A Day Trip From London to Canterbury

Looking for a day trip from London that combines fascinating Medieval architecture, exciting English history, charming small city atmosphere and one of the UK’s most awe-inspiring cathedrals? Get yourself on a train to Canterbury!

Canterbury is perfect for a day trip from London – with direct trains taking less than an hour. The the city centre itself is compact enough to be walkable, but with enough to do to easily fill your day.

I’ve actually been to Canterbury twice – once on a day trip while I was at Uni, and more recently, during a UK ‘staycation’ where we explored the north of Kent. On both visits, I loved the lively buzz of the timbered streets; with wonky doors leading to fascinating treasures at every turn.

This guide shares the best things to do on a Canterbury day trip, alongside tips on how to get there, how to save money on attractions and, all importantly, where to eat!

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Cobbled street in Canterbury, with an ornate cathedral at the end

Red brick three story building facade, with a pub sign 'Black Griffin' above the doors

Getting to Canterbury from London

Hourly direct trains from London St Pancras take around 55 minutes to get to Canterbury West, and return prices start at £33.60.

There’s a coach service that runs from London Victoria, but this takes a minimum of 2hrs and unless you’re booking way in advance, doesn’t actually save you much – so I’d recommend getting the train to maximise your day out time!

I’d also recommend arriving in Canterbury early – we got there at around 10am on a Sunday and had free roam of the streets before the coach tours began arriving.

Alternatively, you could combine a day trip to Canterbury with a weekend seaside break like we did – the charming beach town of Whitstable is only 20 minutes’ drive away. Read up on how to spend a day in Whitstable, including the best shopping, pubs and places to eat!

Canterbury entrance gate with two turrets and an England flag

Things to do in Canterbury

In the morning, I’d recommend heading towards the cathedral as an early stop to beat the majority of the tour and school groups.

On your way, you’ll take in the medieval streets of the old city. We enjoyed taking in the timbered, wonky buildings at our own pace; but to learn more about the city’s ancient history, you can join a guided Medieval Walking Tour.

Marvel at Canterbury Cathedral

Canterbury Cathedral is one of the country’s most famous religious landmarks; and definitely one of the most spectacular I’ve seen!

For nearly five centuries, England’s oldest cathedral has been the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the spiritual head of the Church of England. With towering spires and impressive stained glass windows, the cathedral is a wonder of architecture, inside and out.

During your visit, you can explore the 12th century crypt, stand in the spot where Thomas Beckett was assassinated, wander the Great Cloisters and take in the sweeping 14th century Nave.

To skip the line for tickets, book yours in advance.

Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm; Sun 11.30-5pm
Admission Fee: Adult tickets cost £17.50 – £21, depending on time of year you’re visiting. Entry is free for under 18s and Universal Credit recipients (proof required). Included in the Canterbury World Heritage Pass (£26 for three attractions)

Exterior entrance to Canterbury cathedral complex, with a large door, small windows and two small turrets

Large cathedral in Canterbury with spires

Explore the ruins of St Augustine’s Abbey

The foundations of St. Augustine’s Abbey date back to 598, functioning as a Benedictine monastery until the mid-1500s. Although the Abbey was dissolved and dismantled, restoration of the ruins allows visitors to walk in the footsteps of St. Augustine’s monks.

While you’re nearby, swing by to see St Augustine’s Conduit House – an original Medieval water supply drain. It’s not huge, and a little hidden, but worth a peek if you’re interested in Medieval history.

Opening Times: 10am-5pm
Admission Fee: £14 – reduced prices for children and concessions. Free entry for English Heritage Members. Included in the Canterbury World Heritage Pass (£26 for three attractions)

Take a punt on the Great Stour

Thought punting was just a Cambridge thing? Guess again! Sit back and relax as you gently glide past medieval architecture, and learn more about the city’s history with an expert commentary from the boat’s chauffeur.

