Don’t let bad weather get in the way of having a great time in Canterbury.
The city has some amazing indoor experiences for anyone and everyone! Take a look at our guide to beat the wet weather with some amazing activities.
Put on your History Hat!
It's a given that Canterbury Cathedral is a great indoor activity while visiting Canterbury. The UNESCO heritage site has hundreds of stories and experiences for all ages, and plenty of beautiful places to explore. Consider staying at Canterbury Cathedral Lodge to wake up with a view of the ornate architecture.
The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge is a cabinet of curiosities when it comes to art, history, and culture. Explore the galleries, full of paintings by local artists, enjoy reading a book in the library, and learn about the city at the Visitor Centre.
Fancy learning about how Canterbury was built? Visit the Canterbury Roman Museum to learn all about early settlements, see real artifacts, and even get up close to excavated ruins under the streets of the city. This museum is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the past with interactive activities, including trying on a toga or even making a mosaic!
Fun for the Whole Family
Try out your team-building skills at Escape in the Towers! Hidden inside Westgate Towers, you’ll find multiple rooms offering adventurous challenges, including the Crime and Punishment Lab, the Comms Room, and the Magna Carta Murder. Each escape room offers a unique insight into the history of Canterbury and Kent while testing your sleuth skills.
Try something new at Westgate Hall. This space offers a variety of classes and workshops such as weekly salsa sessions. The venue also hosts markets, including vintage kilo sales, a records fair, and even a mystical market!
Or get the kids moving at Canterbury's biggest bounce arena - Inflate 'n' Play! With a variety of engaging obstacles such as the Atomics Falls and the Lab Rat Run, this space is a great way for kids to burn off some of that school break energy.
Get Crafty
For activities indoors for all ages, consider booking a craft or creative session in one of the city's independent businesses.
Love scented candles? Why not make your own! Turn Off The Lights offers candle pouring workshops in their beautiful Sun Street store, and includes a glass of Prosecco - a great option for friends or special occasions without worrying about the weather.
You can also check out the craft or cocktail sessions at the local store Happy & Glorious or find out about the weekly classes happening at Rock Paper Scissors.
Get Gaming
There's nothing like a board game to beat the boredom on a rainy day, so why not book yourself a table at a board game cafe? Whether you're looking for a fun game to play with the kids, or want to plan a full campaign with pals, The Long Rest is the place for you. This board game cafe has a huge library of games as well as a hearty food and drink menu, so you can book a table and test your skills in a historic building. Be sure to check out Dice and Destiny as well to buy new games for home and to join gaming events in store, and online gamers can head to the gaming hub Side Quest.
For more energetic games without risking a downpour, head to Matches Sports Bar in the city centre for pool, darts and shuffleboard (or a spot of karaoke), and test your mini-golf and axe-throwing skills indoors at Boom Battle Bar at the Riverside complex.
Big Screen and Stage Shows
Rainy days call for a movie or a show, so choose from one of Canterbury's brilliant theatres and stylish cinemas for a weather-proof day out
If you are looking for a theatrical experience, the Marlowe Theatre hosts a variety of both touring shows and performances by local artists. From children's plays to comedy to musicals, there is a performance for everyone!
You can also support the arts at the Gulbenkian Theatre, at the University of Kent. It has a cinema, a theatre, and a custom-built music space - The Colyer-Fergusson - where you can enjoy a plethora of live performances including orchestras, poetry, and dance.
Why not get cosy with a great film and a few snacks? Enjoy a visit to Curzon, which has two locations - one near Westgate and the other at Riverside. The cinema offers a unique experience with table service drinks and food, while you watch your chosen flick.
Stay Indoors For Some Shopping
It's always ok to come home with more books in your bag. At Waterstones, you'll find 3 floors of books for all ages and a great cafe where you can cozy up with a good read to escape the rain. The city also has several second-hand and pretty charity bookshops to browse for a great rainy dark academia fix.
Or get fashionable at Fenwicks! This quintessential department store has 4 floors of designer clothing, makeup, gifts, and furniture. Or try one of their many experiences including their Beauty Room, Hair Salon, Skin Spa, or even a personal shopper to help get the perfect pieces.
Book a Brewery Tour
Escape the rain with a beer. Where do we sign up?
The Foundry is the city's craft brewery, distillery, bar and restaurant, housed in a Victorian industrial foundry. Not only can you enjoy drinks on site, but you can book a tour and tasting experience to learn about their unique brewing process, and sample their best beverages. Including their own gin and whiskey!
People Watch With a Meal
If the weather outside is frightful, a table in a cosy cafe could be so delightful...
Canterbury has amazing restaurants serving local and international cuisine so you can travel the world through food without leaving the city!
Have a taste of Mexico at Cafe Des Amis with sizzling dishes and a whole menu of tequilas to try! There are a variety of East Asian eateries, including Mr Miyagi’s Sushi, Pho and Happy Samurai. Or grab a curry at the Ancient Raj or Bangkok House.
Want a Cosy Cup of Tea?
Head to Tiny Tim's Tea Room for a delightful selection of tea and baked goodies in a super cosy location. But the fun isn't over after your cuppa is over! This building is called 'Canterbury's Most Haunted Tea Room' due to some spooky relics found during its restoration in the 2000s. Visit the 'haunted room' in the attic and try to spot a ghost...
Other places for a quick caffine during the rain include Lazix Cafe, Chambers, Teastones, Garage Coffee, Lost Sheep, Burgate Coffee House, Kitch, Fringe & Ginge, Cafe St Pierre, Stag Coffee, Moat Tea Rooms and The Microroastery.
