Canterbury: England's holy city, where pilgrims have walked since the age of Chaucer

Canterbury has drawn pilgrims, scholars, and travellers for more than eight centuries, ever since the murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket in its cathedral in 1170 made it one of the most significant shrines in Christendom. Geoffrey Chaucer immortalised the journey to Canterbury in the 14th century, and the city has been conscious of its narrative power ever since — wearing the role of England's most storied ecclesiastical destination with dignified assurance.

Within its ancient city walls, Canterbury concentrates an exceptional density of medieval building, Roman remains, and cultural life onto a street plan that the Romans originally laid out and the medieval city only partially rearranged. The cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside St Augustine's Abbey and St Martin's Church, dominates the skyline and the imagination in equal measure.

Heritage & History

The Cathedral Church of Christ Canterbury is the mother church of the worldwide Anglican Communion and one of England's greatest buildings, containing work from the Norman period through to the 20th century. St Martin's Church, just outside the old city walls, is believed to be the oldest church in continuous use in England, its origins pre-dating the arrival of St Augustine in 597 AD. The Roman Museum sits directly above the excavated remains of a Roman town house with in-situ mosaic floors, and the medieval city walls, incorporating some Roman fabric, can be walked in sections.

What to See & Do

• Canterbury Cathedral — The seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury and a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the site of Becket's martyrdom, the Perpendicular nave, and the magnificent medieval stained glass demand extended contemplation.
• St Augustine's Abbey — The ruins of the abbey founded by St Augustine in 598 AD, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest Christian sites in England.
• St Martin's Church — Believed to be the oldest church in continuous use in England, incorporating Roman brick in its fabric and predating Augustine's mission.
• The Roman Museum — A museum built over an excavated Roman town house, with in-situ mosaic floors and artefacts from Canterbury's Roman past.
• The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge — Canterbury's public museum and art gallery, housed in a striking Victorian building in the High Street and covering local history alongside art collections.

Food & Drink

Canterbury's food scene has evolved considerably in recent years, with independent restaurants and wine bars filling the medieval lanes around the city centre. The Goods Shed, a farmers' market and restaurant housed in a Victorian railway shed just outside the old walls, is a well-regarded destination for seasonal local produce. The city's large student and tourist population sustains a wide variety of cafés and international restaurants.

Parks & Outdoors

The Kent countryside surrounds Canterbury on all sides, with the North Downs providing ridge walking to the south-west and the Stour valley offering gentler waterside paths closer to the city. The Crab and Winkle Way — a cycling and walking route between Canterbury and Whitstable on the coast — passes through pleasant countryside and is a popular local excursion. Whitstable, the celebrated oyster town, is only a few miles to the north.

Events & Culture

Canterbury has a vigorous cultural calendar, partly sustained by its university and its significance as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Marlowe Theatre, extensively rebuilt and reopened in 2011, presents a programme of theatre, dance, and music of considerable ambition. The Canterbury Festival each October is one of the south-east's major arts events, spanning classical music, world music, visual arts, and literature.

Practical Tips

The cathedral charges admission for visitors, and the queues can be significant in peak season — arriving early or booking online is advisable. The medieval lanes around Buttermarket and Burgate reward unhurried exploration; many of the most interesting independent shops are tucked into the side streets. Combining Canterbury with a trip to Whitstable — a 20-minute drive — makes for an exceptionally satisfying day.

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