If you’re staying local this summer and are out of ideas on what to do, take a look at this guide on some of the best things to do in and around Canterbury.
1. Get the show on the road!
Watch one of the many spectacular theatre shows or musicals on offer this summer at the Marlowe Theatre including Fame, The Girl on The Train and Motown The Musical.
When: Throughout the summer
Where: The Marlowe Theatre, The Friars, Canterbury, CT1 2AS
Cost: From £11.50 per person
2. Explore the Kentish Coastline
Explore the fantastic blue flag awarded beaches outside the city! Travel just 30-minutes by road, rail or bus and you’ll meet the glorious Margate Main Sands. Travel further around the coast and you’ll continue to discover beautiful beaches such as Botany Bay and Viking Bay.
When: Preferably when the sun’s out
Where: Margate Main Sands, Botany Bay, Viking Bay
Cost: Free
3. Catch a film on campus
Based on the Canterbury campus, the Gulbenkian is showing all the latest film releases including Toy Story 4, Spider-Man: Far From Home and The Lion King as well as a variety of independent films.
When: All summer long
Where: Gulbenkian, University of Kent, Canterbury Campus.
Cost: From £2.50 per person
4. Escape to ancient woodlands…
Explore the five different trails in Blean Woods – the longest of which takes you on an eight-mile stroll through mature oaks, discovering woodpeckers and nightingales along the way.
When: Anytime
Where: Blean Woods
Cost: Free – donations to RSPB are welcome
5. View Canterbury from the river
Sit back and relax while you glide along the river Stour and take in the wonders of Canterbury via boat. Trips last around 40 minutes – we can’t think of a better way to spend a sunny afternoon!
When: March – October, 10:00 – 17:00
Where: On the bridge between ASK and the Old Weavers House
Cost: From £8.50
6. Get your adrenaline pumping
Can you escape the Towers? Three unique escape rooms set within the Westgate Towers, Canterbury’s former city gaol built in the 1830s and England’s largest surviving medieval gateway.
When: Mon-Fri, 12:30 – 16:30 and Sat-Sun, 10:30 – 20:30
Where: Escape the Towers, One Pound Lane
Cost: From £19
7. Shop ’til you drop
Get that summer holiday or maybe even winter wardrobe ready with the best high street names at Canterbury’s Whitefriars. Why not check out the Ancient Roman bath ruins on the lower ground floor of Waterstone’s in Canterbury city centre!
For more independent and specialist shops and boutiques, explore the areas outside the city centre.
When: Any time
Where: Whitefriars, King’s Mile, Westgate, St Dunstan’s – see the full offerings
Cost: Varies
7. The Crab and Winkle Way
Enjoy seven miles of almost traffic-free cycling from Canterbury West station to Whitstable and take in the glorious countryside along the way.
When: Any time
Where: Start from Canterbury West station and you could be in Whitstable in just 35-minutes.
Cost: Free
Let us know your favourite things to do in and around Canterbury in the summer in the comments below
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