Visit Canterbury
Welcome to Canterbury District
There's nowhere like Canterbury at Christmas, so book your break soon to experience our magical market, sparkling lights and sensational seasonal entertainment.
Experience winter and the festive period in one of the most beautiful parts of England. In the heart of Kent and just under one hour's train drive from London, Canterbury is a medieval walled city that has been hosting visitors for more than 1,000 years - so a warm welcome for any 'pilgrim' is guaranteed!
The city truly lights up on the run up to Christmas, with one of the largest Christmas Market in the UK featuring traditional wooden huts offering great gifts, food and drink dotted around the city's cobbled streets and in the grounds of the stunning Canterbury Cathedral. There are over six miles of festive lights strung around the historic buildings, entertainment for little kids and fun events and activities of all ages every day. Plus there's our famous Christmas Window Trail, this year featuring LEGO displays in shop windows and The Beaney House of Knowledge. And it's just not Christmas without a visit to the panto, so book your seats for Snow White and the Seven Dwarves at The Marlowe Theatre.
We're a quick train ride from London with Southeastern (faster than Santa's sleight!) and there's a great choice of elegant hotels, cosy inns and B&Bs, and pretty self-catering accommodation for your next stay.
Find out more on our Christmas in Canterbury page.
All year round Canterbury has a huge mix of independent and high street retailers, award-winning restaurants, breweries and cafes, with plenty of exciting events and festivals on the calendar. The city is surrounded by luscious countryside that is now home six vineyards. Just 15 mins drive away are the charming seaside towns of Whitstable & Herne Bay so you can spend a day shopping in fresh air at Whitstable Harbour or stroll down Herne Bay's traditional pier.
Whether you're searching for a festive city break, an escape to the countryside, or craving fresh sea air, you'll find everything you need in Canterbury. We can't wait to show you around.
Top Tips For Your Next Trip
Start planning your journey
Getting to and around Canterbury couldn't be easier.
Just under 1 hour from central London by direct high speed Southeastern train services, with two train stations serving the rest of Kent and the south east region.
The M2 motorway allows a quick journey from London or the Port of Dover, and there are ample bus and coach services to the coast and countryside every day.
You can even walk or cycle through idyllic Kentish countryside to Canterbury as thousands of pilgrims from across Europe have done for thousands of years.
Give or Get The Gift of Canterbury
Did you know that the city has its own Canterbury Gift Card? Accepted in more than 130 shops, pubs, restaurants and services, it's the perfect gift for anyone visiting, living in or studying in Canterbury.
Whether it’s a stack of new books, a delicious meal out, a haircut, some new clothes or a trip out for the whole family, the Canterbury Gift Card has it covered!
The gift card is a Canterbury BID initiative created to support city centre businesses.
