Shop and Eat

Shop for independent goodies and high street brands, then treat yourself to a delicious meal packed with fresh flavours from the Garden of Kent.

Need some retail therapy, a special gift and a bite to eat? Grab your bag and brunch pals, we’re hitting the town.

First off, you can search for the shop or foodie pitstop you need right here based on what you need and where you want to shop.

Our top tips are to head to the Whitefriars Shopping Quarter for the best in high street fashion and lifestyle brands, including the elegant Fenwick department store. Then wind your way around the cobbled streets to find truly unique stores. The historic areas of Canterbury's West End, the King’s Mile, Cathedral Quarter, and Castle Quarter are bursting with independent shops and boutiques offering fine art, jewellery, clothing, crafts, vinyl and one-of-a-kind gift ideas.

And you can bring home a taste of Kent with fresh produce from The Goods Shed, some award-winning wine from Corkk, Canterbury-made beer and spirits gifts from The Foundry Brewpub, or delicious cheese and treats from Paxton and Whitefield.

You can also get or give the Canterbury Gift Card, which can be used in more 100 shops and restaurants.

If you want to visit the seaside towns of Whitstable and Herne Bay for your retail therapy, you'll find plenty of independent shops with unique products, independent art galleries, boutiques, gift shops and plenty of family-owned businesses with individual style. Whitstable Harbour is great place to find unique gifts and great food and drink with its traditional wooden huts and stunning seaviews.

When hunger strikes, you are spoiled for choice. We've got Michelin-starred dining, cute cafes, cuisine from around the world, and stylish bars and pubs to keep you feeling full. Take a look at our Food Lover's Guide to Canterbury for an overview of where to eat in Canterbury, Whitstable and Herne Bay.