Visit Canterbury
Stay home, stay safe
The district of Canterbury, along with the rest of England, is in national lockdown until mid-February. Remember to follow the latest government guidelines by staying at home, keeping it local, and acting responsibly when exercising or taking essential journeys.
#StayHomeStaySafe and read our guide to Canterbury in lockdown to find out more about what's on your doorstep, which essential shops are open, and who's offering deliveries, takeaways, click-and-collect services so you can continue to support all your favourite local businesses.
Until we're able to welcome you again in person, you can still discover Canterbury's city, coast, and countryside from the comfort and safety of your own home as a #VirtualVisitor. Follow #BringingCanterburyToYou or visit bit.ly/simplyinspirational, where we share with you ideas to inspire future trips, as well as content to explore, entertain, and educate.
Welcome to Canterbury's city, coast and countryside
We invite you behind the scenes to a story. Created centuries ago, by nature, by history, by people. It’s still being written today, every day. Lived and breathed, crafted.
Now is the time to create your chapter. To be the main character. Make your story, part of our story. #OurCanterburyTales
When it's safe to travel again, make 2021 the year you find and tell your story in Canterbury! We'll be here waiting for you...
Visit Canterbury inspirational blogs
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.