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About Canterbury
Canterbury, a historic cathedral city in southeast England, is famed for its UNESCO-listed Canterbury Cathedral, a pivotal site in Christianity and the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury. The city's medieval charm is evident in its cobbled streets, timber-framed houses, and the ruins of St. Augustine's Abbey. A key stop on the Pilgrim's Way, Canterbury offers rich cultural heritage, vibrant arts scenes, and the scenic River Stour. Visitors can explore the Canterbury Tales attraction, Westgate Gardens, and enjoy traditional English pubs. Its blend of history, academia (thanks to the University of Kent), and modern vibrancy makes it a must-visit.
Things to do in Canterbury
Small-Group City Running Tour in Canterbury
From £21
5.0 (36)
The Best of Kent: the England you imagined with a local expert
From £285
5.0 (26)
Private Guided Tour of Canterbury City and Cathedral
From £254
5.0 (3)
Canterbury Private 2 Hour Walking Tour with Green Badge Guide
From £225
5.0 (2)
The Highlights of Canterbury - a One Hour Historical Walking Tour
Silver Ring Workshop in Kent, England
The Canterbury Classic Tour
The Condensed Canterbury Tour
Official Canterbury Guided Walking Tour - 11.00 Tour
From £16
4.8 (448)
Official Canterbury Guided Walking Tour - 14.00 Tour
Private Guided Walking Tour of Canterbury
From £160
4.8 (25)
Mission Save the Word by Glitch Hunters
Howletts Day Ticket
From £26
4.3 (55)
Murder and Miracles Self Guided Tour of Canterbury City
From $7.5
4.3 (8)
Private Tour of Canterbury Cathedral and Medieval City.
Places to visit in Canterbury
Walkway
Walkway, Sculpture Trail, Ashford, United Kingdom
The Last Eleven Years
The Last Eleven Years, Sculpture Trail, Ashford, United Kingdom
Score for a Hole in The Ground
Score for a Hole in The Ground, Sculpture Trail, Ashford, CT4 8HQ, United Kingdom
Bulltown Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast
Bulltown Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast, Bulltown Lane, Ashford, TN25 5NB, United Kingdom
Church Oast
Church Oast, Church Hill, Swale, ME13 9JW, United Kingdom
Chilham Village Sign
Chilham Village Sign, Bagham Road, Ashford, CT4 8DR, United Kingdom
Cave Hotel and Golf Resort
Cave Hotel and Golf Resort, Brickfield Lane, Swale, ME13 9AJ, United Kingdom
B52
B52, Sculpture Trail, Ashford, TN25 4AP, United Kingdom
Badger's Hill Farm
Badger's Hill Farm, A252, Canterbury, CT4 8BW, United Kingdom
Travel Tips for Canterbury
Getting Around
Canterbury is highly walkable, with most attractions within the compact city center. Buses operated by Stagecoach serve the city and nearby areas. Taxis and bike rentals are available. The Canterbury West and Canterbury East stations provide rail links to London and other cities.
Best Time To Visit
Spring (April-June) and early autumn (September-October) offer mild weather, fewer crowds, and beautiful blooms or foliage. Summer is peak tourist season with longer days but more visitors. Winter is quieter, with festive markets in December.
Local Customs
Respect the cathedral's sanctity—quiet behavior is expected during services. Tipping in restaurants (10-15%) is customary. Engage politely with locals, who are generally friendly. Pubs are social hubs; standing at the bar to order is common.
Safety Information
Canterbury is generally safe, but standard precautions against pickpocketing in crowded areas like the cathedral or high street are advised. At night, stick to well-lit areas. Emergency services are highly responsive.
Health Information
Canterbury has excellent healthcare facilities, including the Kent and Canterbury Hospital. Travelers from the EU should carry an EHIC or GHIC card. Tap water is safe to drink. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health needs.
Languages Spoken
EnglishFrenchSpanish
Quick Facts
Timezone
Europe/London +00:00 (GMT)
Calling Code
44
Electricity
Driving Side
Left
Population
0.1 million
Area
23.54 km²
Government
Local government district (Canterbury City Council)
ISO Code
GB-CTB