Canterbury is one of the UK’s most famous locations, packed with thousands of years of history. Here are some our favourite places to explore the City’s past:
Canterbury Cathedral
One of the Country’s most iconic cathedrals, Canterbury Cathedral draws in visitors from all around the world. The Cathedral’s history can be traced back as far as 597AD, with the site playing a pivotal role throughout history.
There’s a lot to see and to explore within the Cathedral grounds. If you’re not sure which parts of the Cathedral to visit first, check out this top ten guide created by the Canterbury Cathedral team.
Students at the University of Kent can enjoy free entry to the Cathedral throughout their studies. Kent students also graduate in Canterbury Cathedral, making for a truly unique and extraordinary end to their time at Kent.
Click here for more information about Canterbury Cathedral.
Canterbury Roman Museum
A hidden gem in the heart of the City Centre, Canterbury Roman Museum details Canterbury’s Roman history and includes stunningly preserved excavation sites.
You can view preserved Roman mosaics dating back to the 1st or 2nd century AD, and the remains of a Roman town house (including original Roman hypocaust: Roman underfloor heating system) dating back to around 70AD, along with a variety of artefacts.
Canterbury residents can enjoy free entry to the museum with a My Town My City card.
Click here for more information about the Canterbury Roman Museum.
The Canterbury Tales
Experience Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales in a wholly unique way. The interactive one-of-a-kind attraction recreates the Canterbury Tales, immersing visitors in the action. Experience medieval England, walking alongside Chaucer’s pilgrims, guided by the Attraction’s costumed guides.
Kent students can enjoy discounted tickets.
Click here for more information about The Canterbury Tales.
The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge
The Beaney, located in the centre of Canterbury’s High Street, houses an extensive collection of local, national and global artefacts and artworks. The stunning building provides the perfect backdrop for its permanent and temporary collections. The Beaney also includes a library and café. There’s always plenty to see and explore and is well-worth a visit. Admission to the building is free, some occasional exhibits may have entry fees.
Click here for more information about The Beaney.
The Kent Museum of Freemasonry
The Kent Museum of Freemasonry is located towards the bottom of Canterbury’s High Street, a short walk from the Westgate Towers. The Museum includes a unique collection of Masonic material and rare historical artefacts. Entry is free (voluntary donations welcome).
Click here for more information about The Kent Museum of Freemasonry
Westgate Towers Museum
The iconic Westgate Towers is the largest surviving city gate in England and the last surviving of Canterbury’s 7 medieval gates. The Museum offers visitors an insight into its unique and colourful history, including details of the Westgate Towers’ famous prisoners. Kent students can enjoy discounted entry.
Click here for more information about the Westgate Towers Museum.
St. Augustine’s Abbey
St. Augustine’s Abbey is part of Canterbury’s World Heritage Site, situated just outside of the city walls. The Abbey was founded just after 597AD by St. Augustine, and was originally created as a burial place for the Anglo-Saxon kings of Kent.
At the Abbey, visitors can explore the museum and experience what the Abbey was like at various points in history via the Museum’s new Virtual Reality Experience.
Kent students can enjoy discounted tickets.
Click here for more information about St. Augustine’s Abbey.
The Eastbridge
The Eastbridge, located in the heart of Canterbury’s High Street, is comprised of three adjoining sites; the Eastbridge Hospital; Greyfriars Chapel; and The Franciscan Gardens.
The Eastbridge Hospital, also known as the Hospital of St. Thomas the Martyr, can be dated back to the 12th century and has provided shelter and hospitality to pilgrims, soldiers, children and other people for hundreds of years.
The Greyfriars Chapel is the only remaining building of the first English Franciscan Friary built in 1267.
The Franciscan Gardens are located to the rear of Eastbridge and are open throughout the summer months.
Kent students can enjoy discounted entry to the Eastbridge.
Click here for more information about The Eastbridge.