Canterbury Cathedral is a cradle of English Christianity, one of the oldest cathedral in UK and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Whether you are focussed on religious travel, or history or simply sightseeing, a visit to Canterbury Cathedral is a must!
Canterbury Cathedral – Cradle of English Christianity
Canterbury Cathedral is a prominent symbol of English history. Hence, it has been called as the cradle of English Christianity. The magnificent cathedral is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The cathedral has been receiving visitors from Middle Ages. Since then, many pilgrims and tourists have visited this mecca. Some for spiritual purposes and some for tourist reasons.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link. For more information, please check our privacy policy
A brief history of Canterbury Cathedral
It is said that St.Augustine arrived in 597 AD as a missionary. He then founded the cathedral within the Roman city walls. He was made the first archbishop of Canterbury, and since then there were daily prayers and offerings to God by the local community.
Centuries later, Thomas Becket who was the then Archibishop of Canterbury from 1162 was murdered by Henry II of England over a conflict. The flow of pilgrims around the world increased after this event.
Complete Guide to Visiting Canterbury Cathedral
Grand Architecture of the Cathedral
As you enter the cathedral through the imposing gates, you can see the grand wooden door with intricate work. The ceilings at the entrance is attractive enough to not miss. So is the magnificent Gothic architecture of the Cathedral.
One of the most spectacular part of Canterbury Cathedral is its Gothic lien vault. It is an architectural term of tertiary rib spanning between two other ribs.
The massive crypt beneath the east end of cathedral is another interesting part. It features Romanesque murals and carved pillars. In the above picture you can see the tomb of Archbishop Morton. He was also a cardinal and archbishop until his death in 1486. He was also renowned as financial administrator. As his wish, he was buried before the altar of Our Lady Undercroft (background).
This is the picture of St.Michael’s Chapel which was rebuilt in 1440 after the previous chapel was demolished. This is one of the most beautiful corner of the cathedral.
The beautiful masonry on the exterior walls of the cathedral are not to be missed out. The statues include greatest of the archbishops, influential kings and queens who were connected with the cathedral.
Here’s a short video we put together that captures the interiors of the cathedral.
Practical Information
- Canterbury is a historic city and a UNESCO designated site located in the district of Kent along River Stour. It is about 55 miles from London. Canterbury is also one of the popular day tour option from London.
- The cathedral is located right in the middle of Canterbury city centre. Roughly about 5-10 minute walk from railway station/bus stop. Car parking is available around the cathedral but can be really crowded all through the year.
- Parts of the cathedral may be closed for service or other events or restoration. It is best to check the website before visiting the cathedral.
- It is free entry to walk around the cathedral gardens, but to enter the cathedral there is an entrance fee.
- If you are really keen in exploring the cathedral, it is advisable to take the audio guide
- It is best to avoid visiting during Sundays, and peak holiday season, as it can get really crowded. Alternatively, you can reach the cathedral early (check opening timings in their website) to avoid the crowd.
Other Places To Visit In Canterbury
Canterbury Historic River Tours: The tour offers boat trips on River Stour. The tour provides history about the town, passes through old timber houses and gardens, and also through the massive Westgate.
Westgate city walls: The 60-foot high westgate is supposedly the largest and surviving gate in England. The gate was built circa 1379 is certainly well reserved and is Canterbury’s distinctive landmark. The westgate gardens are located alongside the gatehouse and is one of England’s oldest parks. Plenty of green open space, walking paths along the river and is certainly one not to be missed out.
Where to stay in Canterbury
Although Canterbury is a perfect choice of day trip from London, we highly recommend spending atleast two days here, to be able to explore Canterbury and surrounding regions. Many people keep Canterbury as a base to explore Kentish towns or White Cliffs of Dover.
There are a variety of accommodation choices ranging from boutique stays, luxury apartments and budget friendly hotels. Here’s our top hotel recommendations on a combination of comfort, luxury and budget, and they are located in the centre of the Canterbury. Alternatively, search here for more options.
| BEST HOTLES IN CANTERBURY Abode Canterbury House of Agnes Canterbury Cathedral Lodge Harriet House B & B Ebury Cottages & Apartments |
Where to Eat Vegan/Vegetarian Food in Canterbury
Surprisingly for a small historic city, Canterbury has a good amount of vegetarian and vegan restaurants. There are also restaurant chains like Carluchios, Zizzi, Ask Italian, and a lot of cafes that offer vegan milk options.
The Veg Box Cafe (only 2 minutes away from Canterbury Cathedral). The cafe serves fresh, organic vegetarian and vegan food ranging from Smoothie bowls, soups, buddha bowls that fits for both breakfast or lunch.
Chapter Canterbury (located on Burgate). Fresh, mouth watery pizzas made with sour dough, the restaurant offers vegan versions of pizza, and plenty of vegetarian options to choose from the menu.
