Canterbury, one of the most visited towns in England, all because of Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales, an everyday tale of stories (some spicy!) told by pilgrims on their way to Canterbury along the Pilgrims Way from Winchester.

The town has pre-Roman and Roman origins and in AD603 the first cathedral was built here. The present one was started in 1070.

Famous as Archbishop Thomas a Beckett was murdered in the cathedral in 1170, probably by knights taking King Henry II's 'who will deliver me from this turbulent priest' outburst a bit too far!. Hence the pilgrimages to his tomb.

An historic town, on the river Stour, busy with all the shops and amenities you would expect.

Old buildings on every nearly corner, 13th century walls, 14th century gate, even some of the hotels are old buildings that have a long history.

What to see - Canterbury Tourist Attractions

  Activities

Canterbury Tales St. Margarets Street, Canterbury CT1 2TG
enlivens Chaucers characters with a superb audio-visual, shop, etc   Canterbury Tales information

Elham Valley Vineyards Elham Valley Road, Breach, Barham, Canterbury CT4 6LA
guided tour and tastings at one of the vineyards in Kent   Elham Valley Vineyards information

Druidstone Park Blean, Canterbury CT2 9JR
north on A2900 at Blean, Enchanted Woodland, small animals, play areas, walks, shop.   Druidstone Park information

  Castles

St Augustine's Abbey Longport, Canterbury CT1 1PF
founded in the 6th century, rebuilt in the 11th century, museum, shop, etc. English heritage site. Tour available if book in advance Tel:01227 767 345   St Augustine's Abbey information

St Martins Church North Holmes Road, Canterbury CT1 1PW
oldest church in England that was, and is, used continually. St Martins Church information

Canterbury Cathedral The Precincts, Canterbury CT1 2EH
Norman and extended 15th century, this is an impressive building and the most visited place in the town, so expect lots of people, stained glass, cloisters, shrine of Thomas a Beckett, crypt, precinct and ruins. Shop etc   Canterbury Cathedral information

Chilham Castle Chilham, Canterbury CT4 8DB
The castle is in a pretty Kent village built around a square. Events held at the castle which is a house built in 1616.   Chilham Castle information

  Gardens

Goodnestone Park Gardens Goodnestone, Canterbury CT3 1PL
Walled gardens and woodland next to a 18th century private house where Jane Austen stayed.   Goodnestone Park Gardens information

  Museums

Royal Museum & Art Gallery High Street, Canterbury
Closed to the public for major redevelopment, due to re-open in summer 2011. China, clocks, and paintings. Contains the Buffs Regimental Museum.   Royal Museum & Art Gallery information

Roman Museum 11a Butchery Lane, Canterbury CT1 2JR
underground with reconstructions of market and kitchen, audio visual displays, near remains of a Roman house, shop etc   Roman Museum information

West Gate Towers Museum St Peters Street, Canterbury CT1 2BQ
gatehouse, battlements, cells, try the armour!, shop.   West Gate Towers Museum information

Museum of Canterbury Stour Street, Canterbury
modern with audio visual displays set in Poor Priests Hospital, shop etc. Rupert Bear Museum.   Museum of Canterbury information

  Zoo

Howletts Wild Animal Park Bekesbourne, Canterbury CT4 5EL
off A2 south or A257 east. Set up by the late John Aspinall, the breeding gorillas and the Black Rhino breeding sanctuary are the main event here, deer, bison etc, shop.   Howletts Wild Animal Park information

Wingham Wildlife Park Wingham, Sandwich CT3 1JL
Loads of animals to see. Hands on experiences, talks and walks, Aviary, play areas, picnic area, shop and cafe..   Wingham Wildlife Park information

