Best Things To Do in Canterbury, United Kingdom

Are you looking for what to do in Canterbury?

THINGS TO DO & SEE

  • Westgate Gardens: Situated in the heart of the city, the Westgate Gardens are spread across an area of 11 acres. Head over to have a family picnic in the morning or for a romantic stroll along the River Stour in the afternoon.
  • Beaney House of Art and Knowledge: One of the things to do in Canterbury is visit the Beaney House of Art and Knowledge. It is an amalgamation of an Art Gallery, a museum, a library and a cafe.
  • St. Martin’s Church: The St. Martin’s Church is the first church founded in England, and hence the oldest.
  • Canterbury Roman Museum: Preserving the fascinating Roman history of Canterbury, this museum is built around the remains of an original Roman town house.

Popular Tours:

  • Canterbury Ghost Tours: If you love ghost stories and get a kick out of exploring haunted places, you have to sign up for a guided tour with this company.
  • Canterbury Tales: A popular and adored tour, the Canterbury Tales is an interactive tour through author Chaucer's tales of the same name.

Below we have a list of things to do in Canterbury and the places where you want to spend the best moments of your trip. At the same time, the city offers you the best neighborhoods to explore and new foods to try.

This list should help you in deciding and prioritizing what you should plan on your Canterbury getaway. Find a mix of must-see tourist spots, underrated local hangouts, and maybe even a few new experiences you can try out.

Make the most of your trip to Canterbury with confidence.

Tourist Attractions in Canterbury

Here is the list of things to do in Canterbury and tourist attractions in city.

  1. Canterbury Cathedral

    Religious Site, Historical Site, Cathedral

    The oldest and the most popular place of worship in England, the Canterbury Cathedral is the Mother Church of the worldwide Anglican Communion and seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury. A World Heritage Site, the Cathedral’s history goes back to 597AD when St Augustine was sent as a missionary by Pope Gregory the Great. Having a tragic past, in the year 1170, Archbishop Thomas Becket ...Read more
  2. Howletts Wild Animal Park

    4.6 (495 Votes)
    Howletts Wild Animal Park

    Park, Wildlife Park, Zoo, Nature

    Located around a 15 minutes drive from Canterbury, the Howletts Wild Animal Park is a must visit in you are in town with your kids. Highlights include: Spread across 90 acres Home to over 50 species and 400 animals. Home to UK’s largest African elephant herd. Encounters with Lemurs Animal talks and feeds Treetop Challenge course
  3. Wildwood Discovery Park

    4.4 (193 Votes)
    Wildwood Discovery Park

    Outdoors, Wildlife Park, Games

    Situated between Canterbury and Herne Bay, the Wildwood Discovery Park is Kent’s best British wildlife park. Spread across 40 acres, the park is home to over 200 native animals including Wolves, Bison, Deer, Owls, Foxes, Red Squirrels, Wild Boar, Lynx, Wild Horses, Badgers, Beavers and many more.  They also have a fun adventure playground where your kids can enjoy the drop slide, tub...Read more
  4. Westgate Gardens

    4.7 (492 Votes)
    Westgate Gardens

    Outdoors, Garden

    Situated in the heart of the city, the Westgate Gardens are spread across an area of 11 acres. Have a fun filled family picnic in the morning or head over for a romantic stroll along the River Stour in the afternoon. The river is home to many ducks, swans and moorhens. Sit back and absorb the tranquil beauty of the garden and its wildlife. During summers, the garden proves to be an ideal s...Read more
  5. Westgate, Canterbury

    4.5 (656 Votes)
    Westgate, Canterbury

    Museum, Landmark, Exhibition , Specialty Museum

    One of the iconic landmarks of Canterbury, the Westgate is a medieval gatehouse which stands at the west end of the High Street, beside the River Stour. A stark contrast to the surrounding buildings, the gatehouse has had generations of medieval pilgrims pass through it on their way to the shrine of Thomas a Becket at Canterbury Cathedral. The upper floor of the gatehouse has been converte...Read more
  6. St. Augustine's Abbey

