Are you searching for the Best Places to Visit in Canterbury? Are you thinking of a trip to Europe and wondering what to explore in Canterbury? We’ve got you covered. Canterbury is A bustling market city within Kent County, English County of Kent. It has endured centuries of change, with much of its medieval charm preserved.
The beautiful city is known as the Archbishop of Canterbury’s residence and the Anglican Church’s chief. As the place of birth for English Christianity and the English church, Saint was in this place. Augustine made his first conversions among the Anglo-Saxon pagans, and 597 CE marked the date that elected the fledgling English church’s first bishop.
His grave in St. Augustine’s Abbey, located just beyond the city’s walls, was a highly revered shrine before the construction of the neighboring Canterbury Cathedral. As one of the UK’s Heritage Cities, Canterbury is also a significant place to visit for entertainment and culture.
There are a variety of fun activities and a broad selection of historical landmarks. Shopping enthusiasts are provided with a wide range of options. They are encouraged to explore the historical avenues of King’s Mile, its unique shops, galleries, and cafes, and the modern Whitefriars Canterbury shopping area.
It is a must to visit The Canterbury Roman Museum, a fascinating insight into this city’s Roman roots, and a historic river cruise along the Stour. Fans of sports should look up the schedule for the Kent County Cricket Club’s Spitfire Ground St. Lawrence, widely considered one of the best stunning cricket grounds in the nation.
To ensure that your England trip is packed with activities, read the guide to the most popular attractions and activities to enjoy during your visit to Canterbury, Kent.
Explore the Cathedral Precincts
Explore the Cathedral Precincts is one of the best places to visit in Canterbury. The area directly surrounding Canterbury Cathedral, the Cathedral Precincts, is worthwhile to explore. The fascinating structures lie north of the cathedral and are within Green Court.
The most notable of the building is its roofed Norman staircase leading into King’s School Hall. The oldest school around the globe, King’s School, was founded in 600 CE and was the birthplace of many famous Englishmen like the dramatists Christopher Marlowe and William Somerset Maugham.
Additionally, it is worth looking into also the Norman Water Tower. It was once an innovative water supply and sewer disposal system that ensured the absence of epidemics throughout the Close.
Other places of interest include a garden for healing, which was used to cultivate the herbs used by monks for their medicinal needs as well as the Chapter House was once used for meeting purposes as well as the stunning Christ Church Gate, built in 1517, and is now the main entrance of the Precincts and the cathedral.
Canterbury Cathedral
The cathedral is UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stunning Canterbury Cathedral is the Mother Church of the global Anglican Communion. It’s also among the most significant (and longest-running) Christian structures and incorporates elements of different architectural styles of different centuries.
An absolute must when visiting Canterbury This popular tourist attraction is famous for being where Archbishop Thomas Becket was executed in 1170. Becket was acquainted with the presence of Henry II. Henry II, whose knights believed that he made a statement about the Archbishop being “gone” for an instruction to murder the Archbishop.
Nearly ninety decades later, it’s frightening to stand at the exact location at the Northwest Transept where this heinous crime was committed. Another fascinating place to visit can be found in the church. It has a screen for the choir dating back to 1411.
This unique stonework is decorated with angels carrying shields and crowned heads representing six rulers: Henry V, Richard II, Ethelbert of Kent, Edward the Confessor Henry IV, and Henry VI. Please ensure you go into the crypt, noted for its exquisite embellishments.
For souvenirs, stop by the cathedral shop on Burgate Street. To experience a truly unique experience, book a room at Canterbury Cathedral Lodge Hotel. The cathedral owns the hotel. This luxurious hotel offers breathtaking views over stunning gardens, dazzling perspectives of the cathedral, and exclusive access to the cathedral Precincts.
Another thing to do is take an organized tour. If available, go for the more extended version of 60 minutes that covers The Great Cloister and Chapter House and Chapter House since it’s worth the effort.
It is renowned for its part in the Pilgrim’s Way, a pilgrimage path that runs from the towns of Winchester and Rochester in Hampshire and Rochester located in Kent.
Westgate Gardens
Discover a landscape along the river that is with a rich history and wildlife. The park is located along the Great Stour River in the historic city of Canterbury. The Westgate Parks are four unique green areas (Westgate Gardens, Toddler’s Cove, Tannery Field, and Bingley Island), all linked with paved paths open to everyone.