Prices for a shared 45 minute tour with Canterbury Punting start range from £20-£35 per adult, depending on time of day (early morning and weekday prices are cheaper). For groups of up to 10, you can also book a private punting tour.

Pick-up & Drop-off Location: Water Lane
Departure times: 10am-5pm, although tours may run earlier or later during the summer months.

White and black timbered building alongside a narrow city river, with a more modern brick building on the other side

View from below of medieval building front with window and rooftop in Canterbury

Go shopping for vintage treasures and quirky gifts

One of the things we loved about Canterbury is that alongside your usual city centre stores, you’ll also find a world of independent boutiques to pick up clothing, homewares, gifts and more.

We raided Superstore Vintage for some classic Adidas, and if you’re a vintage fiend you can also rummage for gems at Retro Remix, Karma vintage, or one of the city’s numerous charity shop outlets.

Explore the world of gaming across the eras at Level Up Games; shop for contemporary gifts at Wrapped!; head through the wonky door of Catching Lives Bookstore for a new read, and discover unique fair trade gifts from around the world at Siesta Crafts.

For the foodies: feel the melt of Parisian style fine chocolate on your tongue at Madame Oiseau, and sip the very best English wines at Corkk.

Rails of colourful clothing in a vintage store in Canterbury

A t-shirt hanging on display in a window in a vintage shop. Above it, a fish eye style mirror reflects a man and woman taking a photo of the mirror

Step into medieval storytelling at the Canterbury Tales Exhibit

Chaucer’s 13th century Canterbury Tales come to life at this immersive exhibit, ideal for families and literature lovers. I visited on my first trip to Canterbury while I was at uni, and since then, the exhibition has undertaken a major redesign, using technology to take visitors on a pilgrim’s journey through medieval England.

Opening Times: 9.30am-5pm
Admission Fee: £27.95 (adults), reduced prices for children and concessions

Explore museums and galleries

Hit the highlights and have more time to spare? Check out Canterbury’s museums, including two completely free options!

The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge: Local heritage, history, art and culture.
- Open daily 10am-5pm
- Free admission
Canterbury Roman Museum: Ancient local history housed in the remains of an original Roman Town House, with numerous artifacts including original mosaic floors
- Open daily 10am-5pm
- Adult admission £11
Westgate Towers Museum & Viewpoint: Historic museum in England’s largest surviving medieval gateway
- Open Sun-Fri 12-4pm
- Adult admission £4
Kent Museum of Freemasonry: Learn more about the world’s oldest and largest fraternal organization.
- Opening times vary by month – check their website for more information
- Free admission

Eating & Drinking in Canterbury

It was my boyfriend’s birthday when we visited, so we treated ourselves to an upmarket pub meal at The Shepherd, a really charming old-world pub with a maze of rooms and a cathedral-side courtyard. Pub grub in Canterbury definitely errs on the expensive side, but the burgers we had were delicious and we also tucked in to some amazing loaded fries (we ordered the large, but a regular would have been fine to share between two!)

Looking for other options to enjoy some lunch or dinner? Check these out:

Lady Luck – a rock and roll pub in a Tudor era building with a menu of pub classics including extensive vegetarian and vegan options.
Seafarer – make the most of the city’s proximity to the ocean with fresh battered fish and some proper British chippy chips.
The Foundry – brewpub in an old Victorian foundry, selling craft beers and pub grub with locally sourced ingredients.
The Refectory – much-loved Canterbury spot for breakfast, brunch and lunch.
Saint Smokeys – family run BBQ smokehouse with a Caribbean twist.
The Veg Box Cafe – vegetarian and vegan breakfast and lunch spot, close to the cathedral.

On a budget? Grab some supermarket picnic food and head to Westgate Gardens for a cheap lunch in beautiful surroundings!

Couple sitting at an outdoor pub table, in front of the Canterbury Cathedral gate

A Day Trip From London to Canterbury

Getting to Canterbury from London