History may loom large in Canterbury, but this city has so much more to offer than just ancient tales. For centuries, pilgrims have flocked to its world-famous cathedral, now part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and it's still pulling in crowds over 800 years later. With Roman ruins, Norman castles, and picturesque streets lined with charming 16th and 17th-century timber-framed houses, this historic city (located just an hour from London) is a medieval masterpiece just waiting to be explored. Whether you're here to soak up centuries of stories or explore buzzing shops, cosy pubs, and quirky eateries, follow our guide to Canterbury things to do and see to discover the best.
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Canterbury Cathedral
One of England's most ancient places of worship, with a history stretching back over 1400 years, Canterbury Cathedral is perhaps most notable as the site where Archbishop Thomas Becket was tragically killed by knights of King Henry II in 1170. Having withstood fires, the Restoration, and the march of time, its soaring Gothic towers and stunning stained-glass windows remain just as awe-inspiring today. A visit to this iconic landmark offers a deep dive into British history, where you can marvel at its medieval architecture and historical treasures or join a pilgrimage to experience daily services in a place that welcomes reflection and prayer.
Canterbury
Cathedral is renowned for its stunning Gothic ceilings, historical
artefacts, and famous choir.
Sir John Boys House
The Crooked House is a charming oddity just off the high street that's sure to leave you tilted. Known locally as Sir John Boys House, this lopsided 17th-century building has become prime Instagram material thanks to its quirky slant. Its topsy-turvy appearance has sparked plenty of tall tales — some say it inspired a passage in Dickens' David Copperfield, while others falsely claim it was home to MP Sir John Boys. Regardless, the crooked charm has stuck, and so has the name. After snapping all the pictures your camera can handle, head inside to find the Catching Lives Bookshop, where second-hand reads are sold to support the vulnerably housed.
This wonky
English house has been defying gravity for
centuries.
Westgate Gardens
Looking for things to do in Canterbury for free? Discover the beauty of the great outdoors at Westgate Gardens, a tranquil oasis located in the heart of the medieval city. This lush, quintessentially English park is full of surprises, enclosing everything from the grand Victorian Tower House with its rich Roman history to the charming Physic Garden, filled with plants once used for medicinal purposes. As one of England's oldest parks, these grounds have been a public space since the Middle Ages and even include an ancient monument site covering the remnants of the old Roman wall and London road gate.
Westgate
Gardens is a prime spot for a sun-kissed summer
picnic.
River Great Stour
River Great Stour winds its way through Canterbury and was once a vital trade route linking the continent to the city in Roman and Medieval times. These days, its gentle flow adds a splash of charm to the cityscape and offers a fantastic way to absorb the town's past from a refreshing perspective. As you glide along, you can soak up views of Canterbury's historic architecture while taking in the vibrant greenery and blooming flowers on either side. Opt for a guided tour, and you'll also get a splash of history and a sprinkle of humour to enhance your journey, making it one of the best things to do in Canterbury for adults.
Hop on a punt
or a river tour to flow through the River Great
Stour.
Beaney House Of Art And Knowledge
On the hunt for unusual things to do in Canterbury? Nestled in a Grade II-listed building, Beaney House Of Art And Knowledge is a real gem, blending an art gallery, library, museum, and visitors' centre all into one. At this house of curiosities, you can explore everything from Old Masters and local talents like William Sidney Cooper to archaeological finds and nostalgic TV and literary characters. Among its intriguing exhibits are a mummified Egyptian cat, a stuffed duck-billed platypus, and even the severed hand of Sir John Heydon, lost in a duel way back in the 1600s. Need a breather from all that exploring? There's no place like The Draper's Arms to sip on a cocktail while munching on tasty street food-style bites.
Soak up some culture at Beaney House Of Art And Knowledge, a place where history and whimsy come together.
Canterbury Castle
Thought to be one of Britain's oldest fortress ruins, Canterbury Castle dates back to around 1070 when William the Conqueror set up defences in Canterbury, Rochester, and Dover. Though it's seen better days due to wartime damage, the castle's remains, including some restored sections of the original Roman walls, are still a sight to behold. Explore the fort grounds and climb partway up one of its towers to get a taste of its historic grandeur; it's a great way to take a step back in time and celebrate the cathedral city's history. Afterwards, swing by Wildwood to munch on delicious stone-baked pizzas and tasty pastas in cosy surroundings.
Things to do in Canterbury for families, you ask? You can't go wrong with a visit to Canterbury Castle.
Canterbury Roman Museum
The Canterbury Roman Museum is built around the remnants of a Roman townhouse, offering a peek into ancient life. Discovered after German bombings exposed the remains beneath shops, this museum showcases a variety of artefacts from the Roman town of Durovernum Cantiacorum. Step inside the reconstructed archaic home to admire well-preserved mosaic floors, intricate wall paintings, and everyday items like pottery and jewellery. Highlights include the impressive Hypocaust heating system and traces of a bustling Roman marketplace, while interactive exhibits and multimedia displays bring the daily lives of Roman Canterbury's inhabitants to life.
Keep an eye
out for the precious footprints of dogs and children left in the
Roman floor tiles.
Canterbury Heritage Museum
A 14th-century treasure trove nestled by the River Stour, Canterbury Heritage Museum takes visitors on a historical journey with a twist. Discover Canterbury's evolution from ancient times to the present day, with highlights including exhibits on medieval life, the Canterbury Tales, and wartime stories. Dive into interactive displays that cover everything from the Anglo-Saxons and Tudors to nostalgic characters like Rupert Bear. And for a dose of nostalgia, don't forget to pay a visit to beloved classic characters such as Bagpuss, The Clangers, and Ivor the Engine. P.S. We'd recommend recharging in nearby boozer The Old Butter Market with a crisp pint (or two) for afters.
Canterbury
Heritage Museum is a charming blend of local history and cultural
treasures.
Marlowe Theatre
Searching for the best things to do in Canterbury on a day trip? Canterbury's literary legacy is alive and kicking, with the Marlowe Theatre leading the charge. Named after local playwright Christopher Marlowe, the 1,200-seat theatre offers a stage for everything from West End hits to comedy, world-class orchestral performances, and family-friendly shows. With three distinct spaces — The Marlowe Studio for fresh, new works, The Marlowe Kit for a variety of performances, an Escape Room, plus a Canterbury writers' exhibition, you're bound to find something that tickles your fancy here. Once you've had your fill, make your way to Chapter to indulge in the finest sourdough pizzas in town.
Get your tickets and let Marlowe Theatre's diverse lineup steal the show.
St Augustine's Abbey
Dating back to AD 597, St Augustine's Abbey was originally founded as a burial site for Kent's Anglo-Saxon kings and is credited with marking the rebirth of Christianity in southern England. Though it was reduced to ruins during the Reformation, today, the abbey's rich history comes alive through a museum, free audio tour, and an immersive VR experience. Slip on a headset to virtually wander through the building as it was in the early 1500s by immersing yourself in a 16th-century monastery and seeing the site in a whole new way. Families can also borrow monks' habits and interact with displays to uncover the daily life of medieval clerics.
Head to St Augustine's Abbey to step back in time and experience its storied past firsthand.
For more inspiration, check out our guide to things to do in Canterbury for couples and sign up to our UK newsletter for all the latest.
