Historical eras overlap in Canterbury, where Chaucher’s tales echo in the air and where the past is always close at hand. Ringed by ancient Roman city walls, Canterbury is best known as the home of the UNESCO-listed Canterbury Cathedral, which dates to the sixth century and is the seat of the archbishop of Canterbury. But for all its history, Canterbury isn’t stuck in the past—its lively shopping streets, eclectic restaurants, cozy pubs, and sizable student population ensure an ongoing dynamism.
Autumn is an excellent time to visit Canterbury. It's when the Canterbury Festival, Kent’s international arts festival, draws visitors from far and wide, and when the town's historic pubs fill with life. Visit this area of Kent, known as the garden of England, in the summer high season to enjoy good weather and stroll inside its city walls, relax among Westgate Gardens' blooms, and make a side trip to coastal hubs like nearby Whitstable and Herne Bay.
Canterbury is served by two train stations, Canterbury West and Canterbury East, both of which link the city to London and other nearby hubs (from London, it is roughly a 1-hour direct train journey). A number of bus routes also operate in the city. That said, Canterbury's narrow alleys and historic shopping streets are best explored on foot or by bike.
Most travelers associate punting—traveling in gondola-like, flat-bottomed boats—with Oxford and Cambridge, but you can also go punting along Canterbury’s winding River Stour. Several local punting companies operate in good weather, and the experience provides a relaxed way to get a new perspective on the city.
