Canterbury is located in the South-East of England and is only an hour away from London. The ancient city of Canterbury is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the perfect place for all to visit, especially history lovers who wish to step back in time into a medieval city.
Note: The rules on travelling in the UK have now changed since the time of visiting. Please follow and keep up to date with the Government Guidelines and relevant websites for the latest information.
Having lived in the South-East of England all my life and hearing much about The Canterbury Tales, I’ve never fully explored the area. So as the bank holiday weekend was approaching, I turned to Canterbury for a weekend away.
We initially wanted to spend a weekend there, but found we managed to fit everything we wanted to see in Canterbury into a day-trip and spent the remainder of our time exploring other parts Kent.
So if you’re planning a trip to Canterbury (once it is safe to do so of course!), then here are 5 best things to see that you don’t want to miss, regardless of how long you are visiting for!
1. See Canterbury Cathedral
If you only get one thing to do on your visit to Canterbury, then you must explore the Canterbury Cathedral. England’s largest cathedral founded in 597 AD is also England’s most significant religious centre and major pilgrimage site.
Check out the absolutely stunning stained glass windows, the breathtaking Gothic architecture and see the spot where Thomas Beckett was murdered in 1170.
Don’t miss the secret outside grounds! We were just about to exit the Cathedral until we saw a few people walking to the side of the entrance to the Cathedral, so we followed them and found tombs, gardens and Harry Potter style archways!
Booking: Due to Covid-19 you will have to book tickets online directly through the Canterbury Cathedral website so that only a certain number of guests can enter. You can find all the relevant information on booking here. I highly recommend booking a slot for the morning as you’ll want to spend a few hours exploring the place!
2. Visit the Westgate Towers and Westgate Gardens
Westgate Tower is England’s largest surviving medieval gate and holds some incredible views of Canterbury’s high street and Cathedral.
Unfortunately due to COVID-19 we were unable to go inside the Gate. If that is also the case for you, have no fear! Check out the Westgate museum and learn more about the history of this magnificent gate.
Looking for something a little unique? Have an experience with one of Westgate Towers 5 star rated Escape Rooms and see if you and your team are able to escape!
Be sure to book in advance so that you can guarantee your spot. I personally haven’t tried this yet, but it is certainly on my list of things to do, especially after seeing their impressive reviews!
If the weather is on your side, a stroll through the Westgate Gardens is an option for you, especially as there is no fee. If you do go there, you have to check out the 200-year-old Plane Tree!
3. CHECK OUT St Augustine’s Abbey
Located just outside the city of Canterbury and a short walk from Canterbury cathedral is St Augustine’s Abbey. Founded in 598 and now a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the remainder of what is left of the Abbey is worth exploring.
Booking: You’ll need to book a slot online but be quick because they sell out so quickly! You can find all the relevant information here.
4. See St Martin’s ChurcH in Canterbury
A short walk from the Abbey and around a 15 minute walk from Canterbury centre, you’ll find the oldest church in England! This Church is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been used as a church since the 6th Century.
It is a little walk away from the centre but well worth the visit!
5. Explore Canterbury
Canterbury is full of wonderful narrow cobbled streets with unique shops dotted around so you’re able grab some souvenirs! Plus, you can grab some unique photos of the streets with the Cathedral over looking in the background.
Look out for Old Weaver’s House Restaurant on the high street to grab a photo of one of the most photographed places in Canterbury or hunt for the crooked bookshop for a unique photo of Canterbury!
If you head slightly out of the high street into some of the back streets of Canterbury, you’ll find even older buildings and houses with very few people around so it feels like you have the whole place to yourself.
Although Canterbury can be explored easily by foot, there is also the option to take a tour of Canterbury on a historic river tour! More details can be found here.
Enjoyed this post? Don’t forget to share and let me know if you’ve been to Canterbury!
Leave a Reply