Travel Guide: Canterbury, England
If you’re craving cobbled streets, cute cafés and a bit of old-school English charm, then let me introduce you to Canterbury — aka the fairytale cathedral city that’s just under an hour from London. Think riverside picnics, ancient pubs, and one of the most iconic cathedrals in the country. And the best bit? You can see it all in a day!
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Best Time to Visit Canterbury
Canterbury is a total summer babe through and through, and she really comes alive in July, when the famous Westgate Gardens are in full bloom and the city looks like something out of a Beatrix Potter storybook.
If you love wandering with an iced coffee in one hand and a camera in the other like me, aim to visit between July and September for warm weather and the lushest flower action.
To avoid crowds, try visiting on a weekday if you can or at least before the summer school holidays start (approx 23rd of July 2025).
For reference, the photos featured in this post were taken by me on the 20th of July when the summer flowers were in full bloom.
How to Get to Canterbury from London
Getting to Canterbury from London couldn’t be easier. Just hop on a Southeastern train from London St Pancras or London Victoria with direct trains available that will take you to Canterbury West in just 55 minutes. I always use Trainline to compare prices & book my train tickets in advance.
I recommend booking an off-peak return (around £35) so you can swan in mid-morning and roll back to London after dinner and a pint. Everything in Canterbury is walkable, so no taxis or buses are needed once you’re there – just comfy shoes.
Alternatively, you can get a National Express coach bus from London Victoria to Canterbury Bus Station – each journey starts from £7.60 and takes 2 hours and 10 minutes.
Best Things to Do in Canterbury
1. Go Punting Along the River Stour
Yes, punting isn’t just for Cambridge! Glide through the heart of Canterbury on a flat-bottomed boat, with a guide who’ll share all sorts of fun facts (and probably a few dramatic ghost stories). It’s the chillest way to see the city — and a great excuse to sit down with zero guilt.
You can book a punting tour in advance via canterburypunting.co.uk or westgatepunts.co.uk – definitely make sure to do this if you’re planning on visiting Canterbury on a weekends during summer or you’ll risk missing out completely.
Otherwise you can simply book them on the spot along the river, there is usually a person with signage taking bookings.
2. Picnic at Westgate Gardens
These riverside gardens are dreamy and the perfect spot for a little midday snack break. Pick up a sandwich from a local deli or pack a picnic and claim a bench under the willow trees. Please make sure to not trample on the flowers and always take your rubbish with you.
3. Wander Through Canterbury Cathedral
You simply can’t come to Canterbury and not visit its famous cathedral — it’s UNESCO World Heritage-level impressive. The architecture is next-level stunning and the history is juicy (murder! miracles! royalty!). Even if you’re not usually into churches, this one’s worth a visit.
You’d think this was one of England’s many filming locations for Harry Potter, however the church denied Warner Brothers due to the fim’s pagen themes. Alas, the cloisters here would be the perfect meetup spot for The Marauders.
Tickets cost between £18–£21 depending in which month or day you visit, these can be bought in person at the entrance or online in advance at canterbury-cathedral.org.
4. Lunch at Old Weavers House
This charming 16th-century building sits right on the river and serves up all your cosy pub lunch faves. Come here for a hearty serving of fish & chips, pies, and sticky toffee pudding, all with a view of punters floating past. Try and snag a table outside if the weather’s playing nice.
Just outside the Old Weavers House, you’ll spot The Ducking Stool — a cheeky replica of the medieval contraption once used to punish “misbehaving” women (because history was wild). Great for a photo op, less great if you’re a time-travelling witch.
5. Book Shopping at The Crooked House
The Crooked House is a literal treasure trove for secondhand books, quirky finds and chaotic stacks. And as the name would suggest, this shop is set within a 17-th century, three storey, half-timbered building that looks like it’s about to literally topple over. Yet hundreds of years later, it’s still standing strong and is definitely worth a browse during your visit to Canterbury.
6. Brunch at Refectory Kitchen
This indie café is a local fave — and for good reason. Expect a hearty full English breakfast, fluffy buttermilk pancakes, and proper good coffee. I recommend ordering their Peacamole Toast – british peas smashed with coriander and green chilli, served with crumbled feta on toasted sourdough. YUM.
7. Grab a Pint at The Parrot
The Parrot is Canterbury’s oldest pub, dating back to the 1300s, and still somehow cuter than any gastropub in London. Pop in for a cheeky pint and to momentarily imagine yourself in a period drama series.
Where to Stay in Canterbury: The Falstaff
If you’re planning to stay overnight in Canterbury, I highly recommend checking into The Falstaff. This boutique hotel is just a short stroll from the city centre and the train station, but the gorgeous interiors and plush velvet trimming will feel like a proper escape.
The rooms (starting from £87/night) are cosy but stylish, the cocktail bar is a hidden gem, and it’s walking distance from everywhere you’ll want to go (ideal for post-pub navigation). Plus, the building itself dates back to the 1400s, so you’re basically sleeping inside a piece of history — but with much better Wi-Fi.
Google Map of Canterbury
Here’s my Google map of all the places in Canterbury mentioned in this post.
Margate Travel Guide
Just 40 minutes from Canterbury by train or car, Margate serves up sandy beaches, vintage shops and seaside charm in spades. In this guide, you’ll find the best places to eat, shop and explore.
