Autumn means abundance in the Garden of England!
Our medieval city and surrounding countryside transform in the fall, with golden leaves outside and warming fires indoors. And all of our luscious countryside means the harvest provides plenty to eat and drink!
If you're desperate for a cosy - or spooky! - autumn escape, book yourself a September or October break in Canterbury.
Here's what's on offer...
Enjoy the autumnal colours
Stroll the riverside paths and enjoy the canopy of orange, red, green and brown leaves and branches of the beautiful trees in the Westgate Gardens and Solly’s Orchard. Pack a picnic, grab a snack from Don Juan’s Latino food stall or book a scenic river tour on a boat or a punt to enjoy the scenery and watch the water wildlife.
Don’t miss a glimpse of the huge Virginia creepers cascading over the river in brilliant red tones!
Just outside Canterbury, explore the majestic Blean Woods and Wildwood Trust for woodland walks and incredible animal antics! Or trek to Whitstable along the Crab and Winkle Way to combine rolling fields, lush woodland and sea views.
Embrace your dark academia side
If autumn to you means hallowed halls, flicking candles, cosy corners with books, then Canterbury is the perfect location for your dark academia dreams!
You won’t want to miss wandering through the ancient Canterbury Cathedral with its jaw-dropping architecture and gothic ambience. Head over to The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge to explore its cabinets of curio and works of art – you won’t believe your eyes!
Cobbled side streets such as Mercery Lane and Butchery Lane are prime photos spots, and remember that Canterbury is brimming with bookshops! Be sure to visit The Chaucer Bookshop while in town to marvel at the incredible collection of historic editions.
Get cosy by the fire
Looking for a cosy café or pub? Look no further. Canterbury has an incredible array of historic pubs, many with real fires, that are perfect for curling up in with a pint or a warming beverage on rainy days.
Or get a caffeine fix at the likes of The Microroastery, Fringe & Ginge, Café Laxiz, The Moat Tea Rooms, or inside Waterstones Rose Lane.
Eat & Drink Local
Kent is known for producing splendid real ales, crisp ciders and luscious lagers thanks to its ancient hop growing heritage. And every autumn there's a very small brewing window where beers can be made from the fresh green hops grown across the Garden of England, instead of dried ones that are used all year round. Green hop festivities are championed by Canterbury's own brewers and distillers at The Foundry Brew Pub, so it is worth visiting this city-centre brewery to sample their seasonal drinks and to pick up a copy of the Canterbury Local Beer Trail to find the best local brews in the city.
Make the most of harvest time by stocking up on fresh produce and sampling local dishes at our independent restaurants. Make a beeline for The Goods Shed farmers' market (Tues to Sun) to see what's in season and to get local meats, cheeses and wines for your table.
Canterbury is home to an incredible range of independent restaurants and cafes that champion fresh local produce, such as Lily's Social Kitchen, Cafe du Soleil, The Veg Box Cafe, The Cook's Tale, Chapmans, The Refectory Kitchen and many more! Take a look at our foodie guides to Canterbury for inspiration, and try something new on the menu....
Canterbury is in the heart of one of England's best wine regions and is surrounded by award-winning vineyards - and the grapes are coming in! Autumn is a wonderful time for a vineyard visit to see the colours changing on the vines and you may get a glimpse of this year's crops being picked. Explore what's on offer from Simpsons Wine Estate, Elham Valley, Barnsole, Chartham, Heppington, and Woolton Farm. If you want to 'drink local', a visit to Corkk in the cobbled Cathedral Quarter in the heart of Canterbury is a must. This tasting room stocks exceptional wines from across the country.
Pick a Pumpkin or Two
This October, make sure you pick the perfect pumpkin for your seasonal or spooky decorations. Pick Your Own Pumpkins Canterbury will have thousands of big and small orange beauties at Hoath Fruit Farm on the outskirts of the city. There will be pumpkin picking on 4th, 5th, 11th, 12th, and 18th to 31st October, free admission with no booking required.
For those who like to celebrate 'spooky season', Canterbury also holds a special Halloweekend from 31st October to 2nd November with family-friend and grown up events and parties across the city.
Enjoy Canterbury Festival
Every autumn, the Canterbury Festival brings music, theatre, art, and family events to the city. It’s one of Kent’s biggest cultural festivals and a must-do if you’re visiting in autumn.
Take a look at the big names and dazzling acts coming to the city in 2025!
