10 Best things to see & do in Canterbury

The home of the Church of England, Canterbury Cathedral is one of the most beautiful churches in England. Even non-church lovers can’t fail to be impressed by the sheer scale and ambition of the building, from the 11th-century crypt to the beautiful stained glass in the 12th-century choir.

The site dates back to 597AD and the cathedral, along with the tranquil precincts that surround the medieval buildings, is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Today it attracts more than 1 million visitors per year.

Discover Canterbury’s Roman history with a walk along a stretch of the ancient defensive wall, dating back to the 3rd century AD. The most complete stretch is accessible from Dane John Park, and leads round to the ruins of Canterbury Castle – around half an hour’s walk there and back.

Get a different perspective on Canterbury’s historic houses and quiet back streets with a trip along the River Stour; book a guide to do the punting, and sit back and enjoy the views.

Pop in for a pint at Canterbury’s oldest pub; a cosy, firelit haunt that has been serving weary travellers – and construction workers on the nearby cathedral – since the 14th century.

The first daily farmers’ market in the country, offering fruit and veg straight from the fields, alongside locally produced meats, cheeses and bread, with an excellent on-site cafe. A must-visit for foodies.

A two-weeks arts festival taking place annually in the second half of October, bringing together live music, theatre, spoken-word events and street theatre.

The oldest church in the English-speaking world, St Martin’s is part Roman, part Saxon and part medieval, and has been a place of worship continuously for over 1,400 years.

A museum, gallery, library and visitor centre all housed in an elegant, Grade II-listed building, with exhibits including prehistoric artefacts found in and around Canterbury and works by local artists.

Climb to the top of England’s largest surviving medieval gateway for spectacular views across the city’s rooftops, before delving into two thousand years of history in the museum below.

Originally created as a burial site for the Anglo-Saxon kings of Kent, the ruins are a tranquil spot for a quiet walk or picnic, away from the hubbub of the busy High Street.