Location: Canterbury
Top Things to do in Canterbury
What to do and see in Canterbury, England: The Best Historic Sites
Canterbury (/ˈkæntərbri/ ( listen), /-bəri/, or /-bɛri/) is a historic English cathedral city and UNESCO World Heritage Site, which lies at the heart of the City of Canterbury, a local government district of Kent, England. It lies on the River Stour.
Restaurants in Canterbury
1. St. Augustine's Abbey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 495 reviews
Reviewed By L8885QLandyp - Bognor Regis, United Kingdom
Having visited Canterbury Cathedral the previous day, our visit to St Augustine's didn't disappoint and improved our understanding of the historical events which took place in Canterbury. The site was much larger than expected, with a museum and plenty of information boards as we walked round the ruins. We were able to download an audio guide via a QR Code reader on our smartphone, which provided further information.
2. Godmersham House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
House once owned by the brother of Jane Austen.
Reviewed By LordNoddy
This is a great place to read about and buy memorabilia about Jane Austen. only small but it is jam packed. It is in a lovely setting, and there is a small car park too. You can see where Jane walked in the garden when she visited her brother, which was quite often. A great connection for me as Edward Knight is in my family tree and I could imagine inheriting the house! The prolific Rex Whistler did a painting of this house and did a design for a goblet of the house, which his brother Laurence engraved.
3. Eastbridge Hospital
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 227 reviews
Reviewed By cvselman - Norwich, United Kingdom
I visited Canterbury with my wife and as we walked through the middle of town we came across the Eastbridge Hospital. We noticed first that the building was over the bridge! I know that's in the title but we noticed that before we saw an entrance. It's not a hospital as we currently use the word but this was a place that pilgrims and those in need of a bed could stay. There's a wealth of information that's easy to read on panels around the building. don't miss seeing how the river now runs beneath the building and the view under the building. This building still has residents so it's one of the oldest (if not the oldest) hospitals that has been in continuous use since being built. You'll have to visit to get more details.
4. Greyfriars Chapel and Franciscan Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 182 reviews
Reviewed By Enka29
Tucked away from the high street, so worth a short five minute walk to discover this little piece os tranquility.
5. St. Thomas of Canterbury RC Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
Welcome to St Thomas of Canterbury RC Church in Canterbury. Whether you're joining us at mass or just visiting, we are delighted to see you. Our Church was built from 1874 to 1875 in the Gothic Revival style. It is situated on the corner of Burgate and Canterbury Lane, west of Lower Bridge Street, opposite the grounds of Canterbury Cathedral in the centre of the city.
Reviewed By Quill2005 - Ocala, United States
This Roman Catholic church designed in the High Gothic style and built in the Victorian era, contains relics of the famous St. Thomas a Becket, martyred in the 12th century in the nearby Canterbury Cathedral. There's also a very informative illustration of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales near where Becket's relics are housed. If you can, do include a visit to this church before or after a stop at the famous Canterbury Cathedral. Doing so will make your visit to Canterbury all the more interesting.
6. Fordwich Town Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By KC_Adventuring - Atlanta, United States
We toured the small Town Hall of Fordwich and discovered a wonderful little gem! So much of the building is unchanged, including the building, the 800 years old town records trunk, the ducking chair, the jury deliberation room, and many other artifacts. It is right on the river. The tour was excellent. Fordwich is a lovely, picturesque tiny town with a fascinating old church, St. Mary's and its quiet churchyard by the river. Plus there are two excellent places to eat a short walk from the Town Hall. Also, I think I saw a place to bring in someone using a wheelchair, but I'm not sure - not needing one, I did not ask.
7. Christopher Marlowe Memorial
8. Canterbury City Walls
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 196 reviews
Reviewed By maryannem713 - Canterbury, United Kingdom
The city walls do not quite circle the city any more but they must be one of the best and most complete in the country. Walking along them allows you a bird's eye view at parts that you would never normally see. They are safe and fun!
9. Westgate Towers Museum & Viewpoint
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 200 reviews
Built in 1380 the Westgate Towers is England's largest surviving Medieval Gateway. Explore its unique history and take in some of the most iconic views in the county of Kent. Approximately 60 foot high and built of Kentish ragstone c1380, it is the last surviving of Canterbury's 7 medieval gates, one of Canterbury's iconic landmarks. The Tower is a scheduled ancient monument and Grade I listed. Visitors can explore its rich history and take in the spectacular views of the city from the battlements viewpoint. Also part of the attraction are the original felons' cells built c1830 in the gaol extension which houses our Escape Room attraction. Enjoy 10% discount on food & drink at The Pound Bar & Kitchen on the ground floor with your receipt!
Reviewed By AwayWendy - Canterbury, United Kingdom
A very interesting place to visit. It was a prison and the cells are open to see inside. There is a small museum with interesting artefacts. The views over Canterbury are wonderful. The spiral staircase is challenging. Not for anyone with walking difficulties or bad knees.
10. The Martyr's Memorial
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