Getting to Canterbury from London
The train is the practical option. Southeastern Highspeed services run from St Pancras International (45–55 minutes) and London Bridge (55–65 minutes) directly to Canterbury West. A slower but cheaper option runs from Charing Cross or Victoria via Ashford. There is no direct coach route that competes on time — the train wins on every metric.
| Option | Route | Duration | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train — Southeastern Highspeed | St Pancras International → Canterbury West (direct) | 45–55 min | £28–45 return | Fastest option, direct to city centre |
| Train — Southeastern | London Bridge → Canterbury West (1 change at Ashford) | 55–70 min | £28–45 return | Departures from London Bridge |
| Train — via Ashford | Charing Cross / Victoria → Canterbury East via Ashford | 1h30–2h | £20–35 return | Budget option, slower but cheapest |
| Coach — National Express | Victoria Coach Station → Canterbury Bus Station | 1h45–2h30 | £10–22 | Budget travellers, departures outside rail hours |
| Day tour from London | Hotel pickup or Victoria departure → Canterbury + White Cliffs of Dover | Full day (~10 hrs) | £100–140 | Combining Canterbury with the White Cliffs of Dover in one day with transport included |
What to Do in Canterbury
Canterbury's compact city centre is walkable from both Canterbury West and Canterbury East stations. The main sights — the cathedral, St Augustine's Abbey, St Martin's Church, and the medieval city walls — are all within a 15-minute walk of each other. A full day allows you to see everything at a comfortable pace; a half-day works if you're focused.
Canterbury Cathedral
The cathedral is the centrepiece. Founded in 597 AD when Augustine arrived from Rome, it became one of the most important pilgrimage sites in medieval Christendom after the murder of Thomas Becket in 1170. The cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside St Augustine's Abbey and St Martin's Church. Allow 2–2.5 hours inside and in the precincts. Tickets from £13 for adults, £11 for concessions. Arrive before 10:00 on weekends — tour groups begin arriving by mid-morning.
St Augustine's Abbey & St Martin's Church
St Augustine's Abbey, founded in 598 AD, is the burial site of Augustine of Canterbury and a ruin that gives a clearer picture of monastic architecture than the later rebuilt cathedral. St Martin's Church, slightly outside the city walls, is the oldest church in the English-speaking world still in regular use. Both are within 10 minutes' walk of the cathedral. Combined admission with the cathedral costs £21.50 for adults.
The King's School & City Walls
The King's School, founded in 597 AD, claims to be the oldest continuously operating school in the world. Its cathedral entrance on The Precincts is worth a look. The medieval city walls, dating largely from the 14th century, can be walked in sections — the eastern section from the Old Gate to the Boatyard is the most intact and gives views over the Stour Valley.
The Crooked House & High Street
The Crooked House on the High Street is a 14th-century timber-framed building famous for its severely leaning upper storeys — a result of centuries of subsidence on the clay subsoil. The surrounding High Street has a mix of chain shops and independent retailers. For something more distinctive, walk down the lanes leading to the Westgate Towers and browse the independent shops around Waterman's and Orange streets.
Canterbury Day Tours from London
Canterbury by train is straightforward. These tours are for visitors who want to combine Canterbury with the White Cliffs of Dover, or who prefer a guided experience with transport included.
Plan Your Canterbury Day Trip
Beyond the cathedral and the main sights, here's what you need to know to plan a practical day.
- Getting around: Canterbury is fully walkable — both stations are a 10-minute walk from the cathedral. There is no need for buses or taxis within the city centre.
- When to arrive: If visiting the cathedral, aim to be there by 09:30 on weekdays, 10:00 on weekends. Tour groups from London begin arriving around 10:30 on Saturdays and Sundays.
- Cathedral dress code: Shoulders and knees must be covered inside the cathedral. This is strictly enforced. Bring a layer — the cathedral interior is cold even in summer.
- Combined cathedral ticket: The £21.50 combined ticket (cathedral + St Augustine's + St Martin's) is better value than buying separately. Available at any of the three sites or online in advance.
- Parking: Do not drive into Canterbury city centre on a day trip. Park at the Park and Ride at New Dover Road (or any of the three city car parks) and walk in. The Park and Ride is £4 per day.
- Eating: The cathedral area has a cluster of pubs and cafés on the High Street and The Alhambra near the Westgate. For something better than touriststandard, walk 5 minutes to Castle Street or the King's Mile area for independent restaurants and wine bars.
- Kent gardens nearby: For visitors extending their day, Howletts and Bekesbourne Park Gardens (15 minutes by bus from Canterbury) are worth considering. Howletts is a wildlife park; Bekesbourne is a RHS-partnered garden with extensive plantings.