What to Do on a Day Trip to Canterbury, Kent, Canterbury, England

A medieval city surrounded by well-preserved walls. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a place of pilgrimage. Historic pubs, restaurants and river trips… And all within easy reach of London. Here’s why you should take a day trip to Canterbury, and what to do when you get there.

Canterbury was founded by the Romans - who called it Durovernum Cantiacorium - in the 1st century CE. But it is better known for its medieval and religious history: it has the oldest church in England; it is the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury; and it has been a place of pilgrimage since the 12th century. The city’s three most important churches now collectively form a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You will also find a historic town centre with tiny streets, medieval buildings, and numerous shops and restaurants. And some of the best preserved city walls in the south of England.

Then there are the literary connections. Geoffrey Chaucer immortalised the city and its pilgrims in his Canterbury Tales, Christopher Marlowe was born here, and Charles Dickens featured the city in his work.

There is far more to see in Canterbury than you could fit into a single day trip. I have listed the main attractions below. I have then mentioned some of the extra things you could do on a longer visit. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).