Things to do in Canterbury

Activities, attractions and tours

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

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What to do in Canterbury

Popular places to visit

Canterbury Cathedral featuring 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

Enjoy the student vibe when you visit University of Kent during your trip to Canterbury. Make time to visit the area's stunning cathedral or simply enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

University of Kent
Marlowe Theatre

Marlowe Theatre

Get tickets for a show at Marlowe Theatre, a popular theatre in Canterbury. Make time to visit the area's stunning cathedral or simply enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

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 lively bars.

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 a bridge, a river or creek and heritage architecture

Westgate Gardens and Towers

Find out about the history of Canterbury when you spend time 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 when you spend time at Chilham Village. Make time to visit the area's stunning cathedral or simply enjoy its lively bars.

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 lively bars.

Howletts Wild Animal Park

Areas of Canterbury

Canterbury which includes a river or creek, a park and kayaking or canoeing

The King's Mile

4.5/5(14 area reviews)

While there might not be top attractions in The King's Mile, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Canterbury Roman Museum and Marlowe Theatre.

The King's Mile
Photo by Paul Lowe 👣

Ashford

Dover featuring a fountain, heritage architecture and a square or plaza

Dover

Folkestone

Folkestone

Ramsgate

Ramsgate

Walmer Castle and Gardens showing a bridge and a castle as well as a small group of people

Deal

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

Faversham

Photo "Petham" by Roy Gray (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Roy Gray (CC BY-SA)

Petham

Photo by Ian Hall

Sandwich

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 neighbourhoods, The King's Mile is 0.16 kilometres away from downtown, while Thannington is 3 kilometres away from the centre 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 travelling 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 neighbourhoods, parks and other attractions you can visit without reaching into your pocket. Whitstable Beach is one place that doesn't charge an admission fee.