What to do in Canterbury

Activities, attractions and tours

Canterbury Cathedral which includes a church or cathedral, heritage architecture and a city
Canterbury Cathedral which includes a church or cathedral, heritage architecture and a city
Westgate Gardens and Towers featuring signage, a castle and heritage architecture
Canterbury which includes a garden, kayaking or canoeing and a river or creek
Canterbury which includes a house, heritage architecture and a river or creek

Canterbury Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Canterbury has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Canterbury is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Canterbury to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Canterbury Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Canterbury.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Canterbury attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

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Recommended things to do in Canterbury

Number of things to do
20
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Battle of Britain Memorial Entry Ticket: CA $12
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Canterbury

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(30 reviews)

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

Canterbury Cathedral
Boats moored at a canal, Canterbury, Kent, England

University of Kent

4/5(1 review)

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 top-notch restaurants.

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

Marlowe Theatre

5/5(1 review)

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
Howletts is one of two parks owned by Aspinall foundation in Kent. Lots to see from Tigers, Lions and Gorillas to Elephants, Rhino and leopards. Yearly membership is available for both parks and Great value for money.

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 top-notch restaurants.

Howletts Wild Animal Park
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 Wingham. Wander the area's waterfront or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.

Wingham Wildlife Park
The historic River Stour which flows through Canterbury, England.

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 top-notch restaurants.

Westgate Gardens
Westgate Gardens and Towers which includes a river or creek, heritage architecture 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 lively bars.

Westgate Gardens and Towers
Completely in ruins, this is a very less visited site by tourists. This was a monastery used by St Augustine for educational and religious purpose. Today there are only few leftover dilapidated walls, graves and a lush green scenery all around. One needs to buy a ticket to view the Abbey ruins. Part of UNESCO World Heritage Site Excerpts from https://theredbagandpurpleshoes.wordpress.com/2014/08/02/the-hidden-gem-of-english-heritage-canterbury/

St. Augustine's Abbey

Take an hour or so to visit one of Canterbury’s most important heritage sites and see impressive ruins dating back to the sixth century.

St. Augustine's Abbey

Canterbury Christ Church University

5/5(2 reviews)

Walk around the campus at Canterbury Christ Church University during your visit to Canterbury. Make time to visit the area's stunning cathedral, or simply enjoy its lively bars.

Canterbury Christ Church University

Explore areas of Canterbury

#StunningStructures #canterburryCathedral UK

The King's Mile

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 Marlowe Theatre and Westgate Gardens and Towers.

The King's Mile

 

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.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Canterbury

Wye Downs is a National Nature Reserve north-east of Ashford in Kent. It is part of Wye and Crundale Downs Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Ashford

Dover which includes a fountain, a square or plaza and heritage architecture

Dover

Royal Harbour and Marina at Ramsgate, Kent England UK

Ramsgate

Whitstable Beach as well as a small group of people

Whitstable

The best Christmas trees

Barham

Tourists on their summer holidays, Minnis Bay, Birchington, Kent, UK

Birchington

Church of St Mary

Wingham

Superb sunsets

Herne Bay

Frequently asked questions

Is Canterbury worth visiting?
Famous for its views and family-friendly attractions, discovering cool things to do in Canterbury is simple. Remember to add Whitstable Beach to your itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Canterbury?
Start your day with a visit to Whitstable Beach and Tankerton Beach. Then, tour other areas of Canterbury for local restaurants and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Canterbury?
You can't leave without exploring Whitstable Beach, rated the top tourist attraction in Canterbury.
Is three days enough to stay in Canterbury?
Three days will be enough time to tick off many city attractions, including Whitstable Beach, Marlowe Theatre and Tankerton Beach. The average stay in Canterbury is two days. If you have the urge to extend your break, Dover isn't far away.
Is Canterbury a walkable city?
It all comes down to what you plan to see and do in Canterbury. Several top attractions, such as Marlowe Theatre and Howletts Zoo, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Canterbury's best neighbourhoods, The King's Mile is 0.16 kilometres away from downtown, while Thannington is 3 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Canterbury with kids?
Planning what to do in Canterbury with kids has never been easier. Whether you're travelling with toddlers or teenagers, there are loads of family-friendly sights to keep everyone busy here.

What to do in Canterbury for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Canterbury, with activities for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Shepherd Neame Brewery or Barnsole Vineyard.
Are there free things to do in Canterbury?
One of the best ways to discover free things to do in Canterbury is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on interesting neighbourhoods, parks and other attractions you can visit without reaching into your pocket. Whitstable Beach is one place that doesn't charge an admission fee.

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