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Canterbury Travel Guide – Things to Do, Eat & See in 2025 | The Kent Tourist

Set in the heart of Kent, Canterbury pairs a world-famous cathedral and UNESCO heritage with riverside punting, theatres, independent shops and an ever-growing food scene. Use this guide to plan the best things to do in Canterbury, where to eat and drink, places to stay, how to get there and smart tips for your trip.

Quick Facts About Canterbury

Location

Canterbury, Kent, England

Nearest Stations

Canterbury West (HS1), Canterbury East

From London

~55 mins (HS1 from St Pancras) • ~1h 30m (Victoria/Charing Cross)

Best Time to Visit

Year-round; summer for festivals & punting

Famous For

Cathedral, Chaucer’s Tales, medieval streets

UNESCO Trio

Cathedral, St Augustine’s Abbey & St Martin’s Church

Things to Do in Canterbury

Nave of Canterbury Cathedral with stained glass windows

Canterbury Cathedral

UNESCO-listed masterpiece and seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury. Arrive early for quieter aisles and Chapter House.

Westgate Towers stone gate at sunset

Westgate Towers & River Stour Punting

Climb the medieval gate for views, then drift past secret gardens and colleges on a guided punt.

St Augustine’s Abbey ruins and lawns

St Augustine’s Abbey & St Martin’s Church

Complete the UNESCO trio with the ruins of the abbey and England’s oldest working parish church.

More ideas: Best Walks in Canterbury · Canterbury Roman Museum · King’s Mile & Old Town

Best Places to Eat & Drink

  • The Foundry Brewpub — beers brewed on-site + modern British plates. Restaurants guide
  • The Goods Shed — farmers’ market, food hall & seasonal restaurant.
  • Oscar & Bentley’s — stylish bistro, strong gluten-free options.
  • The Parrot — Canterbury’s oldest pub in a timber-framed gem.
  • Chapter — wood-fired pizzas and natural wines.
Deep dives: Best Restaurants · Best Cafés · Best Pubs

Where to Stay in Canterbury

Cathedral Lodge accommodation inside the precincts

Cathedral Lodge

Unique stay within the cathedral precincts — quiet, central and atmospheric.

Full stays guide →
The Falstaff Hotel near Westgate

The Falstaff

Boutique hotel by Westgate Towers — characterful rooms and handy parking.

See top picks →
ABode Canterbury hotel exterior

ABode Canterbury

Central four-star with brasserie and bar — ideal for a city break.

Compare hotels →

How to Get to Canterbury

Train: High-Speed 1 from London St Pancras to Canterbury West (~55 mins). Slower services from Victoria/Charing Cross (~1h 30m).

Car: About 2 hours from central London via M2/A2. Several city-centre car parks; Park & Ride options on busy weekends.

Bus: National Express to Coach Park; Stagecoach links to Kent coast towns (Whitstable, Herne Bay, Dover).

Canterbury FAQ

Is Canterbury worth visiting?

Yes — it blends a UNESCO cathedral and medieval lanes with theatres, cafés and riverside walks, all under an hour from London by HS1.

How long do you need in Canterbury?

One full day for the cathedral and old town; a weekend adds the abbey, Roman Museum, Marlowe Theatre and nearby Whitstable or Deal.

What’s the fastest way from London?

High-Speed 1 from St Pancras to Canterbury West in about 55 minutes.