Canterbury Area Guide

One of the most renowned historical destinations in the UK, Canterbury combines the best in ancient and modern attractions. Property in Canterbury offers you all the vibrancy of a bustling city centre yet allows for an easy getaway into the nearby Kent countryside.

Welcome to Canterbury

Canterbury is bursting with must-see attractions, from its iconic cathedral and Beaney House museum to the Marlowe Theatre and St Augustine’s Abbey. But it’s much more than just a tourist town, with peaceful riverside walks on the doorstep and plenty of shops, bars and restaurants where you can relax and unwind.

Why Canterbury is ideal for families

One thing that often attracts families to purchase property in Canterbury is the excellent array of local schools. The city is home to both the University of Kent and Canterbury Christ Church University, but there’s plenty of options for younger kids, including Simon Langton Grammar School, Barton Court Grammar School and the independent King's School. For infants, there’s a choice of well-regarded schools, including Sturry Church of England primary, Blean primary and Adisham Church of England primary.

Getting around in Canterbury

Canterbury has excellent transport links to London, with regular trains to St Pancras and journey times of under one hour. You’ll also find frequent services to London Victoria and nearby Maidstone. The M2 connects Canterbury with destinations including Dartford, while the A2 leads south towards Dover and the coast.

A short history of Canterbury

The cathedral at Canterbury is one of the most important religious sites in the UK and traces its foundations back to the 6th century. Today you can tour the cathedral and see the spot where Archbishop Thomas Becket was murdered in 1170, as well as the stunning medieval stained-glass windows and other historic features, including a Romanesque crypt.

Canterbury and the great outdoors

Canterbury is perhaps most famous for its historic attractions, but there are plenty of ways to enjoy the great outdoors here, too. A punting trip along the River Stour offers a unique view of the city and its surroundings, with chauffeured tours and group bookings available for special occasions. For animal lovers, there’s Howletts Wildlife Park which is home to endangered creatures from around the world, including African elephants, gorillas, leopards and more.

Food and Leisure in Canterbury

Property in Canterbury benefits from all the amenities you’d expect in a thriving city, including pubs, bars and excellent nightlife – it is a student town, after all. The Whitefriars Shopping Centre is packed with big-name fashion stores, while other areas such as the King's Mile are home to quirky independent boutiques. And when it comes to food and drink, national chains such as Wetherspoon's are well-represented, along with independent eateries such as The Pig at Bridge Place and Café Des Ami, which serves up delicious Mexican cuisine.