Canterbury
Medieval stories, river walks, and green escapes for families
Highlights
Step into Canterbury’s medieval heart with the Cathedral and lanes that inspired the Canterbury Tales.
Glide past willow trees and old weavers’ houses on a relaxing punting trip the kids will love.
Find jungle-like corners in riverside parks and tucked-away gardens right inside the city walls.
Meet elephants, big cats, and lemurs in the woodland setting of Howletts Wild Animal Park.
Add an optional day trip to the White Cliffs or coastal Kent for big views and fresh sea air.
Where to Stay
2 picks
ABode Canterbury
Stylish 4-star hotel set in a historic building right on the High Street, with modern rooms, some timber beams, and easy access to leafy riverside walks and the Cathedral within 5 minutes.
Cathedral Gate Hotel
Charming, centuries-old inn literally by the Cathedral gate, with creaky floors, exposed beams, and views over rooftops and trees—very storybook, while still providing comfortable family rooms.
Where to Eat
7 picks
The Olive Grove Canterbury
Mediterranean café with a cosy, plant-filled interior; for halal, stick to clearly vegetarian options like shakshuka without cheese if needed, Greek salad, hummus with warm bread, and veggie mezze plates.
A La Turka – St Peter’s Street
Turkish restaurant in a brick-and-timber building with warm, slightly rustic décor; they serve halal chicken and lamb dishes (confirm when seated) such as chicken shish, lamb köfte, and mixed grills, plus plenty of vegetarian options like falafel, imam bayildi, and mixed mezze.
Zeus – Greek Restaurant
Lively Greek spot with hanging plants and a cosy, cave-like feel; for halal, choose vegetarian plates such as dolmades (stuffed vine leaves), grilled halloumi, gigantes beans, salads, and vegetable moussaka, and avoid alcohol in cooking by asking staff, who are used to dietary questions.
Kitch Café
Bright, casual café with lots of indoor plants and a slightly boho vibe; for halal, choose vegetarian breakfasts like avocado toast, veggie hash, porridge, and pastries, plus juices and good coffee.
The Veg Box Café
Relaxed, plant-forward café up a small lane near the Cathedral, with wooden tables and a slightly “urban jungle” feel; everything is vegetarian or vegan, with changing curries, salads, and bakes—automatically halal-friendly as there is no meat or alcohol in the dishes.
Howletts Picnic or On-Site Vegetarian Options
Either bring your own halal picnic from Canterbury (e.g., vegetarian wraps, fruit, snacks) or choose vegetarian dishes from the park’s cafés such as veggie burgers, salads, and chips—check ingredients and avoid anything with meat or alcohol-based sauces.
A La Turka – Sun Street (Alternate Branch)
Sister branch of A La Turka just steps from the Cathedral, with lanterns, stone walls, and a warm, cave-like feel; again, halal chicken and lamb (confirm on arrival) and excellent mezze, grills, and kid-friendly rice dishes, plus many vegetarian options.
What to Do
9 picks
Canterbury Cathedral & Precincts
Explore the vast Gothic cathedral, its cloisters, and leafy precinct gardens; pick up the family trail at the entrance so the kids can hunt for carvings, stained glass scenes, and “mystery” corners.
Canterbury Historic River Tours (Punting on the Stour)
Join a guided river tour in a flat-bottomed boat from the Stour near Westgate; float under low stone bridges, past overhanging trees, and along the old weavers’ houses while hearing fun stories about the city.
Westgate Gardens & City Walls Walk
Stroll through the lush riverside Westgate Gardens with weeping willows and flower beds, then follow the path up onto the old city walls for slightly elevated views over the greenery and roofs.
The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge
Small but varied museum and gallery right on the High Street with curious collections, family-friendly exhibits, and occasional activity sheets; look for natural history displays to please animal-loving kids.
Canterbury Walking Tour with Green Badge Guide
Join a 90-minute guided walk starting in the Buttermarket, threading through cobbled lanes, timber-framed houses, and hidden courtyards while hearing kid-friendly stories about pilgrims, Romans, and quirky local legends.
Free-Explore Time: High Street & King’s Mile
Wander the pedestrian High Street and the quieter, more atmospheric King’s Mile lanes; duck into bookshops, sweet shops, and small galleries, and look for ivy-covered walls, crooked houses, and hidden passages for photos.
Dane John Gardens & Mound
Walk 10 minutes south from the High Street to these tree-lined formal gardens along the old city walls; climb the central mound for views over a surprisingly green canopy and let the kids enjoy the open lawns and small play areas.
Howletts Wild Animal Park
Spend the day in this spacious wildlife park set in woodland and parkland about 15 minutes’ drive or train+taxi from Canterbury; see elephants, gorillas, big cats, lemurs, and more along winding, tree-lined paths.
Free-Explore Time: Riverside & Backstreets (Return from Howletts)
After returning from Howletts, wander back along the river paths you liked best on Day 1, revisiting your favourite bridges, gardens, and photo spots while the kids play or sketch animals they saw.
Good to Know
5 picks
Halal Eating Strategy
In Canterbury, dedicated halal restaurants are limited, but you can eat very well by focusing on vegetarian, fish, and clearly halal Turkish options; always confirm halal status of meats and alcohol use with staff, and lean on fully vegetarian spots like Veg Box Café for zero-stress meals.
Simple Transport Plan
Use Canterbury as a walkable hub and only arrange extra transport for Howletts (short taxi ride or train to Bekesbourne plus a walk/taxi) and any coastal day trip; this avoids car rental stress and keeps navigation straightforward.
Family-Friendly Timing
Start days around 9–9:30 AM, aim for your biggest activity before lunch (Cathedral, walking tour, or Howletts), then schedule open ‘free explore’ blocks mid-afternoon so kids can rest, snack, or play without you feeling behind schedule.
Weather-Ready Packing
Kent weather changes quickly, so bring light layers, a compact rain jacket, and comfortable walking shoes; for your ‘wild’ days in parks and Howletts, darker clothing hides mud and makes it easier to relax about the kids playing freely.
Cash, Cards, and Bookings
Cards are widely accepted, but having a small amount of cash helps for ice creams, small stalls, or tipping guides; book the Cathedral, walking tour, river tour, and Howletts tickets online a few days ahead so you can mostly ‘just show up’ each day.
Map
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