Hotels in Canterbury

Canterbury: Cathedral City on the Great Stour

Canterbury sits on the River Great Stour in Kent, 62 miles south-east of London, and has drawn pilgrims since the murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket in Canterbury Cathedral in 1170. The cathedral, founded in 597 AD by St Augustine, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside St Augustine's Abbey and St Martin's Church — the oldest parish church in England still in use. The medieval city walls, originally Roman, encircle a compact centre where Burgate, Mercery Lane, and the Butter Market survive largely intact.

Where to Stay in Canterbury

Most hotels cluster within or just outside the city walls, placing guests a short walk from the cathedral precincts. The St Dunstan's area west of the Westgate Towers suits travellers arriving by car; the St George's quarter near the bus station offers mid-range options. A handful of boutique guesthouses occupy Georgian townhouses along New Dover Road to the south-east.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: High-speed trains from London St Pancras reach Canterbury West in 56 minutes; regular services from London Victoria take around 90 minutes to Canterbury East.
• Getting around: The walled centre is walkable; the cathedral is under 10 minutes on foot from either station.
• Timing: The city is busiest in July and August; the Canterbury Festival in October draws theatre and music audiences for two weeks.
• Day trips: Whitstable harbour is 7 miles north-west; the White Cliffs of Dover are 16 miles south-east.