Visit Canterbury

Once one of medieval Europe's great places of pilgrimages, explore the World Heritage Sites, take a punt on the river, and discover the secret gardens of this world-famous cathedral city.

Rich maritime history awaits you in bohemian Whitstable. Indulge in fresh seafood, visit the working harbour, or explore the independent shops.

When the weather is fine, there's no better time to soak up the sun on one of Herne Bay's award-winning beaches or just take a stroll through its charming streets.

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.

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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 enjoy a picnic by the river in Westgate Parks, take a quiet wander through Blean Woods Nature Reserve or explore the stunning Edwardian terraced gardens of Mount Ephraim House and Gardens.

Explore parks and gardens.

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.

Find out more about our historical landmarks, museums and galleries, theatres and cinemas and tours and sightseeing.

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.

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Free, self-guided trails and tour so you can follow in the footsteps of Charles Dickens and see the places that inspired his most autobiographical novel, David Copperfield. Learn about Canterbury's Mayflower connections through city resident Robert Cushman, and discover contemporary works of art on the Canterbury Sculpture Trail dotted in and around Canterbury's city walls, parks, gardens, and riverside.

Download a guide or map.

You can still discover our city, coast, and countryside from the comfort of your own home as we continue bringing Canterbury to you. Enjoy the Canterbury's hidden gems with a punt along the River Stour, get up close and personal with the stunning architecture and historic sites of Canterbury Cathedral or take a virtual 150 mile walk on the North Downs Way National Trail.

Be a virtual visitor.