The Best Hotels in Canterbury

Whether you're strolling down the cobbled, part-pedestrianized high street, ambling around the historic streets of King's Mile, or cruising down the scenic River Stour, you can't get away from Canterbury's past – this really is a city bursting at the seams with history. Its breathtaking cathedral looms large at every turn, and the sounds, smells, and sights of the medieval era are recreated in astonishing detail at the Canterbury Tales Attraction. Yet behind is historic facade lies a contemporary city though with a myriad of museums and galleries and vibrant foodie scene complete with daily farmers' markets.

Things to see

The most famous of all England's Christian churches, Canterbury Cathedral is revered the world over for its enchanting architecture and turbulent history – this was the place Thomas Beckett was murdered after all. Standing tall and proud in the historic heart of the city, its three towering belfries can be seen from all around, and when you get up close you can't help but marvel at its stunning stain glass windows that depict centuries-old stories. Along with St Martin's Church and the ruins of St Augustine’s Abbey, Canterbury Cathedral forms part of a World Heritage site and all three give a fascinating overview of how Christianity came to England and developed. Just around the corner is the 1,200-seat Marlowe Theatre which plays host to major touring West End musicals, ballet, opera and dance performances, comedy shows, children's theatre, and gigs. If you fancy getting up close and personal with some rather awesome animals, there's two top attractions in Canterbury. Wingham Wildlife Park offers hands-on encounters with reptiles, spiders and baby animals, rare red flying foxes, penguins, and walk-through deer and wallaby pens while Howletts Wild Animal Park is home to some of the world's most endangered species including lowland gorillas.

Hotels in Canterbury

There are a great range of hotels in Canterbury catering to all tastes and budgets. For a slice of luxury while in the historic center you can treat yourself to five-star accommodation where you can expect award-worthy service, four-poster beds and free WiFi. Mid-range options are plentiful, with most hotels offering convenient amenities like flat-screen televisions and tea and coffee making facilities. On the other end of the scale, there are wallet-friendly hotels which won't cost the earth yet still provide a comfortable base to explore the city.

Where to stay

Canterbury's city center is pretty compact with must-see sites such as the cathedral and St Martin's Church, as well as its many independent shops and artisan bakeries, all within walking distance of the most centrally located hotels. It's here you'll want to stay if you want to soak up the atmosphere and fully immerse yourself in the history of the city. If you'd prefer to be a little further away from the hustle and bustle, you don't have to go far with sprawling hotels set in sweeping grounds located mere minutes from all the action.

How to get to

There's no airport in Canterbury, but Manston Airport, which has daily flights to Amsterdam and seasonal flights to Europe, is just 14 miles away. The nearest major airport is Gatwick, two and a half hours away by train. Canterbury West Station is directly linked to St Pancras International from where there are frequent, high-speed Eurostar services to Paris, Brussels, and Lille. Trains from Canterbury West also go direct to London Charring Cross, Ramsgate, and Margate, while you can get to London Victoria and Dover directly from Canterbury East Station. When it comes to getting around, walking is the best form of transport in the center of the city, and a potter from one end of the high street to the other won't take more than 10 minutes.