Canterbury brings together significant traces of church history, Roman finds and historic gardens. Visitors looking for a cultural theme for their stay can choose from churches from different periods, a Roman mosaic, museums and guided experiences. The options also vary: some offer a brief introduction, while others explore a building or the city’s history in greater depth.
Cathedral and Pilgrimage History
Canterbury Cathedral was founded by Augustine in 597 AD. The cathedral’s role as a place of pilgrimage is closely linked to the murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket on 29 December 1170. Architecture, medieval stained glass and history are the focus of The Inside Story Tour. Check whether the tour is available before your visit.
For a shorter themed introduction, free 15-minute Mini Talks are available daily between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. As the current offering on site is subject to change, it is advisable to check availability before your visit. By comparison, the 90-minute Official Canterbury City Guided Tour takes visitors through medieval lanes and the historic Cathedral Precincts. Its schedule may vary; confirm the dates before your trip. The three options differ mainly in duration and focus: the Mini Talks last 15 minutes, The Inside Story Tour explores the cathedral’s history, and the 90-minute Official Canterbury City Guided Tour takes visitors through medieval lanes and the historic Cathedral Precincts.
Early Churches and Distinctive Architectural Styles
St Augustine’s Abbey was founded by Augustine shortly after 597 AD and represents the revival of Christianity in southern England. The abbey is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised for its great significance to the history of Christianity in England. Its museum displays artefacts and stone carvings found during excavations at the abbey. An audio guide is included in the admission price and is available in English, French and Japanese.
The Franciscan Gardens also offer a historical point of interest: they are a historic site on the grounds of the first Franciscan settlement in England, founded in 1224. St Martin’s Church is considered the oldest church in the English-speaking world still in use. Its architecture reveals Roman, Anglo-Saxon, Norman and medieval traditions. Christ Church Cathedral is one of the three components of Canterbury’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. These places offer different points of interest, from early Christian sites to a church whose architecture spans several periods.
Roman Remains and a Wide-Ranging Museum
At the Canterbury Roman Museum, one of the few surviving Roman floor mosaics in the United Kingdom can be seen in its original location. There are also interactive activities for children and adults, including trying on a toga and making mosaics. Visitors who want to do more than look at a historic object during their museum visit can try something out for themselves here, all under one roof.
The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge combines several functions: it is a free art gallery, library and visitor information centre in historic Canterbury. It therefore complements the churches’ and Roman Museum’s specialist themes with art, reading and visitor information.
Gardens, Views and a Boat Trip
Westgate Gardens is a public park known for its colourful flower displays. Paths run alongside the river and through the park, where there is also an Oriental Plane Tree more than 200 years old. Dane John Gardens is located within the city walls. From the hill, visitors can enjoy views across the city. The two gardens offer different highlights: Westgate Gardens combines riverside and park paths with flower displays and the old tree, while Dane John Gardens offers views from the hill.
The well-maintained paths in Dane John Gardens are suitable for visitors with pushchairs and wheelchairs. Conditions may change, so check the current state of the paths before your visit if needed. Another way to experience the landscape is on a boat trip with Canterbury Westgate Punts: trips start at Westgate Bridge, pass through Westgate Gardens and the Binnan’ea Island nature reserve, and continue into unspoilt countryside. The service is seasonal and availability may vary; check the current trip options before your journey.
Discover more destinations: Margate, Herons Ghyll, Wadhurst, Lymington, Hailsham, Hastingleigh, Southampton.
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