Location: Canterbury
Top Things to do in Canterbury
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What to do and see in Canterbury, United Kingdom (UK): The Best Places and Tips
Canterbury (/ˈkæntərbri/ ( listen), /-bəri/, or /-bɛri/) is a historic English cathedral city and UNESCO World Heritage Site, which lies at the heart of the City of Canterbury, a local government district of Kent, England. It lies on the River Stour.
Restaurants in Canterbury
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
The first Church of England, this historic gothic-style Cathedral dates back to 597, which served as a rich and powerful monastery of Benedictine monks in the 12th century.
Reviewed By Peter H - Regina, Canada
This is one of England's most picturesque cathedrals, rich in history and well worth the price of admission. Currently the West towers are shrouded in scaffolding which detracts from their beauty but is testimony to the important, ongoing restoration work that is being done here to ensure future generations can appreciate its wonder. The Dean and Chapter must be commended for their commitment to this work. The entrance to the precincts is through the medieval Christcurch Gate built following the death of Prince Arthur, the brother of Henry VIII, which resulted in Henry becoming King. Look for the heraldic device (rebus) of Prior Goldstone over the mandoor
2. Westgate Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 727 reviews
Reviewed By Matt S - London, United Kingdom
Westgate Gardens is a short walk out of the busy city centre of Canterbury, once you've tackled the congested road you're free to walk, for many miles if you desire.
The Gardens themselves are a beautiful retreat, many ancient trees, some of the biggest Ginkgo Biloba trees I have come across, a huge and impressive oriental plane and lots of starlings to entertain you.
It's worth continuing the walk on to Chartham all along the historic Great Stour. Part of the way is famous for the Roman Road Waitling street, which became the modern day A2 and is way marked with brass plaques. Information boards along the way give an insight to the area and local birdlife.
3. Chilham Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 267 reviews
Reviewed By Cocciolino2015 - Perugia, Italy
The entire town square looks like what an American would think was movie set for filming an episode of Miss Marple. On the other hand it's definitely inhabited, and appreciated enough by the people who live there to be kept well and welcoming for the many visitors.
4. Wingham Wildlife Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Wingham Wildlife Park is set within 26 acres in which we display over 200 different species... That is more than any other zoo in Kent! Including some species not seen anywhere else in zoos in the UK, Europe and even the world! As well as the all important animal collection we have 2 large play areas (both indoors and outdoors, making them fun all year), 2 restaurants (although one may be shut in the winter season) and a wide variety of animal talks, encounters and experiences!
Reviewed By hayleychilmaid - Kent, United Kingdom
Visited here last month. My youngest is dinosaur mad so he loved it the dinosaur walk is amazing. Park well maintained. Struggled to find a table to sit and eat as it was busy day in half term so imagine summer is a nightmare. Soft play good, play area for smaller kids is very small. All in all good day. Doesnt compare to drusillas but csn see park is expanding so lots of potential
5. Greyfriars Chapel and Franciscan Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 146 reviews
Reviewed By Margaret Mary O - London, United Kingdom
Not the easiest of places to find if coming from the East station. Had to ask quite a few people before we stumbled across it.one hint:-
DO NOT TURN LEFT AT THE CYCLE SHOP. That will NOT bring you into it, although it indicates you can. Go further along the road & you will see another sign for it.
The chapel is only open on a WEDS for services at 11, as far as we could see. It is called such after the colour of the habit that the friars wore. The Gardens are located on the banks of the River Stour and is a lovely place for a spot of lunch- which is where my friend and I ate ours. Learned a lot of the history of the city from the passing punts as this was the futhermost point that they went to. Would like to return to see inside this chapel as it is so old.
6. Christ Church Gate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 109 reviews
Reviewed By aphillips61 - Mexico City, Mexico
The gate os the main entrance to Canterbury Cathedral and a lovely example of the architecture. Opening to a small centre square, it is worth taking a few moments to contemplate the gate
7. The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 569 reviews
The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge is an Art Gallery, Library and Visitor Information Centre situated in the heart of historic Canterbury. This award winning facility provides state-of-the-art exhibition galleries, excellent educational facilities and a varied programme of events for all ages. The building takes its name from its benefactor, Dr James George Beaney, a Canterbury-born man of modest background who studied medicine before emigrating to Australia, where he found his success. Upon his death in 1891, Dr Beaney left money in his will to the city of Canterbury to build an ‘Institute for Working Men’ with amenities for men from poor backgrounds such as his own. His patronage was fundamental in building the Beaney Institute: a new home for the Canterbury Royal Museum and Free Library, now known as The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge. A cultural hub in East Kent, praised for its welcoming atmosphere, providing a range of services under one roof, uniting art, heritage, books, ideas, information and collections. Whether you are a frequent Library user, a teacher on a Schools Workshop, a parent enjoying the perfect cup of coffee in our Cafe or an inquisitive explorer studying our treasures from the Ancient worlds; The Beaney is a building for everyone.
Reviewed By Olena N
Beaney is an impressive building in the heart of Canterbury which hosts public library and an amazing museum. The House is busy with Exhibitions and event, so check out their website to plan your visit.Good Morning, Thank you for your valued feedback. We are pleased to hear you enjoyed your recent visit and we look forward to welcoming you back soon! Kind Regards The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge
8. The Marlowe Theatre
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By KentMaynard - kent
I wasn’t too sure about this musical when I first booked but was very pleased I went. The show was very energetic ,displayed humour , excellent choreography and the singing tremendous. I was pleasantly surprised with Rita Simons voice and hope she continues to entertain. Her voice was brilliant strong and a pleasure to listen to. Brilliant casting at all levels
9. Howletts Wild Animal Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Howletts Wild Animal Park is a 90 acre adventure in beautiful ancient parkland that is ideal for great days out in Kent with the entire family.
Reviewed By msc1402 - Stamford Lincs
So we had tickets to explore this amazing wild life park, it was a very chilly day so not all of the animals had ventured outside. However you are so close to the ones that have. The tigers and gorillas were breathtaking and being able to watch the elephants playing was an amazing experience and to see a baby rhino with its mother helped make our day. I love that the animals get a choice on being out in the cold or snuggled up in bed.
Thank you for a great experience Howletts
10. Eastbridge Hospital
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 183 reviews
Reviewed By Owenthomas - Colorado
It built as overnight accommodations for the pilgrims visiting St Thomas the Martyr shrine in Canterbury Cathedral. It has a very nice chapel, with some medieval wall paintings. The very old undercroft was divided up where the pilgrims slept. It is now an almshouse for eight elderly people in need. You are not allowed in this private area.
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