Canterbury: Cathedral, Pilgrim History and Historic Sites

Canterbury offers several different ways to explore its history: the cathedral and its pilgrim history, St Augustine’s Abbey, St Martin’s Church and traces of Roman times. Public gardens offer a different focus, while guided tours and boat trips add to the options.

The Cathedral and Its Pilgrim History

Canterbury Cathedral was founded by Augustine in 597 AD. Its role as a pilgrimage site is closely linked to the murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket on 29 December 1170. This connection gives the cathedral a special place in Canterbury’s religious history. Visitors who would like to learn more about the building while there can choose from a range of interpretation options: the free Mini Talks last 15 minutes and are offered daily between 10 am and 4 pm. Check whether they are available before your visit. The Inside Story Tour explores the cathedral’s architecture, medieval stained glass windows and history; here, too, it is advisable to check availability.

Other Historical Perspectives

St Augustine’s Abbey was founded by Augustine shortly after 597 AD and marks the revival of Christianity in southern England. The abbey is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised for its great importance to the history of Christianity in England. A museum on the site displays artefacts and stone carvings found during excavations at the abbey. The audio guide is included in the admission price and is available in English, French and Japanese.

Christ Church Cathedral is also part of Canterbury’s UNESCO World Heritage Site: it is one of the three components of the site. St Martin’s Church offers a different architectural point of reference. It is considered the oldest church in the English-speaking world still in use and brings together Roman, Anglo-Saxon, Norman and medieval architecture. The churches therefore differ not only in their history, but also in the architectural traditions they combine.

The Canterbury Roman Museum preserves one of the few surviving Roman floor mosaics in the United Kingdom in its original location. It offers interactive activities for children and adults, including trying on a toga and making a mosaic. Another venue with several functions is The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge: in historic Canterbury, it is a free art gallery, library and visitor information centre.

Gardens, Views and Exploring the City

Westgate Gardens is a public park known for its colourful floral displays. Paths run along the river and through the park; it is also home to an Oriental Plane Tree that is more than 200 years old. Those interested in city views can visit the Westgate Towers Museum & Viewpoint, which offers a viewpoint from England’s largest surviving medieval gatehouse. Dane John Gardens lies within the city walls. The hill in this historic park offers views across the city.

The paths in Dane John Gardens are described as suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs: they are well surfaced and have no width-restricting obstacles. Conditions on site can change, so check them before your visit if needed.

Tours and Boat Trips

The Official Canterbury City Guided Tour is a 90-minute walking tour through medieval lanes and the historic Cathedral Precincts. The tour schedule may vary, so check it before your trip. Canterbury Westgate Punts offers seasonal boat trips, which may also vary in availability. The route starts at Westgate Bridge, passes through Westgate Gardens and the Binnan’ea Island nature reserve, and continues into unspoilt countryside.

The activities differ in their timing: the Mini Talks have a set duration of 15 minutes, the guided city tour lasts 90 minutes, and the boat trips run seasonally. These differences can help you choose activities that suit your stay. Whether your focus is churches and architecture, Roman history, art or gardens, Canterbury offers distinct, clearly identified places to explore each.

Discover more destinations: Margate, Herons Ghyll, Lymington, Hastingleigh, Wadhurst, Southampton, Hailsham.

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