Together, they make an outstanding linear park that is a river-side walk that runs from the city’s bustling city center to the countryside. Take a stroll along the river from the historic Westgate Towers at the end of Canterbury’s bustling high street. The walks start in the charming formal gardens, then wind their way through picnic areas, a Roman-themed playground for children to water meadows, and the local nature reserve.
In partnership with the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Kentish Stour Countryside Partnership, Canterbury City Council is providing a restoration program (2013 to 18) for a price in the region of PS1 million to revitalize the park, create new infrastructure, interpretive services, and a range of community-based activities.
- Explore the splendors of Westgate Gardens
- Hours of fun to be had at Toddler’s Cove
- Discover the Canterbury Bull of Tannery Field
- Discover the natural reserve on Bingley Island
Hours of operation
Monday to Sunday Dawn – Dusk
Pricing
Admission is free
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Beaney House of Art and Knowledge
People interested in culture must also visit The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge. It is often referred to in the form of “The Beaney,” this fantastic facility is a museum library, library, and art gallery. It also has an outstanding collection of engravings, paintings, prints, European ceramics, Asian porcelains, and jewelry from the Anglo-Saxon period.
Renovated and wholly opened in 2012, it has been dubbed the city’s cultural center, which is the Marlowe Theatre is also situated close by. The building itself is a significant tourist attraction. It was designed in a beautiful Tudor style and constructed in the latter part of the 19th century.
Some of the most notable exhibits are those by European Old Masters, including the paintings from Van Dyck, along with significant artworks and English ceramics. Apart from its enjoyable kids’ workshops and educational programs (which offer the chance to dress in costume from the past),
The museum has exhibits kids will be enthralled by that tells the story of the famous cat character Bagpuss. Guided tours are also available, as well as a great cafe that serves light snacks and lunches.
Address: 18 High Street, Canterbury, Kent
Official site: https://canterburymuseums.co.uk/beaney/
Dane John Gardens
Dane John Gardens is one of the best places to visit in Canterbury. In other times it was a peaceful and tranquil Dane John Gardens has been flourishing Roman Cemetery (even much calm?) as well as an eleventh-century motte and bailey castle (much more somber! ).
Suppose you’re interested in researching the court in advance. Plenty of secrets to be taught in the coming days could appeal to smalls. These times, however, it’s just a primary, modern green space with an outdoor bandstand and a small play area with traditional equipment for children younger children.
There’s space to picnic and enough space for gentle ball games. There are sketchpads and cameras ready for these types of youngsters because of the fantastic panoramic views of The City and further from the highest point of the hill. It’s very close to the city; however, it doesn’t feel that way once you’re in the middle!
One of the biggest reasons to recommend this establishment is the fact that it’s only a one-minute walk away from the Canterbury Shopping Centre, so you can decide if you want to make it as a treat or incentive, it’s a great alternative to negotiate with the kids when you really (‘yes absolutely’) need to shop, and they (‘yes indeed need to come!’) must come.
Pricing
Admission is free! You can use the money to buy an outdoor picnic!
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Canterbury Castle & The City Wall Trail
Only a tiny portion of this once-great fortification is left. The Norman-era Canterbury Castle is one of the oldest of Britain’s fortresses. It was built by William the Conqueror in 1070. It was the third of his “Royal Castles.” It was used as a prison for a short time before it was abandoned.
You can take in the stunning views of the ruin from various viewpoints, including the adjacent St. Mildred’s Church.
This castle can be a tourist attraction on The City Wall Trail, a pleasant three-mile walk that takes in all of the city’s best interests. Its castle is a significant landmark to start and finish your walk.
Though about half the city walls that were initially constructed have been destroyed by destruction and war, some sections have been restored to their original glory. In some places, traces of the first Roman walls can be observed. The remaining areas, such as Westgate tower. Westgate tower gives you an idea of how magnificent these fortifications were.
Address: Castle Street, Canterbury, Kent
Canterbury Ghost Tour
You can take a tour with Twilight of this city that was once a fortress at your own risk. A mysterious person wearing a top hat and cloak will lead you on an uneasy stroll through the surrounding area’s shady (ish!) underground.
The tour will begin at 8 pm, but they suggest being flexible because it’s a casual and relaxed event (say five times quickly! ). The time will start in Alberry’s Wine Bar on St Margaret’s Street and will take approximately an hour.
