Visit Canterbury
Your story starts here...
Home to some of our country’s most fascinating stories, Canterbury is shaped by nature, history and its people. From Romans, to royalty, saints to knights and playwrights to pilgrims - from the River Stour to rolling vineyards and wandering bison; you can create an exciting itinerary to explore Canterbury’s city, coast and countryside.
If you’re looking for some inspiration, we’ve come up with some top tips to make the most of your visit and create your own #OurCanterburyTales…
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Now is the time to create your own chapter
What's on?
Canterbury has a vibrant calendar of festivals, events, shows and gigs - there's always something exciting taking place for you to enjoy.
See what’s coming up over the next few months in our wide-ranging events calendar.
Our top picks to get the most out of your visit
It's easy to find the perfect place to stay
Canterbury
For centuries, Canterbury has been where great stories are told. From the bloody history of its cathedral to mead-soaked tales from pioneering pilgrims. From the minds of cinematic legends to the Instagram feeds of artists and artisans.
Herne Bay
The perpetual waves lapping this coastal town have brought Romans and forts, charmed the Victorians, sunken aircrafts and washed away piers. From mods and rockers to nostalgic arcades and thriving artists a colourful spectrum of stories are here in Herne Bay.
Whitstable
With generations earning their living from the sea, shaping the Whitstable you see today, you'll find a coastal town rich in maritime history. Search out smugglers' alleyways and artists' humour dotted around the streets among beautiful bijoux shops and eateries.
Discover outdoor adventures
With 15 miles of coastline, blue flag beaches, the North Downs Way National Trail, Blean ancient woodlands, nature reserves, disused railway routes, the Kentish Stour - England's most historic river, and being a part of Kent's Area of Oustanding Natural Beauty, Canterbury's city, coast and countryside is the perfect place to explore the great outdoors.
Culture and heritage
The city has three UNESCO world heritage sites, six museums, seven art galleries, six theatres, one castle, one abbey, one cathedral and 24 Canterbury Tales. We're home to Bagpuss, Rupert the Bear, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and James Bond. We have eight saints, four playwrights, one poet laureate, one black knight, 40 qualified guides and one ghost hunter.
Parks, gardens and woods
From small secret hideaways to acres of parks and gardens, being in the Garden of England Canterbury's city, coast and countryside have plenty of parks, gardens and wide-open spaces to tempt you. Why not take a quiet wander through Blean Woods Nature Reserve or explore the stunning Edwardian terraced gardens of Mount Ephraim House and Gardens.
Exploring coastal treasures
For family fun try fossil hunting for sharks teeth at Beltinge or head to Herne Bay pier and take the kids on the carousel. The ruins of the Roman Fort at Reculver attracts photographers all year round wanting to capture the perfect sunset. And if you love nature, Reculver Country Park is an internationally important area for wildlife where thousands of migratory birds make it home for the winter.
