London is one of the most visited travel destinations in the world. It is also home to some of the most recognizable landmarks like the London Eye, Big Ben and the Tower of London. However, we often forget that there is much to explore outside the city limits as well. The outskirts of London offer a plethora of picturesque destinations that are truly worth visiting. One such destination is the cathedral town of Canterbury, immersed in history and culture. With its ancient buildings, stunning cathedral and scenic landscapes, a day trip from London to Canterbury should not be missed.
Day Trips From London To Canterbury - In A Nutshell
Here's everything you need to know for your day trip from London to Canterbury!
Best Time to Visit Canterbury
May to September
Distance from London to Canterbury
87 Km
Travel Duration
1.5 Hours
Cheapest Way to Travel from London to Canterbury
By Bus
Fastest Way to Travel from London to Canterbury
By Train
Guided Tours
Available
Why Take A Day Trip From London To Canterbury?
An Ideal Day Trip Destination from London
A mere 100 km away from London, Canterbury can be reached in under 2 hours by public transport. To make your journey even easier, there are high-speed trains that will take you to Canterbury in just 50 minutes. Owing to its convenient location and great public transport connectivity, Canterbury is ideal for a day trip from London.
Historic Relevance
This city holds great historical significance as well. It was here in Canterbury that St. Augustine, the Apostle to the English, founded the Christian church. His burial place, St. Augustine’s Abbey, along with the famous Canterbury Cathedral and St. Martin’s Church have been included in the list of UNESCO Heritage Sites.
Great Places to Visit Nearby
Canterbury is surrounded by picturesque little towns that you should not miss out on. Whitstable is a seaside town known for its delicious oyster dishes while Herne Bay is perfect for a picnic on a sunny afternoon. Both are located a mere stone's throw away from Cantebury and would make the perfect addition to your London to Cantebury day trip.
How To Reach Canterbury From London - All Your Options Listed
Whether you're planning to travel via public transport, indulge in a road trip or join an organized tour group, here are all your options for going from London to Canterbury.
By Train
Duration: 1.5 hours
Nearest station: Canterbury West, Canterbury East
London to Canterbury by train takes around 1.5 hours. Most of London’s popular stations such as St Pancras, Charing Cross and Victoria have several trains plying to Canterbury every day. Visitors can either get down at Canterbury East or Canterbury West and walk towards the city center.
By Bus
Duration: 2 hours
Nearest station: Canterbury Bus Station
London to Canterbury by bus takes a little more than 2 hours and is one of the cheapest modes of conveyance. You can catch the bus in London from Victoria Station, with connections to the Circle, Victoria, and District lines of the Underground. The bus stop in Canterbury is just a short walk away from the city center.
By Car
Duration: 2 hours
Although Canterbury is just an hour and a half away from London, navigating through the busy roads of London might become a problem. If you plan to cover only Canterbury on your day trip from London, it is better to use public transport and save yourself the hassles that come with bringing a car, including parking, gas prices, and tolls.
Guided Tours from London to Canterbury
Duration: 10 - 12 hours
A pre-booked day trip from London to Canterbury comes with transportation included, which is perfect if you are looking for a budget-friendly option. Similarly, day trips tend to be extensive and are often conducted by local guides who are familiar with the region. This becomes especially important while visiting a city like Canterbury which has deep roots in history.
London To Canterbury Day Trip Experience
If you're looking for an all-inclusive guided tour from London to Canterbury and a few other neighboring towns, here is our top pick. This day trip is economical and allows you to cover maximum ground over a day with a finely articulated itinerary! Check it out.
Things To Do In Canterbury In A Day
Canterbury Cathedral
Considered to be the oldest church in England, the Canterbury Cathedral has been a place of worship for over 1500 years. Founded by the first Archbishop of Canterbury St. Augustine, the cathedral has become a historical landmark over the years.
St. John Boys House
St. John Boys House, popularly known as the Crooked House of Canterbury is one of the many unique experiences this historic town holds. With its lopsided appearance, it seems as if the house is about to fall over. Today, it is home to a bookshop that raises money for the poor.
Stour Boat Trip
One of the main tourist attractions of Canterbury, the Stour river offers a unique opportunity for visitors to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The Canterbury Historic River Tours company provides 40-minute boating trips from the months of March to October, a must-try for all those who love the outdoors.
Westgate Garden
Complete with formal gardens and picnic sites, the Westgate Gardens is one of England’s oldest parks. There is no better way to enjoy the great outdoors than to take a walk along the beautiful waterfront and grab a picnic lunch overlooking the Stour river. The best time to visit is during the spring, when the garden in full bloom.
St. Augustine's Abbey
Founded by St. Augustine, this abbey marks the rebirth of Christianity in England. Situated in the outer city, it is part of the Canterbury World Heritage Site. A visit to this impressive abbey will leave you marveling at the intricate stone carvings and other historic artifacts on display.
Cantebury Tales Guided Tour
Travel back in time to 14th century England and watch Geoffrey Chaucer’s characters from his famous Canterbury Tales come to life before your eyes. This tour is a great way to learn about the city and the stories surrounding it and takes you to all the major landmarks.
Where To Eat In Canterbury
The medieval town of Canterbury is full of quaint little cafes and eateries. If you are wondering where to eat in Canterbury, here are our top picks for the best restaurants in the city.
A fine-dine restaurant that runs completely on local produce, Kathton House is famous for its local as well as continental cuisine. Everything is homemade here, from oven-fresh breakfast rolls to desserts.
This tiny French cafe is a local favorite and serves delicious pastries, baguette and cakes. They have a small garden-front seating area, which is the perfect place to unwind after a long day of sightseeing.
Located in a historic 18th-century building, this Italian restaurant offers a wide variety of gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian dishes. They also have an extensive dessert menu featuring ice creams, pastries, cheesecakes and more.
A cozy restaurant located at the heart of the village, they have a locally sourced menu that changes according to the seasonal availability of ingredients. This intimate restaurant is perfect for a romantic dinner after a day in Canterbury.
Consider Before Going On A Day Trip From London To Canterbury
Here are some factors you need to consider before embarking on a day trip to Canterbury from London.
Best time to visit
The months from May to September are considered to be the ideal time to visit Canterbury. May and June are pleasantly warm and perfect for sightseeing. July and August, however, tend to be quite hot as well as busy. If you are visiting Canterbury during these months, expect a large crowd. The temperature starts dropping in September, with the onset of autumn.
Guided vs Self-guided tours
The months from May to September are considered to be the ideal time to visit Canterbury. May and June are pleasantly warm and perfect for sightseeing. July and August, however, tend to be quite hot as well as busy. If you are visiting Canterbury during these months, expect a large crowd. The temperature starts dropping in September, with the onset of autumn.
Quick Tips For Your London To Canterbury Day Trip
- Visit the lesser known attractions: Since Canterbury Cathedral is undoubtedly the most popular attraction of the city, visitors often miss out on the other lesser-known but equally worthwhile attractions such as the Greyfriars Chapel and the Rochester Castle.
- Visiting Canterbury Cathedral: While visiting the cathedral, keep in mind that it is one of the most popular attractions of Canterbury. This means that it tends to get quite crowded on most days.
- Avoid sundays: The Canterbury Cathedral is closed to the public on most Sundays.
- Age old breweries: Kent is home to some of the oldest breweries of Britain. Don’t forget to check them out on your day trip to Canterbury.
