Canterbury
Medieval streets, river jungles and family adventures in Kent
Highlights
Experience Canterbury Cathedral’s soaring Gothic interior and peaceful cloisters with plenty of time for kids to explore.
Drift along the River Stour or stroll Westgate Gardens for lush, leafy views that feel surprisingly wild.
Wander the atmospheric remains of St Augustine’s Abbey and discover where English Christianity began.
Spend a day at Howletts Wild Animal Park meeting gorillas, big cats and more in a woodland setting.
Follow Canterbury’s old city walls and climb Dane John mound for sweeping, story‑worthy views.
Get lost in crooked medieval lanes, timbered houses and hidden gardens straight out of a storybook.
Where to Stay
3 picks
Canterbury Cathedral Lodge
Modern but warm lodge in the cathedral grounds with peaceful gardens and many rooms overlooking greenery and spires.
ABode Canterbury
Stylish hotel in a historic building right on the High Street, with comfortable family rooms and easy access to cafes and the river.
The Falstaff Hotel
Characterful coaching‑inn‑style hotel near Westgate Gardens with exposed beams, quirky rooms and easy access to the river and station.
Where to Eat
12 picks
Kitch Cafe
Bright, plant‑filled cafe with wholesome options; go for avocado toast, veggie breakfast plates, granola, smoothies and good coffee (stick to the vegetarian dishes and ask staff to avoid any cross‑contamination with bacon/sausage).
The Refectory Cafe (Canterbury Cathedral Lodge)
Light‑filled cafe in the cathedral precincts overlooking greenery; choose vegetarian soups, salads, baked potatoes and cakes (ask which soups and mains are vegetarian and confirm no meat stocks).
The Veg Box Cafe
Fully vegetarian cafe with a cosy, slightly rustic interior and plenty of plants; order the daily hot pot, veggie curries, salads and cakes—everything is meat‑free, so halal‑safe by ingredients (still avoid alcohol).
Howletts Wild Animal Park Refreshment Kiosks
On‑site kiosks and cafes serving sandwiches, chips, jacket potatoes and ice creams; choose vegetarian sandwiches, chips and baked potatoes with cheese/beans (avoid meat items and verify ingredients if unsure).
Alberrys Canterbury
Atmospheric bar‑restaurant in a historic cellar with plants and brick arches; order vegetarian burgers, pasta and salads (avoid meat, verify ingredients and be aware alcohol is served).
Cafe Turkuaz
Turkish cafe with a homely feel; choose vegetarian Turkish breakfast plates with cheeses, olives, bread, menemen (eggs and tomatoes) and salads (ask clearly which items are prepared with halal meat or stick to veggie).
Cafe Des Amis
Colourful Mexican‑inspired restaurant by the river with lots of plants and vibrant decor; order vegetarian fajitas, bean enchiladas, nachos and salads (ask staff to keep everything meat‑free and avoid alcohol‑based sauces).
Espresso Lounge
Cosy coffee shop with plants in the windows and comfy seating; grab pastries, toast and simple veggie breakfast items (verify pastries are free of animal fat).
Loaf Sandwich Bar
Tiny takeaway sandwich place; ask for made‑to‑order vegetarian sandwiches or wraps (cheese, salad, egg) and avoid all meat fillings.
The Goods Shed (Vegetarian Stalls/Options Only)
Indoor farmers’ market and dining hall in a rustic old shed with lots of wood and greenery; browse stalls for vegetarian pies, breads, cheeses, seasonal veg dishes and desserts (avoid all meat products and ask vendors to confirm ingredients).
The Moat Tea Rooms
Quaint timbered tea room with a slightly overgrown, old‑world feel; enjoy cream tea, cakes and sandwiches (choose vegetarian sandwiches, confirm no animal fat in pastries, and of course avoid any meat).
I Am Doner Canterbury (Vegetarian Options)
Modern kebab shop with a colourful, urban‑jungle design; go specifically for the vegetarian or falafel wraps, bowls and salads (do not order non‑halal meats, and ask staff to prepare your food with clean utensils).
What to Do
16 picks
Canterbury Historic Centre Orientation Walk
From Westgate Towers, stroll through the medieval West Gate into the High Street, exploring crooked lanes, timbered houses and the Buttermarket area near the cathedral.
Westgate Gardens & River Stour Walk
Wander the lush riverside lawns, giant trees and flower beds of Westgate Gardens, watching ducks on the river and playing on the grass.
