Thinking of a day trip to Canterbury? This historic city in Kent has been drawing visitors for centuries, ever since Archbishop Thomas Becket was murdered in Canterbury Cathedral in 1170. Pilgrims from around the world have made their way here on foot, and today, the city remains one of the most beautiful and historically rich destinations in England.
With its medieval charm, independent shops, and vibrant café culture, Canterbury is perfect for a day out or a weekend getaway. Just a short train ride from London, the city boasts stunning architecture, fascinating heritage, and a welcoming atmosphere.
In this Canterbury travel guide, we’ll share the best Canterbury attractions, top places to visit, and essential things to do in Canterbury, England, ensuring you have a memorable visit.
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What to see in Canterbury: a one-day Itinerary
Morning – exploring historic Canterbury
Start your day in Canterbury by heading to the historic quarter near Canterbury Cathedral. With its cobbled streets and medieval buildings, this area offers a glimpse into the city’s fascinating past.
Canterbury is a compact city and is best explored on foot. If arriving by train, the walk from Canterbury West Station takes around 11 minutes, passing under Westgate Towers, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. We drove and it was easy to find parking near the city centre.
Take a walking tour
Although it’s easy to do a self-guided walk around Canterbury, you should consider joining Canterbury Walking Tours. Led by knowledgeable guides, these tours provide fascinating insights into the city’s history, including stories of the pilgrims, medieval life, and the infamous murder of Thomas Becket.
We really enjoyed our guided walk, as you get to find out so much more about what you’re looking at.
Fun facts: Did you know that poor pilgrims used to sleep standing up over a washing line? Or that the word “canter” comes from the speed at which pilgrims would arrive in Canterbury by horse?
The walking tour lasts 90 minutes and costs £15 per person. The walking tour takes you into the cathedral precincts, the King’s School, and old monastery. However, it doesn’t include admission to the Cathedral. You can book your Canterbury Walking Tour here.
Visit Canterbury Cathedral
A visit to the cathedral is one of the best things to do in Canterbury.
No trip to Canterbury is complete without visiting Canterbury Cathedral. Established in 597 AD by St Augustine, Canterbury Cathedral is England’s oldest cathedral. It is one of the UK’s most significant religious buildings and is now part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site (which also includes St Augustine’s Abbey and St Martin’s Church) .
Canterbury Cathedral is one of Canterbury’s top attractions and best things to do. However, as one of the UK’s most visited historic sites, you can expect it to be busy. Go early, so you’ll be able to beat the crowds.
Once in the cathedral grounds take a stroll around the cloisters before heading into the cathedral. Look out for the magnificent stained-glass windows, the tombs of Henry IV and the Black Prince, or the spot where Thomas Becket was murdered.
Explore the Cathedral Quarter
The Cathedral Quarter is steeped in history, once serving as the main gathering area for pilgrims. Key spots to visit include:
- Butter Market: Once a bull market, where you can still see a bull’s head in nearby Butchery Lane
- Geoffrey Chaucer Statue: Honouring the author of The Canterbury Tales
- Eastbridge Hospital of St Thomas: A historic resting place for medieval pilgrims
- Old Weavers’ House: One of Canterbury’s most photographed timber-framed buildings, dating back to the 14th century
The Old Weaver's House
One of Canterbury’s most iconic and picturesque buildings, the Old Weavers’ House is a beautifully preserved 14th-century half-timbered structure overlooking the River Stour. Originally home to Flemish weavers who fled religious persecution, it now serves as a charming restaurant.
For the best photo opportunity, head to King’s Bridge, which offers a perfect view of the house’s striking architecture. If you look down along the river, you’ll also spot Canterbury’s infamous ducking stool, historically used as a punishment for so-called “scolds” or nagging wives. The one you can see today is most likely a replica, but serves as a fascinating reminder of the olde medieval justice system!
The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge
The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge is home to Canterbury’s art gallery, library, and several exhibitions. You’ll find this stunning building on the High Street. Admission is free, so it’s worth a quick visit (or a bit longer on a rainy day!)
You’ll see lots of paintings, plus art and treasures from around the world. Our favourite collection was Bagpuss and friends in the Small Films Gallery, a throw-back to 1970s children’s tv.
The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge is one of the best things to do in Canterbury for free, especially on a rainy day!
Sir John Boys House (the Crooked House)
One of Canterbury’s quirkiest attractions is the Sir John Boys House, also known as the Crooked House. With its tilted timber frame, it looks like it might collapse at any moment—but don’t worry, it has stood for centuries!
