Canterbury Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, see, and eat in Canterbury, South East England with our comprehensive travel guide. Learn about the local culture, attractions, hiking trails, transportation, safety, and more.


Introduction to Canterbury

Canterbury is a city located in Kent, South East England, known for its rich history, cultural landmarks, and natural beauty. The city is home to many historic sites, including Canterbury Cathedral, which is known for its role in Christian history. Aside from its historic significance, Canterbury offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking and biking trails, and a vibrant food and drink scene.

List of Places to Visit in Canterbury

Here are some of the must-visit places in Canterbury:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Canterbury Cathedral: It is one of the most famous religious structures in England, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This Gothic cathedral dates back to the 11th century and is the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury.
  • St. Augustine’s Abbey: This Benedictine monastery dates back to the early 6th century and is a World Heritage Site.
  • Canterbury Roman Museum: Here visitors can see the remains of a Roman town and discover the fascinating history of the Canterbury area during Roman times.

Natural Attractions of Canterbury: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Blean Woods: The Blean Woods is a vast woodland area that is home to a variety of birds, animals, and plant life. This is a great spot for hiking, biking, and bird watching.
  • Westgate Gardens: It is a beautiful park that lies along the banks of the River Stour. It is a peaceful place to relax and take a walk
  • Dane John Gardens: These gardens are the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Visitors can take a stroll, have a picnic and enjoy the beautiful views.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Canterbury

Canterbury offers many hiking and biking trails for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some of the popular routes:

  • The Crab and Winkle Way: a 7-mile trail from Canterbury to Whitstable. It takes you through a beautiful landscape and picturesque villages.
  • The North Downs Way: a 156-mile trail running from Dover to Surrey, passing through the area south of Canterbury.
  • The Elham Valley Way: a 21-mile circular walk that starts and ends in the village of Etchinghill. This trail takes hikers through the beautiful Kent countryside.

Best Things to Do in Canterbury: Activities and Tours

Here are some of the best things to do in Canterbury:

  • Go punting on the River Stour: A traditional way to see the city of Canterbury is to board a boat and enjoy a relaxing ride around the city’s waterways.
  • Visit the Marlowe Theatre: The Marlowe Theatre is Canterbury’s largest performing arts venue, hosting a variety of shows year-round.
  • Take a ghost tour of the city: Canterbury is a city with a long and sometimes violent history. A ghost tour is a great way to explore the city’s haunted past.

Week-Long Itinerary for Canterbury

If you have a week to spend in Canterbury, here is a suggested itinerary

Day Activity
1 Visit Canterbury Cathedral and take a guided tour of the city
2 Hike the Crab and Winkle Way
3 Explore St Augustine’s Abbey, the second World Heritage Site in Canterbury
4 Discover the natural beauty of Blean Woods
5 Take a ghost tour of the city, experience the haunted side of Canterbury
6 Visit Westgate Gardens, a place for a peaceful walk
7 Cycle on The North Downs Way, discover the countryside of Canterbury.

Food and Drink Scene of Canterbury

Canterbury has a bustling food and drink scene with an array of options for visitors to discover. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Kentish Pasties: a filling pie pastry with meat and vegetables.
  • Oysters: The local oysters from Whitstable Bay are a must-try fresh seafood option.
  • Gypsy Tart: A custard tart made with evaporated milk and muscovado sugar, a local dessert specialty.

Local Beverages

  • Kentish Ciders: Produced all year round, Kentish cider is a great way to drink like a local.
  • Shepherd Neame Ales: It is Britain’s oldest brewery, producing some excellent ales to taste.

Where to Stay in Canterbury: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Canterbury offers visitors a range of accommodation options, regardless of budget and style. Here are some of the best options- Moat Lodge, Fullers Cottage, and Loddington House Hotel.

What to Buy in Canterbury: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors can buy a range of souvenirs and local products in Canterbury. Some of these include:

  • Canterbury Cathedral merchandise: Visitors can buy souvenirs from the Canterbury Cathedral shop and take home a piece of history.
  • Whitstable Oysters: Visitors can buy oysters from the local fishmongers and enjoy them at home.
  • Kentish Ale: Shepherd Neame Ales is an excellent choice of beer that visitors can take home to enjoy a pint of Kentish ale.

Local Culture and Customs of Canterbury

Canterbury has a rich culture and traditions that visitors should respect during their stay. Locals, for example, celebrate the annual Canterbury Festival, an art and theatre festival that runs for two weeks in October.

Best Time to Visit Canterbury

The best time to visit Canterbury is during the late spring and summer months. The weather in Canterbury is mild and sunny during this time, which makes it ideal for doing outdoor activities and exploring the city.

Do’s and Don’ts of Canterbury

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Visit the historic Canterbury Cathedral.
  • Take a boat ride at River Stour.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter the streets or parks.
  • Don’t be rowdy and disrespectful in public areas.
  • Don’t forget to dress appropriately when visiting religious sites.

Safety and Health

Safety in Canterbury

Canterbury is generally a safe place to visit. However, visitors should look out for pickpockets and keep their valuables safe.

Health in Canterbury

Visitors should have travel insurance and take any necessary precautions to protect their health while traveling.

Getting to Canterbury: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Canterbury

The nearest airports to Canterbury are London Gatwick and London Heathrow airports. From the airports, visitors can either take a taxi, train, or bus to get to Canterbury.

Bus Stations Near Canterbury

Canterbury has a central bus station located on the Old Dover Road. National Express, Stagecoach, and other bus companies provide services to and from Canterbury.

Other Options

Visitors can also take the train to Canterbury, the city is well-connected with train-stations located in the center, providing direct access from London.

How to Get Around in Canterbury

Canterbury is walkable and bike-friendly. Visitors can take a guided walking tour or rent a bike to explore the city’s attractions. Local buses, trains, and taxis are also available for visitors who prefer public transportation.

Where to Go Next from Canterbury: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some suggestions for nearby destinations and excursions:

  • Whitstable: A charming coastal town home to the famous Whitstable oysters.
  • Dover: A port town known for its White Cliffs and English Channel ferries.
  • Leeds Castle: Known for its beautiful gardens, this castle is only a short drive from Canterbury.

Conclusion

Canterbury city is a great destination for visitors looking to explore the historic city, enjoy outdoor activities, and experience the culture and traditions of Southeast England. With its range of accommodation, food, and attractions, Canterbury has everything to offer visitors for an unforgettable trip.

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