11 Best Things to Do and See in Canterbury
Exploring Canterbury on foot is one of the best ways to feel the city’s atmosphere, connect its landmark places and discover its neighbourhoods at a more natural pace.
In this guide, you will find the attractions not to miss when planning a walking route in Canterbury, with simple reference points.
To go further, you can also enjoy a private guided tour in Canterbury. It is a smoother way to connect places, understand details you might miss on your own and enjoy a more human, personal discovery adapted to your trip.
1. Wingham Wildlife Park
Located near Canterbury, Wingham Wildlife Park is a wildlife park where you can discover a wide variety of animals in a pleasant, family-friendly setting. Visitors can see species from around the world, with areas dedicated to mammals, birds, and other wildlife, plus spaces designed for close-up observation. The site offers a fun and educational visit, popular with families and anyone wanting to learn more about wildlife and conservation.
2. Howletts Zoo
Howletts Zoo, near Canterbury, is a large wildlife park dedicated to conservation and the discovery of many species from around the world. Visitors can see large mammals, primates, big cats, and other wild animals in habitats designed for their well-being. The visit takes you through a green setting, helps you learn more about protecting endangered species, and offers a nature outing suited to families and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
3. Westgate Gardens
Set along the River Stour in Canterbury, Westgate Gardens offers a peaceful walk in a green setting loved by visitors and locals alike. Enjoy broad lawns, flower beds, mature trees, and lovely views of the city walls and nearby Westgate. It is a great place to relax, stroll, or pause by the water, with a calm atmosphere that contrasts nicely with the bustle of the city centre. A perfect spot to enjoy nature in the city.
4. Canterbury Punting Company
Canterbury Punting Company offers traditional punt boat rides along Canterbury’s peaceful waterways in Kent. From the water, discover a different side of the city, with green riverbanks, bridges, gardens and views of historic buildings. This boat excursion is a calm and enjoyable way to admire the urban landscape at a slow pace, with commentary on the surroundings depending on the tour you choose. It is an ideal activity to explore Canterbury in a different way, with family, as a couple or with friends.
5. St Augustine’s Abbey
St Augustine's Abbey in Canterbury is a major historic site with the remains of an ancient monastery, now largely ruined, in a peaceful green setting. Walking among its walls, arches and foundations gives you a sense of the scale of the religious complex that once stood here. The site also offers wide views of the surroundings and a better understanding of Canterbury's medieval past, while inviting a calm, reflective walk.
6. Dane John Gardens
Dane John Gardens is a pleasant public park in Canterbury, England, appreciated for its central location and peaceful atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy wide lawns, walking paths, flower beds and trees that provide shade. It is a great place to take a quiet break, have a picnic or simply relax in a green city setting. Thanks to its proximity to Canterbury city centre, it is also a convenient stop on a walk combining nature and urban heritage.
7. Westgate Towers Museum & Viewpoint
Westgate Towers Museum & Viewpoint in Canterbury lets visitors discover one of the city’s most remarkable medieval gates, now home to a museum and viewpoint. Explore exhibits on local history and defensive architecture, then enjoy panoramic views over Canterbury and the surrounding area from above. The site is appealing both for its heritage value and its scenic outlook, making it a rewarding stop for understanding the historic centre and the city’s old-world atmosphere.
8. The Canterbury Tales
The Canterbury Tales is a tourist attraction in Canterbury that offers an engaging immersion into the world of Geoffrey Chaucer and his famous work. Visitors discover scenes brought to life through recreated settings, costumed characters and a medieval atmosphere designed to recreate the mood of the tales. The site appeals to curious travelers and families alike, with an accessible and educational approach. It is a unique stop to better understand the city’s literary heritage while enjoying an animated and immersive visit.
9. St Martin’s Church, Canterbury
St Martin's Church, Canterbury offers a visit focused on the city's ancient religious heritage. The site stands out for its location in Canterbury, within a historic landscape where sacred buildings play a central role. A visit reveals an old church whose atmosphere, architecture and quiet presence reflect the depth of the city's urban past. It is a meaningful place to better understand the connection between memory, religion and local identity in this United Kingdom city.
10. Franciscan Gardens
Franciscan Gardens is a discreet heritage site in Canterbury, close to the historic centre. It combines a garden setting, religious memory and an urban atmosphere, recalling the city’s former Franciscan presence. As you walk through it, you’ll find a peaceful atmosphere, simple landscaping and traces of local history rather than a grand monument. It appeals for its quiet setting as much as for its place in Canterbury’s historic fabric.
Antony M
During my travels, I looked for guides who spoke my language. This search turned out to be long and tedious. That is why I created MYTOGU (My Tourist Guide): a matching site between tourists and professional tourist guides.