Canterbury Cathedral
Enter through Christ Church Gate, follow the visitor route through the nave, cloisters and crypt, and if energy allows attend Evensong (except Thursdays) for a moving choral experience.
Canterbury Cathedral Precincts Free Explore
After the main visit, roam the surrounding precincts, small gardens and side lanes, looking for gargoyles, carved faces and quiet corners.
Canterbury Historic River Tour
Board a traditional punt or small boat near the High Street bridge for a guided trip along the River Stour, gliding under low bridges and past hidden gardens and medieval buildings.
Howletts Wild Animal Park
Spend the day visiting gorillas, tigers, elephants and more along woodland paths, with play areas and keeper talks scattered around the park.
Train Ride Canterbury East/West to Bekesbourne
Take the short local train to Bekesbourne (or bus/taxi depending on schedules), then walk or taxi to the park entrance.
Canterbury City Walls & Dane John Gardens
Walk along the old city walls from near Burgate, then explore Dane John Gardens and climb the central mound for panoramic views over the cathedral and rooftops.
Canterbury Roman Museum
Descend underground to see Roman mosaic floors and artifacts beneath today’s city streets, with interactive displays for children.
Westgate Towers Viewpoint
Climb the historic Westgate Towers museum and viewpoint for another angle on the city, then look down the river corridor lined with trees.
Free Explore in Dover Seafront
Stroll the beach and prom, skim stones, and let kids play while you enjoy the fresh sea air before heading back to Canterbury.
St Augustine’s Abbey
Walk through extensive ruins and green lawns where one of England’s earliest monasteries once stood, with simple exhibits and plenty of open space.
St Martin’s Church & Pilgrim’s Walk
Continue on foot to tiny St Martin’s Church, the oldest in continuous use in the English‑speaking world, and follow quiet, leafy streets that feel almost rural.
Franciscan Gardens & Greyfriars Chapel
Enter a hidden walled garden wrapped around the river with meadows, wildflowers and the medieval Greyfriars Chapel perched over the water.
Shopping & Souvenir Wandering
Use this flexible block to browse bookshops, toy stores and local boutiques around the High Street and Burgate, letting each family member pick a small memento.
Final River & Gardens Stroll
Loop back through Westgate Gardens and along the river one last time, revisiting favourite spots and benches from earlier in the week.
Good to Know
8 picks
Halal Eating Strategy in Canterbury
While fully halal‑certified restaurants are limited in Canterbury, you can still eat comfortably by focusing on fully vegetarian places, vegetarian dishes at mainstream restaurants, and clearly labelled halal items at a few Middle Eastern/Turkish spots. Always ask staff which meats are halal, avoid pork and alcohol, and consider contacting your top choices ahead of time by email or phone for peace of mind.
How to Cluster Your Days
Think of Canterbury in simple clusters: Cathedral Precincts and High Street, Westgate and the river, St Augustine’s and St Martin’s, and the station area. Plan each half‑day around one cluster so you only walk 10–15 minutes between sights and meals, which is much easier with children.
Buying Tickets Efficiently
For the cathedral, St Augustine’s Abbey and Howletts, buy tickets online a day or two ahead to lock in times; for smaller attractions like the Roman Museum and Franciscan Gardens, you can usually just walk up. Keep screenshots of QR codes on your phone so you don’t need constant internet.
Using Trains and Buses from Canterbury
Canterbury has two main stations (East and West) with frequent trains to Dover, London and nearby villages; you can buy tickets at machines using cash or card. Local buses run to many attractions but checking timetables the night before (and taking a photo of them) removes the need for data while out.
Managing British Weather with Kids
Pack light waterproof jackets and one warm layer for each person, plus quick‑dry trousers for the children if possible. Start your day with longer outdoor activities and keep a ‘rain backup’ like the Roman Museum or cathedral crypt in mind so you can swap plans if showers arrive.
Cash, Cards and Restrooms
Most places accept cards, but it’s handy to carry a small amount of cash for public toilets, small market purchases and donations in churches. Get in the habit of using restrooms whenever you stop at a cafe or attraction to avoid emergency searches later.
Keeping Kids Engaged at Historic Sites
Turn visits into simple games: ask the children to find carved animals in the cathedral, count how many different doors they see in the cloisters, or draw a quick sketch of their favourite ruin. Short ‘missions’ make even serious sites feel playful.
Sunday and Holiday Opening Hours
On Sundays and some holidays, churches have services and certain museums or shops may open later or close earlier; always check opening hours for your main sight of the day and flip indoor/outdoor activities if needed.
Map
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