Discovering the Past

For incomparable heritage explore the medieval city of Canterbury. Discover the excellent range of shops, restaurants, museums and other attractions, including the spectacular Cathedral forming part of the city's UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Morning

Start your day by discovering where it all began. The birthplace of Christianity in southern England is a World Heritage Site consisting of St Augustine's Abbey, St Martin's Church and Canterbury Cathedral. Now the Mother Church of the Anglican Communion the Cathedral is central to the historic city and the Christian Church.

St Augustine's Abbey

This great Abbey, marking the rebirth of Christianity in southern England, was founded in AD 597 by St Augustine.

St Martin's Church

St Martin's Church is the oldest in England still in use as a parish church and is part of the Canterbury World Heritage Site.

Canterbury Cathedral

Motherchurch of the Anglican Communion, seat of the Archbishop. Stunning stained glass. Eleventh Century Crypt, Twelfth Century Quire, Fourteenth Century Nave.

Afternoon

Once you've explored the extraordianary religious heritage of the city why not step back in time and explore one of the Canterbury Museums. Whether you chose to visit the superb Canterbury Heritage Museum, the underground Roman Museum or the medieval West Gate Towers you're sure to have a great time.

Canterbury Heritage Museum

Discover Canterbury's history, from millions of years ago to the present, explored through interactive displays in an amazing medieval building.

Canterbury Roman Museum

Explore the Roman town beneath your feet. Canterbury's underground Roman Museum is built around the remains of a Roman town house with mosaics preserved where excavated.

Canterbury Westgate Towers and City Gaol

Canterbury's most iconic attraction after Canterbury Cathedral and a 'must' for visitors whilst in the city. With fine views from the battlements, the history of England's finest remaining gatehouse is truly fascinating.

Canterbury Heritage Museum

Includes Anglo-Saxon treasures, Oliver Postgate's Thomas Becket story, the Tudors, Joseph Conrad's study, the Blitz gallery, Stephenson's original Invicta railway engine, Rupert Bear and the real Bagpuss.

Around the museum are over 30 exciting hands-on activities for families - you can write your name in Viking runes, sniff medieval poo, investigate finds like an archaeologist, try on Elizabethan costume and listen to wartime memories.

Oliver Postgate and Peter Firmin created their much loved children's programme just outside Canterbury. See the real Bagpuss in Emily's shop window, original Clangers, Ivor the Engine and Noggin the Nog. And discover some Bagpuss secrets!

Rupert Bear was created by Canterbury-born Mary Tourtel. Discover his fascinating story, join in his adventures, see inside his house, and enjoy lots of fun activities including a giant snakes and ladders game.

Built in 1373, the museum was originally a medieval hospital for poor, sick and retired priests. Explore this magnificent timber-framed building to discover fascinating stories of former uses from medieval hospital, to workhouse and World War Two ambulance station, and marvel at its magnificent crown post roofs blackened by centuries of smoke.

Spend some time relaxing or picnicking in the medieval herb garden.

Free Digiguide Tour - see and listen to animated stories about famous Canterbury characters, key artefacts and aspects of the building's history on the museums hand-help computer guide. A highlights tour in English, French, German and Japanese.

key

Contact

Canterbury Heritage Museum
Tel: 01227 475202

museums@canterbury.gov.uk

View the Canterbury Heritage Museum website

www.canterbury-museums.co.uk
Send this link to a friend

email a friend

Venue

Canterbury Heritage Museum

Stour Street, Canterbury, CT1 2NR

CT1 2NR www.canterbury-museums.co.uk

See location of Canterbury Heritage Museum on Google maps. See location on Google maps. Map reference: TR 147557
Lat: 51.26069 Long: 1.07617
Entrance through Stour Street, which is 5 minutes walk from the City Centre. 10 minutes walk from Canterbury West or 15 minutes walk from Canterbury East train station. 10 minutes from the City's Park and Ride terminal and bus station.