Accommodation, Tourism & Travel
Staying in Canterbury
Campus accommodation is unavailable during academic terms. We recommend that visitors search for Hotels and B&B’s in Canterbury using Booking.com or AirBnB. Canterbury is a fairly small town with regular bus service to the University campus. When booking a hotel it might be worthwhile to check its vicinity to the stops along the main bus route from Canterbury Bus Station to the University of Kent.
Things to do
Information on events, sights or activities in the county of Kent can be found here.
Canterbury has a long history of great historical, cultural and theological significance, spanning many centuries. As such, it is a recognised UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home of Church of St Martin, the oldest church in England; the ruins of the Abbey of St Augustine, a reminder of the Saint’s evangelising role from 597 after his arrival from Rome; and of course Canterbury Cathedral, where Archbishop Thomas Becket was famously murdered in 1170. 2020 is an important year for the Cathedral, as it marks the 850th anniversary since Becket’s murder, and the 800th anniversary of the translation (moving) of his tomb from the lower Crypt to The Quire: It is worth browsing the Cathedral events page to see if any Becket-related events are taking place during your visit.
In addition, to learn more about the history of the University’s campus, a guided audio tour is available.
Canterbury is also about half an hour by bus from the picturesque seaside town Whitstable, for delegates who would like a seaside stay during their time at the conference. There is also a highspeed train connection between London St Pancras and Whitstable.
Getting to the University
Arriving by Train:
- London (St Pancras) to Canterbury West (High-Speed train)
- London (Charing Cross or Waterloo East) to Canterbury West
- London (Victoria) to Canterbury East
- Ebbsfleet International to Canterbury East
- Ashford International to Canterbury West
Then use local bus service* or taxi to travel to the University. Call 03457 484950 for train times and further information.
All trains can be booked via www.nationalrail.co.uk. Booking in advance can be cheaper and return tickets from London to Canterbury are usually about the same price as a single, so it’s usually best to buy a return ticket. Please do check whether you need a peak or off peak ticket for when you travel (peak tickets are more expensive, but usually only apply for travel into London before 10 am). More info about peak and off-peak can be found here.
*Local bus services The UNIBUS (UNI1 or UNI2) runs every 8-15 minutes. Here’s an overview of the main bus route from Canterbury City Centre to the University.
Arriving by Road:
To Canterbury:
- Via M25 clockwise: M25 junction 2 exit onto A2 Canterbury, continue on A2/M2, exit M2 junction 7 onto A2, follow signs to Canterbury.
- Via M25 anticlockwise: M25 junction 5 continue ahead on M26(M20) signposted Maidstone, M20 junction 7 exit onto A249 Sheerness, A249 exit left onto M2 for Canterbury, exit M2 junction 7 onto A2 follow signs to Canterbury.
Canterbury to campus:
- Via A2 eastbound/London: Rheims Way, London Road, A290 Whitstable Road, University Road.
- Via A2 westbound/A28: Wincheap, Rheims Way, London Road, A290 Whitstable Road, University Road.
Satellite navigation postcode: CT2 7NP (University Road), then follow signs for visitor parking.
Arriving by Coach:
Regular services run from London Victoria Coach Station to Canterbury Bus Station.