Canterbury
Price £15
Min age 0
Rating 4.83 / 5 [271 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Bucket list destination:
Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom (UK)
Most famous as the home of the Church of England, Canterbury is dominated by the spectacular cathedral, which overlooks picturesque streets dotted with boutiques, cafés and bistros.
It’s a great place to wander; along the banks of the River Stour, around the Roman Walls that surround the city, or along the tranquil 14th-century precincts that back onto the cathedral.
The city boasts three universities, giving the town a youthful, vibrant feel and there’s history at every turn, from Westgate – the UK’s largest surviving medieval tower to the cosy Parrot pub, which dates back to the 14th century.
It’s also the perfect base for exploring the unspoilt Kent countryside that surrounds the town, a landscape of gentle hills dotted with picturesque villages.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this destination, plus helpful tickets and transfers
Canterbury
Price £15
Min age 0
Rating 4.83 / 5 [271 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Canterbury
Price £15
Min age 0
Rating 4.82 / 5 [173 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
London
Price £144
Min age 3
Rating 4.93 / 5 [152 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Canterbury
Price £12
Min age 0
Rating 4.98 / 5 [97 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Canterbury heaves in late spring and summer (June to August), when overseas tourists flood in, and is at its most beautiful in autumn (September to October), when the parks are awash with scarlet and gold foliage. The city dresses up for Christmas, but the High Street does get over-run with shoppers, particularly on weekends.
Canterbury is flanked by two railways stations, East and West; Canterbury West has direct services from London St Pancras that take under an hour. Reaching the city by car is an easy drive down the A2 from London (around 90 minutes). London Gatwick airport is also about 90 minutes away by car.
Canterbury is an easily walkable city, with both train stations within strolling distance of the centre. Although there are plenty of car parks, it can be hard to find a space on weekends and in the holidays; coming by train is a better option. The city centre is pedestrianised – and usually busy; much better explored on foot than by bike.