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A mini guide to
Canterbury: tips and FAQs
Local know-how and common questions
Local know-how
Tips for visiting
Book or arrive early at the cathedral
The cathedral opens to sightseers from 10.00 Monday to Saturday and the church from 12.30 on Sundays, according to its website; services can close parts of it.
Use both stations
Canterbury West suits the Westgate end of the city and the high-speed line; Canterbury East is closer to the walls and the south side.
Walk the walls
A stretch of the medieval wall near Canterbury East and Dane John Gardens can be walked on top; it is a quick way between the station and the cathedral.
See all three World Heritage parts
St Augustine's Abbey and St Martin's Church are a short walk east of the cathedral, outside the walls.
Ask at the Beaney
Visit Canterbury's visitor information centre is in the Beaney House of Art and Knowledge on the High Street.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is Canterbury?
Canterbury is in Canterbury & Kent, England. The cathedral, the medieval walls and the Westgate on the River Stour. Nearby stops and stations include Canterbury West, Canterbury East, Canterbury bus station.
How long do I need in Canterbury?
A full day; two to see the abbey and museums too. Allow longer if you plan to eat out or visit several attractions.
What are the highlights?
Highlights include Canterbury Cathedral, Christ Church Gate, St Augustine's Abbey. See the Things to do page for more.
How do I get there?
Nearby: Canterbury West (Southeastern high-speed trains to London St Pancras (51 minutes, according to Southeastern) and trains to the coast); Canterbury East (Mainline trains to London Victoria and to Dover); Canterbury bus station (Stagecoach buses, including route 8 to Thanet according to Visit Thanet); Park and Ride (Visit Canterbury lists three Park and Ride sites). The Getting there page links to the official timetables and journey planners.
Where can I eat and drink?
We list 30 places to eat and drink in and around Canterbury, with filters to help you choose.
Where should I stay?
We list 15 hotels and other places to stay nearby. Check availability and prices with each property.
Is Canterbury accessible?
Accessibility varies by street, building and venue. Check each attraction or operator’s access information before you travel.
While you are here
Things to see in Canterbury
A few of the sights in the area. The Things to do page lists them all, with directions and official links.
Church of St Mildred
Partly Anglo-Saxon church near the castle, the only pre-Norman church left inside the walls.
Canterbury Cathedral
Seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury and part of the World Heritage Site; Romanesque and early Gothic, partly rebuilt after a fire in 1174.
Christ Church Gate
Grade I listed gateway leading from the city centre into the cathedral precincts.
Canterbury & Kent
More areas to explore
Whitstable
Oysters, a working harbour and a long shingle beach facing the Thames Estuary
Open the mini guide →
Margate and Broadstairs
Sandy bays, Turner Contemporary, Margate Old Town and Dickens's Broadstairs
Open the mini guide →
Deal
A shingle seafront, a pier and two Tudor castles
Open the mini guide →Photo credits
- Canterbury city walls: Ymblanter, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Church of St Mildred: Jean Marc Gfp, CC BY 3.0, source
- Canterbury Cathedral: Hans Musil, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Christ Church Gate: Tony Hisgett from Birmingham, UK, CC BY 2.0, source
- Whitstable: Michael Garlick, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Margate and Broadstairs: DeFacto, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Deal: Nilfanion, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Dover: Chensiyuan, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
Keep exploring Canterbury & Kent