Immerse yourself in the cathedral city of Canterbury

Travel with Southeastern and discover a wealth of history and culture on a car-free minibreak

When you first step off the train at Canterbury — just under an hour from London’s St Pancras International — it feels a lot like stepping into a living, breathing museum. But don’t let the heritage sites fool you. Canterbury’s famed cathedral, walls and medieval​ towers co-exist amicably with the vibrant culinary and music scene of this thoroughly progressive city.

The Anglican Gothic cathedral dominates the skyline and — like all of Canterbury’s many attractions — is just a short walk from the station, making it a great place to explore on foot.

Click on the map below to reveal Canterbury's hidden gems

What to see

Unravel layers of history at Canterbury Roman Museum, which encompasses a Roman pavement (discovered after a Second World War bombing) in the remains of a Roman courtyard house, which itself is a grade I listed building.

The 60ft Medieval Westgate Towers, built in 1379, are the largest surviving city gates in England, and the best starting point from which to explore the cobblestoned High Street. Check for gigs at the Black Griffin, The Lady Luck or The Ballroom to get a sense of the city’s clout as a hub for creatives.

Westgate Towers

Where to eat and drink

Get a helping of history alongside your homemade pie at The Old Weavers House, a 16th-century Tudor building with a picture-perfect riverside garden. Or, on arrival at Canterbury West Station, head next door to The Goods Shed — an airy, stylishly revamped food marketplace and restaurant, where you can enjoy either a decadent sit-down meal or pick up poshed-up picnic fare from local farmers, dairies and chefs.

Places to explore

The town’s medieval alleyways within The King’s Mile, ancient city walls and river-hugging gardens are a joy to get lost among, but it’s worth taking a river cruise for a different perspective of this beautifully atmospheric city.

The King's Mile

Where to stay

The stylish 35-bedroom Canterbury Cathedral Lodge, set in The Precincts, within the Unesco World Heritage Site cathedral grounds, puts you right in the heart of things. Beyond the cathedral itself, the Marlowe Theatre, Beaney​ House of Art & Knowledge, river tours and the high street are all less than a 10-minute walk away.

To discover hidden gems in the South East, and book your train tickets, visit southeasternrailway.co.uk/winter

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*This content was commissioned and approved by Southeastern