Things to do in Canterbury

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Canterbury Cathedral which includes a church or cathedral, heritage architecture and a city
Westgate Gardens and Towers featuring heritage architecture, chateau or palace and signage
Canterbury showing kayaking or canoeing, a river or creek and a park
Canterbury which includes a river or creek, heritage architecture and a house
Canterbury featuring heritage architecture and a house

Canterbury Attractions

Smaller cities have an appeal about them you just don't find in their larger counterparts. Take a note of all the fun things to see and do in Canterbury before you head off so you can see as much as possible during your escape. You'll soon see that bigger doesn't necessarily mean better!

If you're ready to hit the streets of Canterbury, join a few of the top tours & day trips on offer, and have a friendly local show you the most popular landmarks. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our top {13 fun activities in Canterbury fun activities in Canterbury} are also worth looking into.

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Recommended things to do in Canterbury

Number of things to do
13
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Canterbury: Walking Tour with Green Badge Guide: $21
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Canterbury

Free Things to Do in Canterbury

Touring on a limited budget in Canterbury? Spend time, not cash, on awesome experiences.

Royal Museum and Art Gallery - Approach the staff or curator and discover more about the unique collections on display here.

Eastbridge Hospital - If you're eager to explore the history of the region through its landmarks, mark this one down on your to-do list.

St. Peter's Anglican Church - Whatever your religious leanings, this place will inspire a sense of reverence.

Westgate Gardens - If you love pottering around the garden, this place will captivate your green thumb.

Things to Do in Canterbury with Kids

There are plenty of unforgettable experiences in Canterbury that the entire gang will love. Here are some of the top family friendly experiences in the area.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Canterbury? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Canterbury

Canterbury Cathedral which includes a church or cathedral, heritage architecture and a city

Canterbury Cathedral

4.5/5(71 reviews)

This 1,400-year-old establishment is known for its breathtaking Gothic ceilings, its outstanding historical collections and its choir.

Canterbury Cathedral
University of Kent

University of Kent

4.5/5(8 reviews)

Explore the campus of University of Kent, during your trip to Canterbury. Make time to visit the area's stunning cathedral, or simply enjoy its lively bars.

University of Kent
Panto time... "Oh no it's not"....

Marlowe Theatre

4/5(2 reviews)

Enjoy a show at Marlowe Theatre, a theater with a story to tell in Canterbury. Make time to visit the area's stunning cathedral, or simply enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Marlowe Theatre
In contrast to the busy shopping streets, the Westgate Gardens offers a quiet place to stroll around.

Westgate Gardens

Explore the great outdoors at Westgate Gardens, a lovely green space in Canterbury. Make time to visit the area's stunning cathedral, or simply enjoy its lively bars.

Westgate Gardens
Fantastic small animal park, always expanding and well worth a days visit. open everyday except Christmas Day.

Wingham Wildlife Park

Visit the native and exotic animals who live at Wingham Wildlife Park during your trip to Canterbury. Wander the area's waterfront or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.

Wingham Wildlife Park
Westgate Gardens and Towers featuring a river or creek, a small town or village and a bridge

Westgate Gardens and Towers

Find out about the history of Canterbury with a stop at Westgate Gardens and Towers. Make time to visit the area's stunning cathedral, or simply enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Westgate Gardens and Towers
Tudor cottage

Chilham Village

Find out about the history of Chartham with a stop at Chilham Village. Make time to visit the area's stunning cathedral, or simply enjoy its lively bars.

Chilham Village
The FIRST church of England and OLDEST Living Church of England. Its very small and the size of a hall. If you are visiting Canterbury, you cannot miss going to this place for the huge historical importance attached to it. Part of UNESCO World Heritage Sites https://theredbagandpurpleshoes.wordpress.com/2014/08/02/the-hidden-gem-of-english-heritage-canterbury/

St. Martin's Church

4.5/5(7 reviews)

Explore one of England’s first Christian churches to see Roman architecture, famous tombs and a rich sense of history.

St. Martin's Church

Howletts Wild Animal Park

See the exotic and native animals who call Howletts Wild Animal Park home during your trip to Canterbury. Make time to visit the area's stunning cathedral, or simply enjoy its lively bars.

Howletts Wild Animal Park

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Canterbury

Canterbury showing kayaking or canoeing, a river or creek and a park

The King's Mile

5/5(2 area reviews)

While The King's Mile might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Canterbury Cathedral and Canterbury Roman Museum.

The King's Mile
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Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Canterbury

Photo by Paul Lowe 👣

Ashford

Dover showing a square or plaza, heritage architecture and a fountain

Dover

Folkestone

Folkestone

Ramsgate

Ramsgate

Photo "Dunkirk" by Simon Carey (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Simon Carey (CC BY-SA)

Dunkirk

Walmer Castle and Gardens which includes chateau or palace and a bridge as well as a small group of people

Deal

Photo "Faversham" by Penny Mayes (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Penny Mayes (CC BY-SA)

Faversham

Photo "Petham" by Roy Gray (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Roy Gray (CC BY-SA)

Petham

Frequently asked questions

Is Canterbury worth visiting?
Renowned for its views and family-friendly attractions, finding awesome things to do in Canterbury is simple. Make sure to add Marlowe Theatre to your itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Canterbury?
Howletts Zoo and Canterbury Roman Museum are two awesome places to start your sightseeing adventures. Be sure to explore the dining and shopping options in Canterbury while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Canterbury?
You can't go home without checking out Marlowe Theatre, rated the top tourist attraction in Canterbury.
Is three days enough to stay in Canterbury?
You can easily visit leading attractions like Marlowe Theatre, Howletts Zoo and Canterbury Roman Museum with a three-day break in Canterbury. On average, most travelers plan two days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stay a while longer and venture to Dover.
Is Canterbury a walkable city?
With vibrant neighborhoods and top sights within walking distance of the city center, Canterbury is a great destination to discover on foot. Enjoy wandering between Marlowe Theatre and Howletts Zoo. Then take a stroll through The King's Mile, located 0.1 miles from downtown, and Thannington, which is roughly 2 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Canterbury with kids?
Planning what to do in Canterbury with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're taking a trip with little ones or teenagers, there are plenty of family-friendly activities to keep them entertained here.

What to do in Canterbury for adults?
Shepherd Neame Brewery and Barnsole Vineyard are just a couple of the things to do in Canterbury. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Canterbury?
One of the best ways to discover free things to do in Canterbury is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on cool neighborhoods, parks and other hotspots you can experience without reaching into your pocket. Westgate Gardens is one spot that doesn't have an entrance fee.