Canterbury Cathedral illuminated at night

Last updated: 19 June, 2023

Most famous as the home of the Church of England, Canterbury is dominated by the spectacular cathedral, which overlooks picturesque streets dotted with boutiques, cafés and bistros.

It’s a great place to wander; along the banks of the River Stour, around the Roman Walls that surround the city, or along the tranquil 14th-century precincts that back onto the cathedral.

The city boasts three universities, giving the town a youthful, vibrant feel and there’s history at every turn, from Westgate – the UK’s largest surviving medieval tower to the cosy Parrot pub, which dates back to the 14th century.

It’s also the perfect base for exploring the unspoilt Kent countryside that surrounds the town, a landscape of gentle hills dotted with picturesque villages.

Tours, tickets & transfers

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this destination, plus helpful tickets and transfers

Official Canterbury Guided Walking Tour - 11.00 Tour

Canterbury

Canterbury Guided Tours provide entertaining 90-minute tours for visitors to the historic city of Canterbury. From medieval lanes and pilgrim inns to the majestic Cathedral's Precincts, our tours will transport you back in time, regaling you with stories and revealing how the city has evolved over the years. Founded in 1948, Canterbury Tourist Guides Ltd is an independent company devoted to conducting guided walking tours of the highest quality in Canterbury. Our tours are the official tours of the city, and the only tours to include access to the magnificent Cathedral's Precincts. All our guides hold city Green Badges, having completed the accredited training course and passed the relevant examinations set by the Institute of Tourist Guiding.

Price: £15

Min age: 0

Rating 4.82 / 5 [170 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Official Canterbury Guided Walking Tour - 14.00 Tour

Canterbury

Price: £15

Min age: 0

Rating 4.80 / 5 [151 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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The Canterbury Classic Tour

Canterbury

Come with us and delve into the rich history of Canterbury and explore this amazing city with CT Tours. With your dedicated and accredited tour guide, you will experience over 2000 years of Canterbury's history. With something for everybody, from accounts of ancient settlers to medieval murder and martyrdom, before stories of the many famous historical figures, artists and notable locals round up Canterbury's story right up to the present day!

Price: £12

Min age: 0

Rating 4.98 / 5 [88 ratings]

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Travel advice

When to go

Canterbury heaves in late spring and summer (June to August), when overseas tourists flood in, and is at its most beautiful in autumn (September to October), when the parks are awash with scarlet and gold foliage. The city dresses up for Christmas, but the High Street does get over-run with shoppers, particularly on weekends.

Getting there and away

Canterbury is flanked by two railways stations, East and West; Canterbury West has direct services from London St Pancras that take under an hour. Reaching the city by car is an easy drive down the A2 from London (around 90 minutes). London Gatwick airport is also about 90 minutes away by car.

Getting around

Canterbury is an easily walkable city, with both train stations within strolling distance of the centre. Although there are plenty of car parks, it can be hard to find a space on weekends and in the holidays; coming by train is a better option. The city centre is pedestrianised – and usually busy; much better explored on foot than by bike.