Azouma (near Cathedral). If you are looking for alternate cuisine, try this Middle Eastern/Moroccan restaurant. They serve vegan mezze, vegan falafel, hummus, baba ghanoush, stuffed vine leaves, flat breads, vegan couscous, traditional salads. Quiet a variety to relish.
| CHECK OUT OUR TOP TRAVEL RESOURCES BELOW ✈️ Find the best flights flights with Googleflights or Jet2 🏡 Find affordable accommodations on Booking.com and Tripadvisor 🚙 Book your car with EuropCar Rentals 🚆 Book your train journeys with Eurail or Interrail 🚌 Check out the best bus fares in MegaBus 💚 Get reliable travel insurance from World Nomads 📷 Search tours from GetYourGuide or Viator 🏖️ Check the latest holiday deals with Easyjet Holidays and Lastminute Check out the latest adventure travel deals on G Adventures 💻 Check your visa requirement on iVisa |
You will love reading these posts too!
- Guide to visiting 15 National Parks in UK
- 25 best National Trust attractions in England
- Best AONBs (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) in UK
- Best Christmas Markets in UK
- Things to do in Whitby on a weekend
- 8 things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon
- Weekend Getaway in Conwy
- Things to do in Largs on a weekend
Don’t Miss A Thing!
Subscribe here and keep updated with our latest travels, new posts, travel tips, destination guides and plenty of travel inspiration!
Like It? Pin It!
CONNECT WITH US | FACEBOOK| INSTAGRAM| PINTEREST | YOUTUBE| TWITTER
This article is now available as a mobile app. Go to GPSmyCity to download the app for GPS-assisted travel directions to the attractions featured in this article.
Jennifer P
Great photos! We visited Canterbury in July on a short weekend break from London and really enjoyed ourselves. I love how the city is anchored around the cathedral.
countryhoppingcouple
Oh that's good to know Jennifer. It's such a beautiful city, we visited on an overcast day in May, didn't get time to do anything else than the Cathedral. The canal side was pretty as well. Did you go around the boat ride?
R Niranjan Das
Such a majestic cathedral. Well captured.
countryhoppingcouple
Thanks Niranjan for all the encouraging words!
Subhadip Mukherjee
Beautiful photography and an equally beautiful place..
Yogi Saraswat
amazing pictures and very handsome photography !!
Brittany Longden
wow – stunning architecture. Great photos.
Sarah
Fascinating and great photos! I visited 15 years ago or so but don’t remember it being so HUGE! I cannot believe the work that went into producing such a cathedral. I always visit not too far from Canterbury to visit family, I may have to make a visit back here next time!
Jay Artale
Thanks for the history lesson, I hadn’t realized what an important role St.Augustine played in this cathedral. So interesting to think about someone this iconic being involved in one of the UKs most prominent and recognizable buildings.
Jay Artale recently posted…Building Community during our Cambodia Workaway
Laura
The architecture inside those old cathedrals is always so impressive. And the mix of eras makes it even more interesting.
Lissa
What stunning architecture. The UK and Europe have so many gorgeous UNESCO World Heritage sites to visit- I hope we can check this one off our list someday!
Kelly
I love visiting these historic and grand cathedrals in the UK and Europe! I have not been able to visit the Canterbury Cathedral yet but it is definitely on my list! Reminds me of the Bath Abbey 🙂
Polly
Love your photos – they are so beautiful! The UK has so many beautiful cathedrals. Unfortunately, I have not been to this one, but for my next trip to England I am certainly adding it to the list!
Rebecca
Cathedrals are so stunning to visit.
May Durkee
What a stunning Cathedral. I love the details on your pictures, it makes me feel like I was there 🙂 Thank you!
May Durkee recently posted…How To Make The Best Of Your Time In Dublin In 2 Days
Lana
Ahh!! Love this post! Although I actually don’t live that far from Cantebury, I’ve never visited! I have heard so many wonderful things about the architecture and this post proves that it’s a must see!!
Shay
Thanks for all the info! Saving this for my trip to London early next year.
Hannah
Canterbury Cathedral looks spectacular! I’m not sure why I’ve never managed to visit. I’ve been looking for some staycation inspiration so this is perfect! I can’t wait to see the beautiful vault ceiling and stained glass windows in person. Thanks for the wonderful guide!
Pam
I was only in Canterbury for a short time, and only saw the Cathedral from the outside. Your pictures make me feel like I am there! I love the architecture.
Kanupriyaa
I have always loved cathedrals like this. They look so magical with their big windows and archways. This is an awesome guide to visit Canterbury Cathedral!
Bolupe
I have always admired the architecture and design of Canterbury Cathedral on TV. I have never been but you have inspired me to go down to Canterbury one of these weekends to see Canterbury Cathedral.
Justine
The long history of this cathedral has me in awe. Plus the architectural detail of this building is sooo beautiful and intricate. I just find it creepy that there are people buried in this building just like in any other churches/cathedrals. I just hope that there are no entrance fees in cathedrals because it is a place of worship.
Justine recently posted…State Library of Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Digitaldaybook
Wow gorgeous cathedral and history! Thanks for sharing I love learning about the UNESCO spots around the world