Things to do in Canterbury

Activities, attractions and tours

Canterbury Cathedral which includes a city, a church or cathedral and heritage architecture
Westgate Gardens and Towers which includes heritage architecture, a castle and signage
Canterbury featuring kayaking or canoeing, a river or creek and a garden
Canterbury showing a river or creek, a house and heritage architecture
Canterbury

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What to do in Canterbury

Popular places to visit

Canterbury Cathedral which includes a city, a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

Canterbury Cathedral

This 1,400-year-old establishment is known for its breathtaking Gothic ceilings, its outstanding historical collections and its choir.

Canterbury Cathedral
University of Kent

University of Kent

Explore the campus of University of Kent, during your trip to Canterbury. Make time to visit the area's stunning cathedral, or simply enjoy its lively bars.

University of Kent
Marlowe Theatre

Marlowe Theatre

Enjoy a show at Marlowe Theatre, a theater with a story to tell in Canterbury. Make time to visit the area's stunning cathedral, or simply enjoy its lively bars.

Marlowe Theatre
Westgate Gardens

Westgate Gardens

Explore the great outdoors at Westgate Gardens, a lovely green space in Canterbury. Make time to visit the area's stunning cathedral, or simply enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Westgate Gardens
Wingham Wildlife Park

Wingham Wildlife Park

Visit the native and exotic animals who live at Wingham Wildlife Park during your trip to Canterbury. Wander the area's waterfront or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.

Wingham Wildlife Park
Westgate Gardens and Towers showing heritage architecture, a river or creek and a small town or village

Westgate Gardens and Towers

Find out about the history of Canterbury with a stop at Westgate Gardens and Towers. Make time to visit the area's stunning cathedral, or simply enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Westgate Gardens and Towers
Chilham Village

Chilham Village

Find out about the history of Chartham with a stop at Chilham Village. Make time to visit the area's stunning cathedral, or simply enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Chilham Village
St. Martin's Church

St. Martin's Church

Explore one of England’s first Christian churches to see Roman architecture, famous tombs and a rich sense of history.

St. Martin's Church

Howletts Wild Animal Park

See the exotic and native animals who call Howletts Wild Animal Park home during your trip to Canterbury. Make time to visit the area's stunning cathedral, or simply enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Howletts Wild Animal Park

Areas of Canterbury

Canterbury featuring kayaking or canoeing, a river or creek and a garden

The King's Mile

While The King's Mile might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Canterbury Roman Museum and Marlowe Theatre.

The King's Mile
Dover which includes a fountain, heritage architecture and a square or plaza

Dover

Photo "Faversham" by Penny Mayes (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Penny Mayes (CC BY-SA)

Faversham

Photo by Paul Devall

Sarre

Photo by Eddie deane

Herne Bay

Photo "Dargate" by Nick Smith (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Nick Smith (CC BY-SA)

Dargate

Frequently asked questions

Is Canterbury worth visiting?
Famous for its views and family-friendly attractions, discovering cool things to do in Canterbury is simple. Remember to add Whitstable Beach to your itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Canterbury?
Start your day with a visit to Whitstable Beach and Tankerton Beach. Then, tour other areas of Canterbury for local restaurants and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Canterbury?
You can't leave without exploring Whitstable Beach, rated the top tourist attraction in Canterbury.
Is three days enough to stay in Canterbury?
Three days will be enough time to tick off many city attractions, including Whitstable Beach, Marlowe Theatre and Tankerton Beach. The average stay in Canterbury is two days. If you have the urge to extend your break, Dover isn't far away.
Is Canterbury a walkable city?
It all comes down to what you plan to see and do in Canterbury. Several top attractions, such as Marlowe Theatre and Howletts Zoo, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Canterbury's best neighborhoods, The King's Mile is 0.16 kilometers away from downtown, while Thannington is 3 kilometers away from the center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Canterbury with kids?
Planning what to do in Canterbury with kids has never been easier. Whether you're traveling with toddlers or teenagers, there are loads of family-friendly sights to keep everyone busy here.

What to do in Canterbury for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Canterbury, with activities for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Shepherd Neame Brewery or Barnsole Vineyard.
Are there free things to do in Canterbury?
One of the best ways to discover free things to do in Canterbury is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on interesting neighborhoods, parks and other attractions you can visit without reaching into your pocket. Whitstable Beach is one place that doesn't charge an admission fee.