Making travel plans for 2026? Make sure you include a visit to our medieval walled city that's brimming with historic charm and beautiful experiences just an hour's train journey from London...
Canterbury is the perfect year-round destination with easy access to the coast and countryside, so there are plenty of reasons to visit again and again as the seasons change.
Whether you want a warming winter break in a cute cottage, to enjoy the incredible spring flowers of Westgate Gardens, soak up the sun at outdoor festivals, sip award-winning wines and local ales, or plan ahead for one of the best festive experiences in the UK, Canterbury has what you need!
Take a look at what's happening in the city in 2026. If you're visiting, don't forget to tag @visitcanterbury in your snaps on Instagram.
Winter & Spring
Blow away the winter cobwebs with a trip to our stunning coast and countryside. Our medieval city is a great base for anyone looking for a cosy winter break in a luxurious hotel or pretty apartment, as you are a short walk away from crisp countryside and a short drive away from bracing walks along the shores of Herne Bay, Whitstable and Reculver.
Our city is surrounded by ancient woodland, one of which is even home to wild bison! Animal lovers won't want to miss a trip to Wildwood Trust, and the wonderful Howletts Wild Animal Park welcomes visitors all year round to see their exotic beasts.
Looking for a romantic short break for Valentine's Day? Canterbury is packed with cosy corners and picturesque streets that scream romance, plus there are plenty of jaw-dropping backdrops for the perfect proposal. If the weather is good, you can book a romantic punt for two along the River Stour.
Want a special meal to set the mood? New to Canterbury in 2025, Franc bistro has already wowed national food critics or splash out on a Michelin-starred meal at The Fordwich Arms, The Bridge Arms in Bridge or The Sportsman in Seasalter. But book soon as reservations go fast!
You can check out our guides to romantic things to do and for a romantic night out.
New! Restaurant Week: More Than A Meal Out a fun new campaign due in February/March bringing together dozens of restaurants launches in 2026 with venues hosting events and wowing new customers across the city. Stay tuned for more details coming in February
Easter Extravaganza
Easter egg hunts, seasonal trails, family activities indoors and outdoors – Easter is always eggs-citing in Canterbury. Visitors can expect fun-filled trails, special services and a special Sunday lunch at Canterbury Cathedral. You can also explore seasonal exhibitions for the whole family at The Beaney, top-notch shows at The Marlowe Theatre, Gulbenkian Arts Centre and The Malthouse Theatre.
Make sure you check our What's On pages for the latest news of things happening in the city.
Spring Delights
Spring means one thing – fresh flowers and fresh produce. The city’s much-loved parks and public gardens come alive with colour, particularly the famous Westgate Gardens with lush spring bulbs, 200-year-old Plane tree and room for riverside lounging. You can even hop on one of the city’s boat or punting experiences. The Franciscan Gardens is a beautiful oasis of calm right at the heart of the city centre, planted with medieval flora and fauna along with the stunning Franciscan Chapel as a idyllic backdrop. A must-visit for a spring day out.
To enjoy the spoils of The Garden of England, head to The Goods Shed. This farmers’ market is open 6 days a week with incredible seasonal produce and outstanding butchers and fishmongers. The restaurant offers the best dishes from local suppliers, and several mini-stalls will keep you sustained with coffee, cocktails, sweet treats, cheese, beer and wine, all under one roof in this former railway goods shed.
The Westgate Hall hosts a monthly popular seasonal market that is well worth a visit to. Visit 30+ local makers and designers showcase their produce on the third Saturday of each month at this gem of a market. The venue also hosts live music, vintage and antique fairs, and more throughout the year and is always worth a look when in the area.
For something a little different, head to Whitstable Harbour and book yourself a special adventure with the Whitstable Boat Trip team who will take you to see the stunning Maunsell Sea Forts, or the local colony of gorgeous seals. (Whitstable Boat Trips | Whitstable, Kent)
And don't forget Mother's Day on 15th March! There will be plenty of great offers in the city's restaurants and cafes - from luscious afternoon teas to decadent dinners - that mums are sure to enjoy. We'll bring you highlights of offers nearer the time.
