Whether you re visiting, studying or are lucky enough to live here, Canterbury has something for everyone! Here are few ideas of how to fill your day:
Brewery & Distillery Tour and Tasting – Multi award winning Canterbury Brewers & Distillers will show you their craft process of handmade grain to glass Beers and spirits. You will be able to taste a selection of their unique beers and spirits and will let in on the secrets of how they were made and named. Many involve the amazing history of the Victorian Foundry building they call home! A great way to spend an afternoon!
Canterbury Cathedral – Without a doubt the jewel in Canterbury’s crown, Canterbury stunning gothic-style Cathedral is the very first Church of England, dating back to AD597, and it served as a rich and powerful monastery of Benedictine monks in the 12th century. The Cathedral is open to visitors for the Precincts, Nave, Quire, Martyrdom, Trinity Chapel, Crypt and Cloisters but booking your space is essential.
Canterbury Roman Museum -Canterbury Roman Museum is Kent’s only Roman Museum, providing a fascinating and family-friendly insight into life in Roman Britain. Visitors can explore Canterbury’s history, wander through the marketplace and discover hidden treasures as they step back, and down, to the streets of Roman Canterbury.
Escape from the Towers – Escape in The Towers is set within England’s largest surviving Medieval gateway, built in 1380 and Canterbury’s atmospheric former city jail, providing a one of a kind setting for your escape adventure! Escape In The Towers is 5 Star rated on TripAdvisor and has been featured in The Guardian as one of the UK’s best escape rooms.
Lilford Gallery – This contemporary modern Art Gallery in the centre of Canterbury is well worth a visit, showing works by many famous artists. Open Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri and Sat 10 – 4.
St Augustine’s Abbey – Situated just outside the city walls, St. Augustine’s Abbey was originally created as a burial place for the Anglo-Saxon kings of Kent and is part of the Canterbury World Heritage Site. Explore the tranquil ruins, walk your dog or enjoy a family picnic in the sunshine! You now need to book your timed tickets in advance as they have introduced limits on visitor numbers to help keep everyone safe.
The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge – A cultural hub in the heart of Canterbury’s High Street has been praised for its welcoming atmosphere and for showcasing fascinating exhibitions (for all ages!), art and design, heritage, books, ideas, information and collections. Whoever you are, and whatever your interests -The Beaney is a building for everyone. Don’t forget to prebook your visit!
Time for a Movie?
Curzon Cinema – Small but perfectly formed cinema located a 1-minute walk from Canterbury High Street, right next to the Pound Lane car park. Decorated in stylish dark wood paneling and wing back chairs with a licensed bar and nibbles, offering a perfect before -and after- experience to your movie. You can even sip a glass of wine whilst watching your choice of film in the comfortable seats.
Gulbenkian Cinema – Medium-sized cinema which shows a handful of the bigger movies but also showcases smaller films and golden classics not always shown on the big screens. The cinema is part of the University of Kent, nestled up on the hill looking down on canterbury city centre and offers stunning views of the city. Directions to the venue are very clear and there is plenty of parking and disabled accessibility.
Cinema in the Towers -Set high up within Canterbury’s iconic Westgate Towers at the bottom Canterbury High Street, this atmospheric medieval setting opens just at Halloween and Christmas, offering seasonal movies for all the family. It has its own stylish bar where you can buy your popcorn and drinks to accompany your spooky -or festive- treat in a truly historical setting.
If you prefer to keep your trip strictly outside click HERE to see our guide to outdoor activities in the city – with beautiful green spaces in every direction we are sure there will be plenty to keep you busy.
Planning Your Journey
Click here to view: CITY CENTRE MAP
Toilets:
The following council owned toilets are currently open: The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge, Canterbury Lane, Tower Way, Canterbury Cemetery and Whitefriars.
Click here to link to the Council’s PARKING GUIDE