    Landmark, Ancient Ruin, Historical Site

    The St. Augustine’s Abbey in Canterbury is a historically significant abbey. Marking the rebirth of Christianity in southern England, the abbey was founded shortly after AD 597 by St Augustine. Now in ruins, the abbey still strikes a peaceful and inspiring pose. It is part of the Canterbury World Heritage Site along with the cathedral and St Martin's Church. A must visit while on your Can...Read more
  7. Dane John Gardens

    Outdoors, Garden

    To escape Canterbury’s hustle bustle, head over to the Dane John Gardens. Dating back to the year 1551, these historical gardens provide excellent views over the city and the surrounding countryside. Amenities within the park include: The Mound Children’s play area Bandstand for outdoor concerts A beautiful fountain Shaded walkways Small maze A must visit if you are in town with y...Read more
  8. Druidstone Park,Blean

    4.2 (52 Votes)
    Druidstone Park,Blean

    Park, Nature

    If you are in town with children, you have to visit the Druidstone Park in Blean! A lovely and tranquil place, the Park has attractions such as: Enchanted Wood Trail (where you might spot the white fallow deer) Farmyard animals Pond with ducks and geese A ‘Sunny Field’ for goats And a lot more. Pack some snacks and head over to the Druidstone Park with your entire family.
  9. The Black Griffin

    Food And Drinks, Pubs, Entertainment, Performance

    The Black Griffin is a quirky little traditional pub situated in the heart of Canterbury. Speciality of the pub includes a wide range of drinks, scrumptious and freshly cooked food and live music playing twice every week.
  10. St. Martin's Church

    4.6 (74 Votes)
    St. Martin's Church

    Church, Religious Site, Landmark

    Although not as huge and as magnificent as the most popular churches in England, don't let this charmingly quaint church building throw you off. The St. Martin’s Church is the first church founded in England, and hence the oldest. A World Heritage Site, this church, infact, is the oldest church in the entire English-speaking world. It was here that Queen Bertha prayed back in the 6th cent...Read more
  11. The Goods Shed Farmers Market

    Market

    The Goods Shed Farmers Market has it all! Apart from being a farmers’ market selling organic meat, vegetables, cheese, fruits and unpasteurized dairy products, the place also has a gourmet restaurant, wine merchants’ stalls, bakeries and a lot more. It is possibly the most happening place in Canterbury!
  12. Gulbenkian Theatre

    Entertainment, Performance, Play, Stage Show

    With a seating capacity of over 300, the Gulbenkian Theatre is the University of Kent’s Arts Centre offering innovative, engaging and high quality arts activities for the public. It also has a cafe which incorporates an informal cabaret style space for live music, comedy and slam poetry. An interesting and vivacious place to visit while on your Canterbury holiday.
  13. The Pound

    4.3 (84 Votes)
    The Pound

    Bar, Cafe, Nightlife

    Having a historic setting, The Pound is a vibrant bar and cafe situated in a former city gaol and police station. To enjoy Canterbury’s nightlife, head over to this place which serves authentic British food along with a delicious menu of premium cocktails, wine, champagne, beer, ale, gin, vodka and other sprits.
  14. St. Lawrence Ground

    Stadium, Entertainment

    Been in use since 1847, the St. Lawrence Ground is one of the oldest cricket grounds in the world. Home of the Kent County Cricket Club, the ground is also known as the Spitfire Ground. Check the official website for match schedules and catch a thrilling game of cricket in action. 
  15. The Foundry Brew Pub

    4.4 (124 Votes)
    The Foundry Brew Pub

    Bar, Food And Drinks, Brewery, Pubs

    The Foundry is unique craft brewery, restaurant and bar situated in Canterbury. Located within an industrial building, an original Victorian Foundry was converted into this pub. While there, do check out the production of their fine cask ales at the in-house display microbrewery. They also serve scrumptious meals.