I’d wanted to visit Canterbury for ages, and after finally going, I completely got the hype. It’s one of those places that’s easy to get to from London but feels like you’ve travelled much further. The city has a really relaxed feel, with medieval streets, independent businesses and plenty to do without feeling rushed. If you’ve got the time, I’d definitely recommend ending the day by the sea in Tankerton too.
When to Go
I visited on a weekday, and I’d definitely recommend doing the same if you can. It was much quieter, easy to walk around and I never had to queue for long anywhere.
Getting There
Getting there from London is really straightforward. The train takes around an hour, and once you arrive, you can explore almost everything on foot. I loved not having to worry about driving or parking, and using public transport makes it a more sustainable way to visit too.
How I Spent the Day
My first stop was Canterbury Cathedral, and it’s even more impressive in person. Whether you’re into history or not, it’s one of those places you can’t miss.
From there, I wandered through the city centre, exploring the cobbled streets and popping into the independent shops along The King’s Mile. I also spent some time at The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge, which is free to visit and worth a look if you enjoy museums and local history.
One of my favourite parts of the day was walking through Westgate Gardens. It was such a peaceful spot to sit by the river before carrying on to Westgate Towers. If you’ve got a bit more time, a punting tour along the river looks like a lovely way to see the city from a different perspective.
For food, I’d recommend The Goods Shed if you enjoy local produce, Cafe des Amis for Mexican food, Tiny Tim’s Tearoom for coffee and cake, or The Refectory Kitchen for brunch.
Finish the Day in Tankerton
Before heading back to London, I made a stop in Tankerton, and I’m so glad I did. It was much quieter than I expected, with colourful beach huts, lovely sea views and a really relaxing atmosphere. It felt like the perfect way to end the day.
Of course, I couldn’t leave without getting fish and chips from Ossie’s Best Fish & Chips. The portions were generous, everything tasted fresh, and eating by the seafront made it even better. The shop is wheelchair accessible too, which is always good to see.
A Few Tips
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Wear comfortable trainers as you’ll be walking most of the day.
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Bring a reusable water bottle and help keep the city clean by using the recycling bins around town.
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Most of Canterbury is easy to explore on foot, although some of the historic streets are cobbled, so comfortable footwear is a must.
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If the weather’s nice, leave yourself enough time to enjoy Tankerton instead of rushing straight back to London.
It was my first time visiting Canterbury, but it definitely won’t be my last. It has a bit of everything, history, great food, independent shops and a lovely coastline nearby. If you’re after an easy day trip from London, I’d genuinely recommend adding it to your list.