What to see and do in Canterbury, England

It is known for its ancient cathedral, which has been the center of the Church of England for over 1,400 years

Canterbury is a historic city located in the southeast of England, in the county of Kent and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  The city's cathedral became a major focus of pilgrimage following the 1170 martyrdom of Thomas Becket. Geoffrey Chaucer's 14th-century classic, The Canterbury Tales follows a journey of pilgrims to Becket's shrine.

We visited Canterbury on 6/19/2022. While there we walked through the city and visited the Canterbury Cathedral.

The city of Canterbury has a rich history dating back to Roman times, and was an important center for the Anglo-Saxon Kingdom of Kent. In the Middle Ages, it was a major center for pilgrimage, with thousands of pilgrims visiting the city to see the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket, who was famously murdered in the cathedral in 1170.

In addition to its cathedral, Canterbury has many other historic buildings, including the ruins of St. Augustine's Abbey, which was founded in the 6th century, and the medieval Westgate Towers, which are now a museum. The city also has a number of museums, including the Beaney House of Art and Knowledge, which has a collection of art, artifacts, and exhibits on the city's history.

Canterbury is also a popular tourist destination, with visitors coming to see the city's historic sites, walk its medieval streets, and enjoy its restaurants, cafes, and shops. The city has a vibrant cultural scene, with a number of theaters, music venues, and festivals throughout the year. The University of Kent, which is located on the outskirts of the city, is also a major center for education and research.

Looking for things to do?  Viator offers numerous tours in the Canterbury area. Click here for details.

The outside of the Canterbury Cathedral is currently undergoing renovations.

The cathedral is one of the oldest and most famous Christian structures in England. The east end was greatly enlarged at the beginning of the 12th century and largely rebuilt in the Gothic style following a fire in 1174.

The vaulted ceiling of the cathedral.

One of the many stained glass windows in the cathedral.

The city wall founded in Roman times and rebuilt in the 14th century.

Saint George’s Tower is all that remains of the Church of St George The Martyr in Canterbury. The poet, Christopher Marlowe, was baptised here in 1564.

The Canterbury Roman Museum houses a mosaic dating from around 300 AD

Butchery Lane with Canterbury Cathedral in the background

Shepherd Neame is a pub on Butchery Lane which was established in 1698,

Whitefriars Street is a modern shopping area.