Cathedral city..

In the Garden of England..

Canterbury’s past is as rich as it comes says the Lonely Planet guide to Britain - so much so that the city is home to England’s earliest known human settlers dating back 620,000 years! It’s a city so closely entwined with the story of England itself - it proudly tells Canterbury’s Tales of England at every opportunity. 

It’s even home to some world firsts; the world’s oldest school, the English speaking world’s oldest church and the world’s very first passenger railway and season ticket. Not to mention its thrilling literary links to England’s first female professional writer Aphra Behn, Ian Flemming’s James Bond, Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, Christopher Marlowe - and being home to not one, but to three World Heritage Sites!

This world-famous cathedral city was one of medieval Europe’s great places of pilgrimage after the infamous murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket in 1170. Today, the city bustles with international visitors, two thriving Universities and vibrant hospitality - serving the best of local Kentish food and drink. Less than an hour from London by high-speed train, people from all corners of the globe come to Canterbury for its world-class heritage, for culture and festivals, to study, to shop, to eat and enjoy its wealth of entertainment options, including its boldly modern Marlowe theatre that’s home to the best West End shows.

Canterbury has an intimate human scale, meaning you can explore from corner to corner with ease, uncovering a trail of hidden Story Gardens, enticing medieval alleyways and the splash of oars on the narrow, gently flowing River Stour. You may be in the city but you get a distinct sense of being in the Garden of England too. Beautiful countryside and the coast are just a stones throw from the city with Whitstable and its world-famous oysters, the White Cliffs of Dover and trendy Margate on its doorstep - making Canterbury the perfect base to explore the entire county of Kent and to learn about England’s magical story.

  • Visit Canterbury

    Visit, study, and explore the beautiful medieval city of Canterbury, England. Get inspiration for your next visit, and plan your trip with Visit Canterbury

  • The Pig at Bridge Place

    An intriguing boutique hotel with a rock-n-roll vibe, which over the past four decades has been home to some renowned parties and gigs playing host in the ‘70s to Led Zeppelin and the like.

    15 minute drive from The Pound

    It houses lots of period features, including large fireplaces, secret stairways, panelled rooms and endless nooks and crannies.

  • Westgate Punts

    Westgate Punts is an independent operator offering relaxing chauffeured river punt trips on the Great Stour river.

    1 minute walk from The Pound

    Meander through tranquil gardens and countryside with an abundance of wildlife. Historic City Trips are also available – discover Canterbury’s history and changing skyline.

  • Westgate Gardens

    A delightful stretch of recreational land which follows the Great Stour river from the heart of Canterbury’s busy city centre into the countryside.

    1 minute walk from The Pound

    They begin in picturesque formal gardens and wind through picnic sites and a children’s play area to water meadows and an ancient nature reserve island.

  • Westgate One

    Westgate One is a brand new student accommodation development in the heart of Canterbury. Quiet, secure AND close to all the action.

    1 minute from The Pound

    With over 100 stylish studios in amongst a quiet landscaped courtyard setting, you can enjoy an opulent and contemporary student living experience.

  • Curzon Cinema

    Characterful and meticulously designed, Curzon Canterbury perfectly matches the historical city it resides in.

    2 minute walk from The Pound

    The cinema, which is located just off the high street, was once a local community hall and continues to warmly welcome the public. Its cosy, comfortable lobby has an extensive library for those who want to flick through a book before or after their film – as well as a piano our guests are encouraged to play – and the screens themselves are similarly inviting

  • Marlowe Theatre

    The Marlowe Theatre is Kent’s major large-scale theatre and engine house for the performing arts in the region.

    4 minute walk from The Pound

    Situated in the centre of the beautiful cathedral city of Canterbury, it presents a year-round programme of touring theatre, musicals, dance, opera, music and comedy. It is committed to empowering young people through the arts, nurturing regional creative talent, developing skills and enriching the creative lives of audiences and communities in Kent.

  • Westgate Hall

    Westgate Hall is a vibrant community venue. A place where village meets city and everyone is welcome.

    2 minute walk from The Pound

    Spacious, distinctive, adaptable – the bright, airy 360-square-metre venue is located right in the heart of Canterbury city’s vibrant centre, with an adjacent car park.