Canterbury

Canterbury Cathedral

The magnificent Canterbury Cathedral represents the beating heart of the city and the Anglican Church. This extraordinary example of English Gothic architecture was the setting for one of the most significant events in medieval British history: the assassination of Archbishop Thomas Becket in 1170.

The cathedral immediately impresses with its imposing proportions and architectural beauty, which combines different styles from Romanesque to Gothic. The interior is a feast of medieval art, with its stained-glass windows filtering light to create a mystical atmosphere, and the finely carved choir representing one of England’s finest examples of Gothic art.

Particularly moving is a visit to the Trinity Chapel, where Thomas Becket’s shrine once stood, a destination for pilgrims for centuries. The pilgrims’ steps, worn smooth by thousands of the faithful, still testify today to this place’s extraordinary spiritual importance.

St Augustine's Abbey

St Augustine’s Abbey represents a fundamental part of Canterbury’s UNESCO heritage. Founded in the sixth century, it was England’s first Benedictine monastery and became an important centre of learning during the Middle Ages. Today, though in ruins, its majestic remains testify to the grandeur of Norman and Gothic architecture.

The abbey gardens offer a peaceful haven where you can admire the ruins and imagine medieval monastic life. The on-site museum tells the abbey’s story through archaeological finds and multimedia reconstructions, enabling visitors to understand this place’s importance in the history of Christianity in England.

The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge

The Beaney is Canterbury’s principal cultural centre, combining museum, art gallery and library. This beautifully restored Victorian building houses a rich collection of art, crafts and historical objects.

The galleries feature an eclectic mix of artwork, ethnographic artefacts and natural curiosities. Particularly interesting is the Kent decorative art collection and temporary exhibitions ranging from contemporary art to local history.

Saint Margaret's Street

St Margaret’s Street represents one of the finest examples of preserved medieval architecture in Canterbury.

This historic street, winding through the heart of the city centre, is characterised by splendid half-timbered buildings that have remained virtually unchanged since the fifteenth century. The sloping façades and exposed beams create an atmosphere frozen in time, offering one of the city’s most photogenic views.

The street is home to some of Canterbury’s oldest pubs, including the characterful “The Old Buttermarket“, dating from the fourteenth century and named after the ancient market once held in this area. Historic cafés with period shop fronts and exposed beam ceilings offer an authentic taste of English life, perfect for an afternoon tea break.

Along the street you’ll find numerous craft shops that keep local traditions alive, selling hand-thrown pottery, artisan jewellery and Kent specialities. Particularly interesting are the antique shops where you can find unique pieces that tell the region’s story.

During the festive season, the street comes alive with period decorations and markets that recreate a Victorian Christmas atmosphere.

The Stour and Westgate Gardens

The River Stour winds through Canterbury, creating picturesque views and offering the opportunity for leisurely boat trips. Punting tours (traditional flat-bottomed boats similar to gondolas) allow you to see the city from a unique perspective, gliding beneath ancient bridges and past hidden gardens.

Westgate Gardens represent one of England’s oldest public parks. Dominated by the majestic Westgate Tower, the city’s only surviving medieval gateway, the gardens offer a tranquil refuge with well-maintained lawns, colourful flower beds and ancient trees. The Oriental plane tree from 1672 is considered the city’s oldest tree.

Roman Museum

Located in the city centre, the Roman Museum is built around the remains of an original Roman villa. The museum offers a fascinating window into Roman Canterbury, with exhibitions including mosaic pavements preserved in situ, everyday objects and reconstructions of life in ancient Durovernum Cantiacorum.

Interactive displays and reconstructions allow visitors to get hands-on with Roman life, whilst original finds, including coins, pottery and utensils, tell stories of trade and domestic life.

St Dunstan's Church

St Dunstan’s Church is an architectural gem often overlooked by visitors. Located just outside the city centre, this medieval church is famous as the burial place of the head of Sir Thomas More, the renowned humanist and statesman.

The building features interesting Gothic architectural elements and preserves some beautiful medieval stained glass. The peaceful churchyard surrounding the church offers a moment of calm away from the bustle of the city centre.

St Martin Church

St Martin’s Church is England’s oldest parish church still in use and forms part of the city’s UNESCO heritage. This small church, with its walls incorporating Roman bricks, testifies to the continuity of Christianity from the Roman period to the present day.

The church’s interior preserves interesting architectural features from different periods, from Roman remains to Saxon and medieval modifications. The surrounding churchyard, with its ancient gravestones, offers an insight into the city’s social history over the centuries.