With its cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses, Canterbury is filled with Medieval charm. A Canterbury day trip involves learning about the Roman influence in the town, visiting one of the most famous Cathedrals in England, and seeing some amazing architecture. Use our one day Canterbury Itinerary to help you plan your trip!

You’ll find plenty of things to do in Canterbury to fill up your day, and since it is less than a 2-hour train ride from London, you can easily leave in the morning and be back before dark!

Many have an idea as to what they might find in Canterbury, based on the words Chaucer left behind in his Canterbury Tales.

The tales give you a great perspective on what life was like during the Middle Ages.

If you haven’t read it, The Canterbury Tales is based on the humorous stories that 29 pilgrims tell as they travel with the narrator to the shrine of Christian martyr Saint Thomas Becket in Canterbury.

I would highly recommend you read at least a few of the tales prior to your trip!

But that is only part of the history of Canterbury. This area actually dates back to the time of the Romans, and you will find evidence of this during your time here.

How to Have a Perfect One Day in Canterbury

Our one day Canterbury itinerary will allow you to learn all about the history of the town, along with giving you time to explore on your own.

Historic Walking Tour of Canterbury

One thing we did in advance of our Canterbury day trip was book a historic walking tour of the town.

Our Canterbury tour guide grew up in Canterbury and had a wealth of knowledge about everything from architecture to the town’s history.

The Canterbury tour was a little over an hour, with lots of walking, but it was a great way to learn the history of the town.

Christ Church Gate

Before heading to Canterbury Cathedral, be sure to take some time to look at the details on Christ Church Gate.

Built during the early 16th century (there are discrepancies on the exact date). The speculation is that Christ Church Gate was built in honor of Prince Arthur, Henry VIII’s elder brother.

Arthur was to have become king, but he died at age 16 (after marrying Catherine of Aragon) in 1501, leaving the throne (and his wife) to Henry VIII.

Canterbury Cathedral

Canterbury Cathedral is the Mother Church of the Anglican Communion and the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, one of only two in England.

It was erected in 597 above ancient Roman ruins, but had to be rebuilt beginning in 1070 due to the Norman Conquest and subsequent fires.

The Cathedral is built in Caen stone from France, which gives the building a cream color.

It is a place where pilgrims have journeyed since the Middle Ages (hence the Canterbury Tales), and its history includes such atrocities as raids by foreign lands and the murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket under the orders of King Henry II.

The choir and chapel at the far end were rebuilt 1175-84 after a fire destroyed much of the original ceiling and stonework.

It was at this time that it was decided to extend the original axial chapel to contain a shrine of St Thomas Becket (which was later destroyed due to the orders of King Henry VIII). 

You will find some of the most beautiful stained glass in all of England.

Much of the stained glass dates back to the 10th century and was an important part of the worship of those who could not read.

Often, the stained glass tells Biblical stories in a visual way since early Christians in England did not know how to read.

Also inside Canterbury Cathedral are several tombs, with only one being of a king. You will find Henry IV, the 1st Lancastrian king, and his 2nd wife, Joanna of Navarre.

Be sure to give yourself plenty of time inside this church to explore its beauty because there are amazing pieces of artwork and one-of-a-kind Medieval details throughout.

Don’t miss seeing the Perpetual Candle in Canterbury Cathedral.

“All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good people to do nothing.”

It burns in remembrance for those who have come before us and those who are currently being persecuted for their beliefs.

You will want to make sure you visit the crypt area beneath the church. Built in 1077, it is the oldest surviving part of Canterbury Cathedral.

It opens around 10 am, and it is a neat place to explore. You will find 12th-century murals and wall carvings. Be advised that there is no photography in the crypt area.

St. Augustine’s Abbey

Just outside Canterbury Cathedral lies St. Augustine’s Abbey. The abbey, in its original form, was built as a mission to bring Christianity to England.

Unfortunately, like many other abbeys at the time of Henry VIII, it was abandoned, ransacked & left to collapse.

The Church of St Martin

Also nearby is another important church when it comes to the role of Christianity coming to England.

The Church of St Martin is the first church founded in England and the oldest parish church in continuous use.

It served as the private chapel of Queen Bertha of Kent in the 6th century (before Augustine arrived from Rome).

Along with Canterbury Cathedral and St. Augustine’s Abbey, this church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Grounds of King’s School

Just a short walk away from Canterbury Cathedral is the oldest school in all of England.

Founded by St. Augustine shortly after arriving at Canterbury, the school, which is now known as King’s School, was formerly run by the monks with the funding of Henry VIII (until the dissolution of Monasteries, leaving the school without the monks who at that time were teachers).

The Crooked House

There is something quite charming about the Gothic architecture in Canterbury.

Near the end of Palace Street is a house that appears quite lopsided. Named The Crooked House, this early 17th-century building features some pretty neat details outside of the crookedness.

If you look at the left cornice, you will see a carved Native American figure.

What makes this neat is that the building & figure predate the pilgrims arriving in Plymouth by several years.

It is just one of a few connections between Canterbury and the Americas.

Canterbury Roman Museum

Long before the Pilgrims, there were the Romans, and they left behind an immense amount of proof that they lived in Canterbury. You will find the Canterbury Roman museum, housing many artifacts found on Butchery Lane.

*You can get a discount if you book after the guided walking tour.

How to Get From London to Canterbury

• You can pick up the train from St.Pancreas and it will take you less than an hour.
• If you have rented a car, you will take A2 and M2 to Canterbury. The drive is about 1 1/2 hours.

Have you taken a Canterbury day trip? What were some of your favorite things to do in Canterbury?