Canterbury Museums

(Canterbury, Kent, England, UK)

From historic museums about Canterbury's bygone era, to fun, hands-on displays aimed at families, there is something for everyone in this charming city.

Always popular is the Museum of Canterbury, which stands next to the Rupert Bear attraction.

Nearby, the West Gate Towers clearly offer a glimpse into the past and a combined ticket will allow you to visit all of these three for just a small charge.

Also worth a look is the Buffs Regimental Museum in central Canterbury, situated off the High Street.

Here are some further details.

West Gate Towers

Address: St. Peter's Street, Canterbury, England, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1227 789 576
One of the city's most impressive and important landmarks, the West Gate Towers date back more than 600 years and was once an important gateway, protecting this part of Canterbury. With a number of castle-like features and a large archway, the West Gate Towers is now home to an interesting museum, where a range of guns and memorabilia are on display, spanning the Civil War right up to the Second World War. A spiral staircase leads you upstairs and some superb city views await. Popular at the museum are the displays of various arms and period armour, which can be found in the prison cells themselves.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 12:30, 13:30 to 15:30
Admission: charge, discounts for seniors, children, families and groups

Museum of Canterbury / Rupert Bear Museum

Address: Stour Street, Canterbury, Kent, England, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1227 475 202
Located along Stour Street, both the Museum of Canterbury and also the Rupert Bear Museum can be found here. The Museum of Canterbury concentrates on the city's interesting past and contains a collection of local artefacts, some of which date back to before the arrival of the Romans. Museum highlights include pre-historic exhibits, displays about the Anglo-Saxon times, information about the Blitz and how the city was left after by the Second World War, and also a Joseph Conrad Gallery.

The adjoining Rupert Bear Museum is particularly appealing to families and children, and features a number of exhibits, clearly showing how Rupert is connected to the city. You will find many games, drawings and even some original sets at the museum, together with some Bagpuss memorabilia, another children's favourite with links to Canterbury.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 10:30 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts for seniors, children, families and groups

Roman Museum

Address: Longmarket, Butchery Lane, Canterbury, England, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1227 785 575
Celebrating Canterbury's rich Roman heritage, the popular Roman Museum is located along Butchery Lane, in the very heart of the city's central shopping district and directly off the High Street. The Roman Museum contains a wealth of local archaeological treasures that were found at various locations around the city, together with the remains of an actual Roman town house and intricate, coloured mosaics. Other highlights include an accurate reconstruction of a period market place, video screens and a number of hands-on exhibits.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 17:00, June to October, Sunday - 13:30 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts for seniors, children, families and groups

Buffs Regimental Museum

Address: Beaney Institute, 18 High Street, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2RA, England, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1227 452 747
The Buffs Regimental Museum can be found at the Beaney Institute and stands alongside the Royal Museum and Art Gallery. Home to a fairly extensive collection of historical memorabilia related to the Royal East Kent Regiment, the Buffs Regimental Museum is closely linked to the National Army Museum. The Royal Museum and Art Gallery is also located within the building.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: free