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- Canterbury Cathedral — The city’s beating heart: soaring medieval architecture, the shrine of Thomas Becket, and a living chapter of worship and music. Even if you only have time for the nave and cloisters, the atmosphere and history hit hard in person.
- St Augustine’s Abbey — Atmospheric ruined abbey where Christianity was re-introduced to England in the 6th century. The excavated foundations, green lawns and interpretation panels make it easy to picture the monastery that once stood here.
- St Martin’s Church — England’s oldest church in continuous use, tucked into a quiet street near the cathedral. It’s small but hugely significant for pilgrimage history and has a charming, undiluted feel compared with the big tourist sites.
- Canterbury Roman Museum — A compact, well-laid-out museum built
- Canterbury Cathedral — The city’s beating heart: soaring medieval architecture, the shrine of Thomas Becket, and a living chapter of worship and music. Even if you only have time for the nave and cloisters, the atmosphere and history hit hard in person.
- St Augustine’s Abbey — Atmospheric ruined abbey where Christianity was re-introduced to England in the 6th century. The excavated foundations, green lawns and interpretation panels make it easy to picture the monastery that once stood here.
- St Martin’s Church — England’s oldest church in continuous use, tucked into a quiet street near the cathedral. It’s small but hugely significant for pilgrimage history and has a charming, undiluted feel compared with the big tourist sites.
- Canterbury Roman Museum — A compact, well-laid-out museum built around genuine Roman pavement and finds from the city’s Roman town. If you want to understand Canterbury before the Normans, this is where it clicks.
- Westgate Towers Museum & Viewpoint — One of the largest surviving medieval city gates in England. Climb the narrow stairs for a surprisingly good view over the city and a hands-on look at the gate’s history and past defenses.
- The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge — Part museum, part library, part community hub with surprising displays of local history and contemporary art. It’s a proper freelance brain gym: exhibitions, a good cafe and free entry galleries.
- The Canterbury Tales (Rendition) — An interactive, theatrical take on Chaucer’s pilgrims that’s genuinely fun and immersive rather than dusty. It’s a touristy attraction, yes, but a brilliant way to experience medieval storytelling up close.
- Westgate Gardens & River Stour punting — Pretty riverside gardens that open up into the nicest part of town for walking, picnics and boat trips. Hire a punt or join a guided river cruise—Calm water, swans and story-filled commentary make it a relaxed must.
- Dane John Gardens and the City Mound — A surprisingly pretty urban park with a Norman motte, old city walls and great people-watching spots. It’s an easy, restorative stop between sites and gives a different, local angle on Canterbury life.
- Greyfriars Chapel ruins & Franciscan Gardens — Quiet, slightly melancholy Franciscan ruins tucked away behind modern streets. The stonework and little garden feel like a secret — great for a reflective pause away from the crowds.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.
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Official Canterbury Guided Walking Tour - 14.00 Tour
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The Canterbury Classic Tour
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Howletts Day Ticket
The Best of Kent: the England you imagined with a local expert
Private Guided Walking Tour of Canterbury
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Best Backpacking
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.