- The city has been a major pilgrimage destination since the 12th century following the martyrdom of Thomas Becket within the cathedral.
- Canterbury is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Cathedral, St Augustine's Abbey, and St Martin's Church.
- The city's medieval street layout remains largely preserved, resulting in narrow, winding lanes that were originally designed for foot and horse traffic.
- St Martin's Church holds the title of the oldest church in the English-speaking world still in continuous use.
- During the Roman era, the city was known as Durovernum Cantiacorum and served as a vital administrative centre for the region.
About Canterbury
Canterbury is a world-renowned cathedral city in Kent, defined by its role as the centre of English Christianity and a primary destination for medieval pilgrims. The skyline is dominated by the majestic Canterbury Cathedral, while the city walls still encompass significant heritage sites like St Augustine's Abbey. Visitors can explore the ancient narrative of The Canterbury Tales or find tranquility in the verdant Westgate Gardens along the River Stour. This historic settlement remains a hub of academic and religious activity, bridging its Roman and medieval foundations with contemporary culture.
Highlights of Canterbury
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Temples
Admire the intricate Gothic architecture and the site of Thomas Becket's historic martyrdom.
Historical places
Explore the ruins of this ancient monastery that was once the cradle of Christianity in England.
Parks
Walk through these landscaped riverside gardens to see the historic Westgate Towers.
Places of interest
Experience an immersive retelling of Chaucer's classic literary work in a dedicated exhibition space.
Temples
Visit the oldest active church in the English-speaking world, which predates the arrival of Saint Augustine.
Parks
Observe diverse wildlife and ancient woodland scenery in this significant protected nature reserve.
Zoos
View endangered species at this extensive wildlife park located just outside the city centre.
Parks
Relax in these quiet, walled gardens that offer a peaceful view of the cathedral precinct.
Top things to do in Canterbury
The 82 highest-rated places in Canterbury, ranked by travellers.
1
Temples
Canterbury Cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury and the mother church of the Anglican Communion. The cu...
2
Zoos
Wingham Wildlife Park is a sprawling animal sanctuary located in Kent that houses a diverse collection of over 200 speci...
3
Venues
The Marlowe Theatre is Canterbury's premier performing arts venue, featuring a main house that seats approximately 1,200...
4
Parks
Westgate Gardens is a historic public park situated along the banks of the River Stour in Canterbury. The site is center...
5
Zoos
Howletts Wild Animal Park is a 90-acre site near Canterbury dedicated to the conservation of rare and endangered species...
6
Zoos
Wildwood Trust is a 40-acre woodland conservation center located in Herne Common, Kent, dedicated to the protection and...
7
Historical places
St Augustine's Abbey is a UNESCO World Heritage site that served as a burial place for Anglo-Saxon kings of Kent and the...
8
Parks
Blean Woods is one of the largest areas of ancient broad-leaved woodland in southern England, managed by the RSPB. It fe...
9
Museums
Westgate Towers Museum & Viewpoint is the largest surviving medieval gateway in England, located at the western entrance...
10
Temples
St. Martin's Church in Canterbury holds the distinction of being the oldest church in the English-speaking world that is...
11
Museums
The Canterbury Roman Museum is built around the original in-situ remains of a Roman townhouse, including a preserved mos...
12
Parks
13
Places of interest
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Historical places
15
Museums
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Parks
17
Temples
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Temples
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Parks
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Museums
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Historical places
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Museums
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Temples
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Museums
25
Natural attractions
26
Parks
27
Temples
28
Parks
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Parks
30
Temples
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Canterbury on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Canterbury
Late spring to early autumn (May to September) offers the most comfortable weather for walking the city's extensive pedestrianised zones and historic lanes.
2-3 days
The city centre is compact and primarily walkable; local buses serve the surrounding Kentish countryside.
Staying within the medieval city walls provides the most convenient access to historical sites, while areas near the Stour offer picturesque riverside views.
Mid-range; while entry fees to major heritage sites add up, many of the city's historical features can be appreciated from the exterior at no cost.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 82 curated attractions in and around Canterbury, ranked by traveller ratings.
Canterbury Cathedral is the highest-rated place to visit in Canterbury right now.
The largest category is temples, with 35 places to explore.
Travellers also explore London, North Kensington, Manchester.
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