Canterbury Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Canterbury, Kent, England, UK)



Picture of the River StourMade famous by its awesome 11th-century cathedral, acclaimed 14th-century stories in the Canterbury Tales book written by acclaimed author Geoffrey Chaucer, and numerous tourist attractions, the city of Canterbury has never been more popular. Over the years, several films have been made of the Canterbury Tales, with a particularly memorable screening in 1944 at the late Friar's Cinema.

Amongst the main tourist attractions within Canterbury, walking tours and river cruises may be somewhat weather dependent, but are always good value for money. Further offerings include the recreations of the past at the Canterbury Tales Visitor Attraction along St. Margaret's Street, and the city's Gulbenkian and Marlowe theatres.

The Gulbenkian Theatre resides at the university and offers a good selection of regular live entertainment, while the Marlowe Theatre just off King Street has recently enjoyed much renovation work, reopening its doors in 2011. Of note, special 'tourist passports' are a good way to save money and allow you to visit four different attractions at a free or discounted price.


Canterbury Tourist Guides (formerly Guild of Guides Walking Tours)

Address: 2 / 13 Sun Street, The Buttermarket, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2HX, England, UK
Phone: +44 (0)1227 459 779
One of the best ways to learn about Canterbury's interesting heritage is to treat yourself to one of the Tourist Guides walking tours. Walk around many of the most charming areas of the city, including a number of narrow backstreets, and enjoy hearing about all aspects of the city's history. The tour is led by a friendly, trained guide who is always happy to answer any questions that you may have about the Canterbury area. Lasting approximately one and a half hours, the tours depart from outside of the Buttermarket on Sun Street.
Open hours: departs daily, October to June - 11:00, July to September - 11:00 and 14:00
Admission: charge, discounts for seniors, students, children and families

Photo of boats on the River Stour

Historic River Tours

Address: The Ducking Stool, The Old Weavers Restaurant Garden, Kings Bridge, Canterbury, Kent, England, UK
Tel: +44 (0)7790 534 744
Sit back and enjoy the view on the city's award-winning Historic River Tours. These appealing boat trips cruise along the River Stour and include commentary along the way, provided by a knowledgeable local. Evening cruises are also available and are especially popular on warm, balmy summer nights. The Historic River Tours staff are extremely proud to have recently achieved second-place for the category 'Best Tourism Experience' at the South East Tourism Awards
Open hours: April to September, daily - 10:00 to 17:00, weather dependent
Admission: charge, discounts for seniors, children, families and groups

Canterbury Ghost Tour

Address: outside Alberry's Wine Bar, St. Margaret's Street, Canterbury, Kent, England, UK
Tel: +44(0)7779 575 831
Lasting around one hour, the award-winning Canterbury Ghost Tour is led by an experienced guide, who takes you around many of the city's most haunted spots. You will hear many frightening and ghostly tales of the past, from medieval times right up to the present. The tour is extremely reliable and always takes place regardless of the weather, setting off each Friday and Saturday at 08:00, from outside of the Loft Kitchen and Bar along St. Margaret's Street.
Open hours: Friday and Saturday - departs at 20:00
Admission: charge, discounts for seniors, children and families

Picture of punting down the river

Punt Trips

Address: Canterbury River Navigation Company, Westgate Gardens Bridge, Canterbury, Kent, England, UK
Tel: +44 (0)7816 760 869
What better way to spend your afternoon than punting along the River Stour, close to the city centre and the famous West Gate Towers. Punting trips include an experienced boatman, so that you are able to relax and enjoy the scenery and numerous attractions along the way. Various packages are available, including nature trips, picnic punting and also 'wine and dine'. You should allow at least 40 minutes for this attraction.
Open hours: April to October, daily - 10:00 to 17:00, weather dependent
Admission: charge, discounts for children, families and groups

Canterbury Carriages

Address: Canterbury Carriages, Highfield Stables, Stoneheap Road, East Studdal, Canterbury, Kent, CT15 5BU, England, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1304 364 027
A memorable way to see the city and its many attractions, Canterbury Carriages consist of a traditional horse and carriage and offer a variety of different routes to suit your requirements. As cars are not permitted within the Old Town part of the city, horse-drawn carriages allow you to travel around the streets in this restricted area with ease. The carriage usually departs from outside of the County Hotel, next to both High Street and Stour Street.
Open hours: daily, seasonal variations
Admission: charge, discounts for seniors, children and families

Image of the popular Canterbury Tales Visitor Attraction

The Canterbury Tales Visitor Attraction

Address: St. Margaret's Street, Canterbury, Kent CT1 2TG
Tel: +44 (0)1227 479 227
Without doubt one of the most visited tourist attractions in the whole of Kent, the Canterbury Tales is not to be missed and celebrates the works by famous novelist Geoffrey Chaucer. Home to an impressive and authentic reconstruction of traditional 14th-century England and the High Middle Ages, the Canterbury Tales attractions can be found within St. Margaret's Church. Expect to see many noteworthy characters from the past, including Chaucer himself and numerous pilgrims, as you begin your 'journey' from London, before finally arriving at the cathedral and Becket's shrine. Audio tours are available in various languages. A gift shop selling a range of souvenirs is located towards the end, together with plenty of hot refreshments at Nason's restaurant.
Open hours: daily, January to February - 10:00 to 16:30; March to June - 10:00 to 17:00; July to August - 09:30 to 17:30; September to October - 10:00 to 17:00; November to December - 10:00 to 16:30
Admission: charge, discounts for seniors, students and children

The Marlowe Theatre

Address: The Friars, Canterbury, Kent, Kent, CT1 2AS, England, UK
Telephone 01227 787787
The Marlowe Theatre is one of the biggest theatres of its kind in the whole of Kent and comfortably seats around 1,200 people, following its £23 million+ upgrade between 2009 and 2011. Once a cinema many years ago, the building was converted into a theatre and first opened its doors at the end of 1984, moving from its previous location along St. Margaret's Street. Expect to see a diverse selection of shows and attractions at the Marlowe Theatre, such as concerts, well-known musicals, comedy events, and seasonal winter pantomimes with television celebrities.
Open hours: box office, Monday, Wednesday to Saturday - 10:00 to 21:00, Tuesday - 10:30 to 21:00, box office will close at 19:00 on nights when there is no performance and it will also open late on Sunday, two hours before the performance
Admission: charge for events

Gulbenkian Theatre and Cinema 3

Address: University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NB, England, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1227 769 075
The Gulbenkian Theatre and Cinema 3 is a popular entertainment venue, located within the campus of the city's University of Kent. Built at the end of the 1960s, the Gulbenkian Theatre features a range of films, theatrical events and live music, and comes complete with cafe and bar area. Most performances here usually begin at around 19:45.
Open hours: box office, Monday to Friday - 11:00 to 17:00, Saturday and Sunday - 17:30 to 21:00, booking office always open at least one hour before performance
Admission: charge for events