The town of Canterbury is a place full of Medieval charm. With half-timbered buildings, cobblestone streets, and one of England’s most famous cathedrals, it’s certainly worth a day trip from London. If you only have one day in Canterbury, here are some of the best things to do in town.
Canterbury Cathedral
A visit to the Canterbury Cathedral is a chance to take in more than 1,400 years of England’s history. The original church dates all the way back to 597, when Saint Augustine became the first Archbishop of Canterbury after landing on the shores of Kent as a missionary.
This cathedral became a significant pilgrimage site during Medieval times, with people traveling from all over Europe to pay respects to Saint Thomas Becket, who was killed in 1170 inside the Canterbury Cathedral.
The Cathedral is now designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is perhaps the most notable attraction in the town of Canterbury.
Town Centre
The Town Centre is the perfect place in Canterbury to explore, with many little alleys extending off of High Street. There are endless photo opportunities around every corner. Make sure to stop at the Old Weaver’s House on High Street and take in one of the most beautiful views of the town as you look down the canal next to it.
St. Martin’s Church
Just around a 10-minute stroll from Canterbury’s Town Centre is St. Martin’s Church, the oldest known church in the English-speaking world. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the church has been in continuous use since the sixth century.
River Cruise
A scenic river cruise through the canals of Canterbury is another popular thing to do in town. Floating down the beautiful canals provides the perfect way to relax while seeing Canterbury and its medieval architecture from a different perspective.
I recommend going with Canterbury Historic River Tours. The river cruise company is conveniently located on King’s Bridge, just a few minutes from Canterbury Cathedral. River cruises are offered daily from March through October, with tours leaving every 15-20 minutes between 10:00am and 5:00pm.
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