However, it’s advisable to remain flexible and give yourself a little extra time, as they’ll generally spend the time to reply to everyone if they have any questions! Kids are welcomed, and the food is reasonably light in the amount of gruesomeness and gross and grot.
However, you will have to be responsible for your actions and agree that they could be intentionally spooky in certain places; however, the end of the story is creepy. Great for families with more than eight children! They also provide group tours and tours that include food. There’s plenty of room for growth when you have more time to soak in the atmosphere.
With all of the friendly foes supervised and trained by the eminent John Hippisley, be sure of a terrifying blast that’s been gently blasting away the spines of every person for more than 20 years! If your kids are fascinated by this topic (as most are!), why not get the book Haunted Canterbury at the following website? He’ll be glad to sign. Then they can continue to study the subject when they arrive home. Best of luck in sleeping!
Hours of operation
Friday & Saturday 20:00 – 21:30
Pricing
Adults: PS10.00, Concessions: PS9.50, Kids: PS9.00
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The Marlowe Theatre
The Marlowe Theatre is one of the best places to visit in Canterbury. Although it is named for the famous writer of the Elizabethan period, Christopher Marlowe, Canterbury’s Marlowe Theatre is anything but old. It was first established in the 1930s.
The theater was then subjected to extensive reconstruction before opening as it is today in the year 2011. Today, one of top England’s regional theatres, The Marlowe, hosts a diverse selection of West End musicals, plays, and concerts, featuring some of the biggest name names in rock and pop.
Other shows to enjoy in the Marlowe include ballet and contemporary opera, dance, and classical music. It also has earned recognition for the high quality of its programming for children as well as the shows presented through The Marlowe Youth Theatre.
One of the highlights of the winter months is the popular pantomime it puts on during Christmas. If you want a memorable evening, reserve tables at the nearby Green Room restaurant.
Address: The Friars, Canterbury, Kent
Official site: https://marlowetheatre.com
Canterbury Guided Walking Tours
In 1948, they were founded 1948 as the Canterbury Guild of Guides. The group has entertained curious families with their local knowledge told with flair since 1948! It’s not a surprise that they’re highly skilled and highly rated, with a steady stream of regular and new visitors every season.
Tickets available for walking Tours can be purchased from the Canterbury Visitor Centre (in the High Street), the Roman Museum (Butchery Lane), or via the internet.
It’s not possible to book ahead; however, in contrast, you don’t need to book in advance! In any case, one could pre-book the special interest tour, and it’s an excellent option if any tour dates coincide with what children are doing in school! Also, bonus tours are available such as the Dickens particular tour and a literary tour as well as a gruesome one, a more geographic-oriented time, and many more. Ideal for people who need more depth than your standard selection!
In any case, the tour duration is 90 minutes. So considering the length and time of the tour, it’s best for less than boisterous 8s. Kids are more than accepted, but you remain in charge of the children, and the term should be able to keep up with the established pace, even if it’s gentle!
Westgate Towers Museum & Viewpoint
Westgate Towers Museum & Viewpoint is one of the best places to visit in Canterbury. As its name suggests, on the westernmost edge of the old city’s boundaries, Westgate Towers Museum and Viewpoints are situated in the enormous remaining gatehouse dating to the middle ages.
It was constructed in 1380 over an ancient London road, and the Westgate was among seven gates built to protect the main entry points into the city. The impressive structure has a fascinating museum that reveals the city’s past and its unique past, including everything from hanging the bodies of convicts to collecting the tolls of pilgrims.
The most popular attraction for visitors is the chance to tour the historic “felon’s” cell, which dates from the 19th century’s early days. The building was once the police station, jail, and communications facility for the military during World War 2.
Then, of course, there are the views. At more than 60 feet high, The battlements of the Westgate give spectacular panoramic views of the historic city and its medieval city center, surrounded by gardens and parks along the River Stour.
Other activities to enjoy include taking part in Westgate’s “escape rooms attraction or taking some dinner or lunch at the restaurant located inside the jail that was once.
If you can, take the time to explore the nearby Westgate Gardens, one of the nation’s oldest parks and the home of a 200-year-old Oriental plane tree, and the charming Tower House, home of the city’s mayor’s office.
Conclusion
All destinations are awesome! According to my opinion, Beaney House of Art and Knowledge is the best to start. I hope you have enjoyed our list of Best Places to Visit in Canterbury.
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