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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 04 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Annabelle Thorpe

The home of the Church of England, Canterbury Cathedral is one of the most beautiful churches in England. Even non-church lovers can’t fail to be impressed by the sheer scale and ambition of the building, from the 11th-century crypt to the beautiful stained glass in the 12th-century choir.

The site dates back to 597AD and the cathedral, along with the tranquil precincts that surround the medieval buildings, is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Today it attracts more than 1 million visitors per year.

Know before you go

The cathedral is also famous as the site where Thomas Becket (aka Saint Thomas of Canterbury and at the time the Archbishop) was murdered in 1170, and subsequently entombed. He is venerated as both a saint and a martyr by the Catholic Church, which has made the cathedral an international pilgrimage site. It sits at the end of the so-called ‘Pilgrim’s Way’, which started in Winchester and used to be used by pilgrims come to Thomas Becket’s shrine.

Sadly, the elaborate shrine was destroyed during the Reformation in 1538. Recently, however, it was reconstructed using CGI, based on eye-witness accounts.

Price from: £14
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

Canterbury is around 90 minutes’ drive from London and there are regular direct train connections from Canterbury East and West stations.

You can just turn up, but buying tickets in advance from the website is recommended. 75-minute guided tours of the Cathedral run twice daily, Monday to Saturday – one in the late morning, one in the early afternoon (additional charge). Book onto them in the Nave when you arrive. You can also download a printed guide from the website, or listen to a series of podcasts of different ‘cathedral stories’. A new audio tour app is under development at the time of writing – so check for that too.

Ardent Cathedral lovers can soak up the atmosphere of the cathedral after hours by booking a room at the Cathedral Lodge, situated in the grounds.

When to do it

The Cathedral is open all year round, seven days a week (reduced hours on Sundays). There are four services each day so check times if you want to visit at a quieter time.

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Canterbury Cathedral Lodge

Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom (UK)

Built in the cathedral grounds, this sleek hotel is quiet, conveniently central and offers unrivalled views of the magnificent cathedral from your bedroom. 

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The Abode Canterbury

Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom (UK)

Sleekly-designed hotel in an excellent central location the heart of Canterbury, with great dining options. 

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House of Agnes

Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom (UK)

Wonderful, central 15th century house converted into a stylish boutique hotel with a gorgeous garden. 

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The Pig at Bridge Place

Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom (UK)

A sexy, sophisticated bolthole with a fantastic restaurant, a stone’s throw from historic Canterbury. 

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Canterbury

Kent, United Kingdom (UK)

A character-filled, historic and lively town rich in British history dating back to Roman times. The spectacular cathedral is the home of the Church of England.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Dover Castle

Dover , Kent , United Kingdom (UK)

Fascinating, well-preserved castle boasting bags of medieval history and secret wartime tunnels. Great for families.

Best for ages: 6+ | £24

Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Close up of the roof and window of Tudor-style building
Experience

Beaney House of Art & Knowledge

Canterbury , Kent, United Kingdom (UK)

A museum, gallery, library and visitor centre all housed in an elegant, Grade II-listed building, with exhibits including prehistoric artefacts found in and around Canterbury and works by local artists.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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Tourists punting down narrow stretch of the River Stour lined with Tudor buildings
Experience

Punting on the River Stour

Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom (UK)

Get a different perspective on Canterbury’s historic houses and quiet back streets with a trip along the River Stour; book a guide to do the punting, and sit back and enjoy the views.

Best for ages: 6+ | £10 | 1+ hours

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Old English pub on narrow street
Experience

Parrot Pub

Canterbury, Kent , United Kingdom (UK)

Pop in for a pint at Canterbury’s oldest pub; a cosy, firelit haunt that has been serving weary travellers – and construction workers on the nearby cathedral – since the 14th century.

Best for ages: 16+ | Free

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Ruined abbey surrounded by grass
Experience

St. Augustine’s Abbey

Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom (UK)

Originally created as a burial site for the Anglo-Saxon kings of Kent, the ruins are a tranquil spot for a quiet walk or picnic, away from the hubbub of the busy High Street.

Best for ages: 18+ | £8

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Round-ups that include this experience

101 World’s greatest historic buildings

Multiple countries

The great civilisations of the past have left a legacy of constructions that still stand out and inspire. Built without the wonders of 20th-century technology, many are also monumental feats of engineering; others offer such grace and beauty, that they’ll literally take your breath away.

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