You can find the Crooked House at the far end of Palace Street, just behind the cathedral. Today, it houses a charity bookshop.
Lunch in Canterbury
You’ll find plenty of choice for lunch in Canterbury, especially in the cathedral quarter. Try one of the old pubs, such as the Buttermarket or the Parrot, the oldest pub in the city.
Another excellent choice is Gil’s Café at the farmer’s market, the Goods Shed, which is just out of town by the Canterbury West station.
Afternoon – A relaxing river trip and more sightseeing
Take a river tour on the River Stour
One of the most fun things to do on a sunny afternoon in Canterbury is a boat trip up the River Stour.
So, after a busy morning of sightseeing, relax with a Canterbury’s Historic River Tour. As you float along the River Stour, you can enjoy unique views of Canterbury’s landmarks, from a different angle.
Alternatively, you could choose from a more traditional punt with Canterbury Punting Tours. The tour guides do all the work, whilst you sit back and enjoy. Plus, they’ll fill you in with more information about Canterbury’s medieval days.
The river tour lasts about 45 minutes. Book online or look out for the sales reps on the bridge by the Weaver’s House.
The Westgate Tower & Gardens
For panoramic views over Canterbury, climb the Westgate Tower, a medieval city gate dating back to 1380. . You could do this on the way in or out of the city, depending on which way you arrived!
Dating back to 1380, Westgate Tower is one of the best examples of a medieval gate in England, which later become the city’s gaol.
Please note that Westgate Tower is closed Saturdays. A family ticket currently costs £10.
St Augustine's Abbey
The last stop of your day trip to Canterbury is at the ruins of St Augustine’s Abbey. Along with the Cathedral and St Martin’s Church, this makes up the UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can take a short walk outside the city walls to get to the Abbey.
The Abbey was founded by St Augustine just after 597. It has been rebuilt several times since then, but fell into disrepair after Henry VIII dissolved the Catholic monasteries. Visitors can wander the abbey ruins, before heading inside to the museum.
It now belongs to English Heritage and admission is free for members. Admission prices for non-members can be found here on the English Heritage website.
The best things to do near Canterbury
Whether you’re exploring Canterbury’s historic attractions, taking a river tour, or venturing into the Kent countryside, there’s no shortage of things to do in Canterbury. This city is a must-visit destination for history lovers, culture enthusiasts, and day-trippers alike.
If you want to extend your day trip to Canterbury, you’ll find plenty of things to fill your second day. Turn your day trip into a weekend break in Kent, with a visit to the coast or countryside.
A day trip to Whitstable
One of the best places to visit near Canterbury is Whitstable, on the Kent coast. This popular harbour village is only 20 minutes’ drive from Canterbury. You could even hire a bike and cycle on the Crab and Winkle Way. This flat route is only 7.6 miles.
As well as its picturesque harbour, Whitstable has an arts market, castle and lots of independent shops. Read here for more details on how to spend a day in Whitstable.
A hike on the Kent Downs
If you prefer a day in the country, Kent is the perfect choice, as it has miles of beautiful rolling countryside.
The Kent Downs National Landscape is an area of outstanding natural beauty. It offers a stunning landscape, which stretches from Surrey to Dover. It’s easy to see why they call Kent the “Garden of England.”
You could even follow in the footsteps of the pilgrims with a walk on the North Downs Way. This National Trail leads all the way from Farnham to Canterbury and then to Dover.
We headed out to Hastingleigh and did a circular walk to Stowting, where we found an amazing gastropub, The Tiger Inn.
Practical information for your Canterbury day trip
Accommodation in Canterbury
If you want to extend your visit, how about a stay in one of Canterbury’s historic houses? You could stay right near the cathedral in the Canterbury Cathedral Lodge or in the High Street in ABode.
If you prefer to stay out of town, we stayed in The Stables in Hastingleigh, which is perfect for a group stay.
Getting to Canterbury
London to Canterbury by train
A high speed train from St Pancras International will take you from London to Canterbury West in less than an hour.
Other trains depart from London Victoria station, London Bridge, and Liverpool Street. The average journey is 1h 35 minutes.
Both Canterbury West and East stations are walking distance from the city centre.
Getting to Canterbury by car
It’s an easy drive from London to Canterbury on the A2 and M2. It takes about 1.5 hours.
If you driving from outside London, get the M25, then M2.
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