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While traveling in England you are bound to come across the beautiful Canterbury. Jam-packed with popular tourist attractions, picking what to see in Canterbury may be difficult for tourists with limited time.
A Canterbury blog is all you need to decide amongst the top things to do in Canterbury.
In my opinion, 3 days in Canterbury is good time to see the best that city has to offer. But if you can add 2-3 days more you’d be able to experience rather than ‘see’ that an ordinary tourist does. Let me share with you the best things to do in Canterbury and tips to make the most out of your trip.
1. Canterbury Cathedral
Canterbury Cathedral is an old Cathedral located in the Canterbury city.
You may go for a Sunday service or attend an occasional concert in the cathedral. You may climb to the top of the church’s distinctive dome for an even better panoramic view of the city.
Quick Facts:
- The gorgeous Gothic architecture, Romanesque architecture, English Gothic architecture style that you see is credited to the architects William of Sens, William the Englishman.
- Some of the things Canterbury Cathedral features include a library with tonnes of religious books.
- The cathedral traces its origin back to the Norman-era.
Address: Cathedral House, 11 The Precincts, Canterbury CT1 2EH, United Kingdom
2. St Augustine’s Abbey
St Augustine’s Abbey are the remains of an old, dilapidated church.
This charming church was once popular with the locals and to some extent still remains so.
Quick Facts:
- It was in 597 when it was established.
- St Augustine’s Abbey is also the final resting place of greats such as Æthelberht of Kent, Mellitus, Eadbald of Kent.
An incredible sight, St Augustine’s Abbey scores high in the list of the best things to do in Canterbury.
Address: Longport, Canterbury CT1 1PF, United Kingdom
3. St Martin’s Church
Don’t forget to pay a visit to St Martin’s Church, which is regarded to be one of Canterbury’s most beautiful churches.
As this is a sacred location, anyone who want to enter are advised to cover their knees and shoulders. The adjoining cemetry has got quite a few famous people buried.
Quick Facts:
- A beautiful example of Anglo-Saxon architecture style, the church holds the burials of George Maclear, Mary Tourtel, Liudhard.
- The church was built somewhere around 6th-century.
Address: 1 N Holmes Rd, Canterbury CT1 1QJ, United Kingdom
4. Canterbury Roman Museum
Taking you on a trip to the roman times is the Canterbury Roman Museum.
The displayed artefacts are all brought here from the Roman dig in the area.
With so much to offer, no wonder Canterbury Roman Museum is one of the top things to do in Canterbury.
6. Westgate Gardens
Westgate Gardens is a green spot located on city’s beautiful riverfront.
Quick Facts:
- Some of the things Westgate Gardens features include a Tower House from the Victorian times and a two-hundred-years old tree.
Address: St Peter’s St, Canterbury CT1 2BQ, United Kingdom
7. Canterbury Castle
Canterbury Castle is a medieval fortified structure perched over a hilltop.
For centuries, castle has stood there holding its ground, defending the city. Canterbury Castle makes for a great sunny day activity.
Quick Facts:
- The castle is located near the Canterbury East Station.
- Built in Norman architecture style, it is eye pleasingly pretty site to look at.
Add it to your Canterbury trip if you have time.
Address: Canterbury CT1 2PR, United Kingdom
9. Howletts Wild Animal Park
Quick Facts:
- Spread over an area of 90-acre, the highlight of Howletts Wild Animal Park includes exotic animals such as Tigers, African Elephant and Gorillas.
- Some of the most popular exhibits that can be seen here are Walking with Lemurs, Open-Topped Monkey Enclosures, Walks and Wildlife, Get Up Close, African Elephant Herd.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Canterbury trip.
Address: Bekesbourne Ln, Bekesbourne, Littlebourne, Canterbury CT4 5EL, United Kingdom
10. Toddler’s Cove Playground
Quick Facts:
- Some of the things Toddler’s Cove Playground features include variety of child-designed structures, grassy areas.
Address: Whitehall Rd, Canterbury CT2 8BQ, United Kingdom
11. Canterbury city walls
Constructed around the city of Canterbury, the Canterbury city walls are the historical fortifications from medieval times.
These city walls surround/circle the old center of Canterbury and stand firm to this day. Consider walking along the path which runs parallel to the wall admiring the amazing craftsmanship.
These were originaly built by the occupying Romans in and around 3rd A.D..
Popular activities include taking a walk along these historical defensive walls. With numerous entrances and decorated with religious iconography, it was these walls that stood as first line of defence.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Canterbury trip.
12. St. Dunstan’s
St. Dunstan’s, the centuries old landmark, is considered to be one of Canterbury’s most gorgeous churches.
The cemetry has got quite a few notable person buried. Frescoes and gold details adorn the ceiling of the church.
Quick Facts:
- The church is dedicated to StDunstan.
- Some of the notable people who are buried here include Margaret Roper, Thomas More.
Address: 80 St. Dunstans St, Canterbury CT2 8LS, United Kingdom
But beyond the famous attractions in Canterbury, there is something that pulls you back again and again, perhaps it’s the city’s charm. All in all, whether you are a backpacker, a solo traveler, slow traveler, a female traveler or a couple there are plenty of interesting things to do in Canterbury for everyone.
And it’s not difficult to create an itinerary that includes some of the best tourist attractions in Canterbury. So what are Canterbury sights to see or you have already been here? Let me know in the comments along with your tips and experiences.