Best Way to Spend One Day in Canterbury, UK

Our trip to Southeast England was designed as a coastal adventure – but we couldn’t resist going inland to spend one day in Canterbury!

Well known for the world-famous, UNESCO-listed Canterbury Cathedral, the city has a surprising number of fun things to do.

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Determined to squeeze in as much sightseeing as possible, we created an ideal 1-Day Canterbury Itinerary that showcases the absolute best of the medieval town.

Planning One Day in Canterbury, UK

With ample public transportation connections and top sights located right in the heart of the small city center, it was pretty easy to plan our trip to Canterbury.

In our one-day itinerary, we outline what to do and where to eat. Plus, we share logistical advice – like how to get there and what to bring on your trip.

That said, if you are in London and would rather leave the planning to someone else, you could join this incredibly popular full-day tour (which also includes the Cliffs of Dover).

Canterbury 1-Day Itinerary

Our plan for visiting Canterbury in one day includes activities for morning, afternoon and evening. Later in the article, we share a map so that you can see where all the top attractions are located.

MORNING: Ancient Lanes and Canterbury Cathedral

Start your 1 day in Canterbury right in the town’s medieval center. Use the ancient, cobbled lanes to make your way toward the grandiose cathedral.

Walk along High Street, where half-timbered houses tilt and lean at odd angles. Don’t miss the Old Weaver’s House – a 16th century timber abode situated on the riverside.

Detour onto atmospheric, narrow side streets – like Butchery Lane, Mercery Lane and St Margaret’s Street. Lined with boutique shops and quaint cafes, all three offer spectacular views of the cathedral towers.

Next, head for the main attraction: The Canterbury Cathedral. In fact, if you pre-purchase your ticket, you can walk right past the line and straight in!

History of the cathedral can be traced to the year 597 AD. It gained its prominence as a place of pilgrimage, however, in 1170 after Archbishop Thomas Becket was murdered inside the church.

Today, visitors can marvel at the soaring ceiling, admire the colorful stained-glass windows and tour the crypt, where Becket is buried. Plan to spend about 1-2 hours here.

Budget Tip for Canterbury Cathedral

The price to enter this storied structure is quite steep, which might deter budget travelers from visiting Canterbury.

However, you can get a free peek of the exterior from the upper level of the gift shop. The big windows frame the church perfectly and there is a small, free museum with a few artifacts.

The only way to get inside for free is to attend a service…or wait until the late afternoon. On the day we visited, the Christ Church Gate opened at 4:30pm – and we waltzed right in!

We walked the grounds, toured the Cloisters, visited the Crypt (silently before the service began) and got a quick (and very limited) look at the nave and pulpit.

MIDDAY: The King’s Mile and Gardens

After visiting the cathedral, discover The King’s Mile; it’s the historic district directly to the northwest. The neighborhood is laden with independent shops and medieval buildings.

The Crooked House, which hosts a bookstore and looks like it might collapse into the street at any moment, is not to be missed. Stepping inside, the interior is just as oddly angled as the exterior.

The Parrot is another gem in the area. Dating to the 14th century – and built on Roman ruins – the pub retains idyllic medieval features.

We recommend grabbing a seat in the dining room under the exposed, original beams or in the lush beer garden for a simple pub lunch.

Afterwards, tour the city’s gorgeous green spaces. Walk through Abbots Mill Garden, using the footbridge across the weir. Then, navigate your way to the Westgate Towers.

Follow the riverside into Westgate Gardens. During our summertime visit, the vibrant flowers were in full bloom!

Alternate Option: Join a Canterbury Walking Tour

Rather not deal with directions? No problem! Check out this highly rated walking tour if you prefer to have a local guide lead the way through town.

AFTERNOON: Canterbury Boat Tour

Now it’s time to embark on a boat trip on the Great Stour River; it’s one of the best things to do in Canterbury!

There are two types of vessels to choose from: Punting Boats (which are propelled by pushing a long pole into the riverbed) and Rowboats with oars.

Either way, your guide will do all the work! Plus, they will entertain you by sharing intriguing stories and important facts during the ride.

Canterbury Punting Company and Canterbury Historic Boat Tours both get great reviews from fellow travelers.

Trip Planning Tip: Walk the Walls of Canterbury

If you would rather keep your feet on the ground (and save some money), set off on a stroll around the Old Canterbury Walls.

They have existed for 1,700 years and are a city landmark. It’s free to access the walls and there are plaques along the route that provide insightful information.

LATE AFTERNOON: Museums and Churches

If there is still time left in the day, consider visiting one of the Canterbury museums or other historic churches.

We ducked into The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge. It’s free and has something for everyone, from ancient artifacts to modern art and everything in between!

The Canterbury Roman Museum also gets good reviews. It delves deep into the city’s Roman history (and features a magnificent mosaic floor). A ticket is required for entry.

For a deeper understanding of the religious history in Canterbury, make the short walk to see St. Martin’s Church and St. Augustine’s Abbey.

St. Martin’s is said to be the oldest church in the English-speaking world. Luckily, it was open when we arrived, so we were able to step inside the 1,400-year-old chapel.

Short on time, we only got a glimpse of the remains of St. Augustine Abbey. There is a fee to tour the ruins and museum, but it’s possible to see the crumbling structure from the entryway.

Itinerary Tip for Free Cathedral Entry

If you want to take advantage of the free entry to the cathedral in the afternoon, tour the above sights in Canterbury in the morning. That way, you can be there right when the gates swing open!

EVENING: The Foundry Brewpub

End your Canterbury day trip at The Foundry. A family-owned brewery that is steeped in history, the venue is unique in that they produce their own beer and spirits – and grow their own mushrooms, too.

The food menu features international pub favorites, with a British focus. A tasty meal and a few beverages are a fabulous way to cap off a day in Canterbury!

Canterbury Map

Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our map of Canterbury, UK below.

1-Day Canterbury Trip Logistics

Ready to visit Canterbury in a day? Of course you are! The following tips will help you make all the necessary arrangements for your one-day trip.

How To Get to Canterbury

We made the trip to Canterbury from the coastal Kentish town of Whitstable. The two are connected by frequent buses – and even a walking/cycling path, called the Crab and Winkle Way, which utilizes an old railway route!

It’s easy to get to Canterbury from London, too. The fastest trains from St Pancras on Southeastern Railway make the journey in just under an hour.

There are two rail stations – Canterbury East (which is actually to the south) and Canterbury West (located just north of the center).

The convenient bus station is on the south side of the Whitefriars Shopping Center, just inside the old city walls.

Where To Stay

We didn’t stay in Canterbury, but one property in particular piqued our interest: Canterbury Cathedral Lodge.

Sitting right on the famous church grounds, it’s in the middle of everything, but quiet due to its protected location. Find tips for snagging the best rates in our article, Booking Top Hotels for Cheap.

What You Will Need

Proper Shoes: You will be on your feet most of the day; make sure to wear lightweight and versatile trainers.

Travel Camera: Upgrade to a real camera to capture the beauty of Canterbury – we use a Canon Rebel.

Durable Day Pack: Wear a travel day bag – like this one – that is big enough to stow everything you will need – from sunscreen to an umbrella.

Start planning your trip to the UK! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!

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