Summer Splendour
As the weather gets brighter from May onwards, there are several events to have firmly on your radar should you want to book your summer break soon!
- Canterbury Wine Festival 15th & 16th May – this celebration of some of the finest wines in England will return to Westgate Hall for two days in May. Ticket holders will be able to sip and sample award-winning wines from Simpsons, Heppington, Balfour Hush Heath, Chartham and more. Get your tickets early!
- Pride Canterbury 6th June - one of the biggest Pride events in the south east. Details and line-ups are being confirmed, but expect more events, venues and sequins than ever before. Book your stay soon!
- Canterbury Medieval Pageant 4th July - Canterbury’s Medieval Pageant and Trail returns to the city for plenty of medieval mayhem. A colourful parade and family day out is a magnet for history lovers and promises to be busier than ever this year.
- Canterbury Children's Literature Festival 10th to 12th July - talks, workshops and performances from leading authors in this fun-filled three-day festival throughout the city
- Kent Cricket Season - St Lawrence Ground is the place to be this summer for top flight cricket, with county championship matches and T20 extravaganzas
- NEW! Canterbury Live - this August weekender at St Lawrence Ground will bring together some of the UK’s most exciting artists and all day festival line ups
- Summer fun at Whitefriars - the open air shopping centre will be hosting multiple events throughout the year, including Wimbledon screenings, a summer fun takeover with activities and crafts, as well as regular music events to brighten up your shopping trips.
- Herne Bay Festival July & August 2025 - the annual celebration of music, arts, community and culture by the seaside.
- Canterbury City Show 25th & 26th July - a two day celebration of the city's community with stalls, music, food and drink and activities in Westgate Gardens
- bOing! Family Festival 29th & 30th August - Circle this weekend in your diaries for a fun-filled weekend of incredible family entertainment for all family members. Many events are free!
Many more events are in the works for the city, keep an eye on our Events Calendar for updates!
AUTUMN
Wine & Beer Harvest
September marks the start of the harvest for Canterbury’s wine producers and beer makers, meaning some delicious seasonal beverages will be on offer! It’s the perfect time to visit local vineyards as the grapes are brought in and tasting events are rolled out in the wineries, such as Chartham Vineyard and Simpsons Wine Estate.
Green Hop Beer will be on the menu in early October - the very limited-edition beers that Kent’s brewers, such as the city's brewery The Foundry, produce using fresh hops at this crucial time of year. Fancy trying a pint? Take a look at Canterbury's Beer Trail.
Other events on the calendar for autumn include:
The Great Stour Riverfest 2026 September - a week long celebration of the River Stour and it's wildlife with talks, walks and clean-up events to protect and preserve they city's waterway. Line up to be announced.
Canterbury Festival October to November 2026 - The international arts festival will return for a two-week extravaganza of music, performance, talks, family events, science and more. Full programme to be released soon.
Halloween Takeover - Having street names like Butchery Lane and a somewhat famous murder associated with our cathedral, is it any wonder Canterbury goes all out for Halloween? Expect trick or treat trails for the family, spooky installations, horror screenings and scary stories galore. Full details will be announced nearer the time.
CHRISTMAS IS CANTERBURY
It’s never too early to think about Christmas. And Canterbury should be on everyone’s list in 2026. Why?
- Festive light parade and celebration to mark the grand switch-on
- A huge traditional Christmas market across the city and in the cathedral grounds
- Six miles of festive lights against a backdrop of medieval streets and ancient buildings
- Vast mix of independent shops and high street brands to cover your shopping needs
- Atmospheric cathedral and carol services for all
- Award-winning panto and family shows at one of three major theatres in the city
- Festive window competition means businesses go all out on their displays
Our 2026 Christmas celebrations will begin early November - check back here and on our events page for exact dates nearer the time.
At just under one hour’s train journey from London, Canterbury is easier to reach than other well-known markets in the UK and near Europe with more than enough historic charm and shopping heft to hold its own.