Where to stay in Canterbury

Call our Hotel Telephone Reservations Line: 0870 4786316

Hotels

The Evenhill 62 The Hill Canterbury CT3 1TA MAP
With a 4-star rating, this characteristic pub with an open fire and beams offers home cooked cuisine. Originally built as cottages in the 16th century, the Evenhill lies on the A257 in Littlebourne, between Canterbury and Sandwich. The hotel consists of ...
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Abode Canterbury High St Canterbury CT1 2RX MAP
ABode Canterbury enjoys the finest location in Canterbury, right in the heart of of the main pedestrianised High Street. The hotel is perfectly located for exploring Canterbury situated 5 minutes from the Cathedral and many attractions. Ideally situated...
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Castle House Hotel 28 Castle Street Canterbury CT12PT MAP
In historic Canterbury, this charming 4-star hotel has free Wi-Fi and free parking. The city centre and 2 rail stations are within easy reach. Each spacious en suite room at Castle House is elegantly furnished and has a flat-screen digital TV. Some rooms...
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Dog Inn At Wingham Canterbury Road Canterbury CT3 1BB MAP
Set within a Grade II Listed former coaching inn, this charming residence occupies a prominent position opposite the church in the picturesque village of Wingham, just outside Canterbury. Personally run by the owners, Richard and Sherry Martin, The Dog ...
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Thanington Hotel 140 Wincheap Canterbury CT1 3RY MAP
Family-run Thanington Hotel is a charming 18th-century property with an indoor swimming pool and free Wi-Fi. Canterbury town centre and cathedral are a brief walk away. With many original period features, the elegant en suite rooms have flat screen TVs a...
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The Victoria Hotel 59 London Road Canterbury CT2 8JY MAP
Set in beautiful gardens, this hotel has traditional character, a carvery restaurant and free Wi-Fi. Canterbury city centre is a 10-minute walk away. Each spacious room at The Victoria Hotel has a flat-screen digital TV. Some rooms have a four-poster bed...
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Ebury Hotel 65-67 New Dover Rd Canterbury CT1 3DX MAP
A short walk away from Canterbury city centre and its world-famous Cathedral, this privately-owned hotel is set within a Victorian townhouse, amid 2 acres of well-maintained grounds. In addition to the city centre and all its amenities, Ebury Hotel is l...
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Guest Houses, Bed and Breakfasts, Inns and other Hotels

Sun Hotel Sun Street Canterbury CT1 2HX MAP
Located just a few steps from Canterbury Cathedral in a cobbled street, this 15th century hotel is steeped in history, with former guests including Charles Dickens. Extensively refurbishment in 2006, today the hotel offers a warm welcome with modern comf...
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Twitham Barn 5* Bed & Breakfast

Twitham Barn Twitham Court Farm Staple Road Canterbury CT3 1LP MAP
In a quiet setting, this Grade II Listed, beautifully converted Kentish barn boasts elegant accommodation and picturesque grounds. There is easy access to London via the A2. A warm welcome awaits you, with tea or coffee on arrival. Twitham Barn was buil...
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Price Guide:  Prices From £85 a Room
Harriet House Guest House 3 Broad Oak Road Canterbury CT2 7PL MAP
Just a 10-minute walk along the River Stour from the very heart of beautiful, historic Canterbury, this well-established 4-star bed and breakfast offers charming en suite rooms and free parking The Harriet House Guest House is just 650 metres from Canter...
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Canterbury Cathedral Lodge The Precincts Canterbury CT1 2EH MAP
In the private and peaceful grounds of Canterbury Cathedral, these modern rooms have free Wi-Fi, and stunning views of the cathedral. The historic city centre is 2 minutes away. Canterbury Cathedral Lodge is nestled in a peaceful, secure courtyard overlo...
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The Pilgrims Rest 4* Guest accommodation

The Pilgrims Rest High Street, Littlebourne. Canterbury CT3 1ST MAP
The Pilgrims Rest is a sympathetically renovated, Grade II listed, late 16th-early 17th century building, now housing a bar and lounge area, a dining room and 6 en suite bedrooms. The Pilgrims rest has a rich and fascinating history. In the early 19th ce...
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Holiday Cottages

Aylets Gravel Castle Road Barham near Canterbury CT4 6LG MAP
Deep in the heart of glorious countryside an area steeped in history between Canterbury and Dover the sleepy village of Barham is the setting for this unique and contemporarily furnished property. Adjoining the owners' home but completely separate and
Sleeps 2... Tel: 0844 847 1200
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Around The Canterbury Area

Explore the Kent coast from the resort of Ramsgate to Dover.

Tourist Information on Nearby Towns To Visit - straight line distance:
Whitstable (5.99 miles) Herne Bay (6.78 miles) Faversham (8.59 miles) Sandwich (11.31 miles) Ashford (12.75 miles) Hythe (14.36 miles) Deal (14.39 miles) Folkestone (14.44 miles) Dover (14.65 miles) Ramsgate (15.07 miles) Margate (15.10 miles)