Beaches in Canterbury: Top Coastal Destinations and Attractions

Canterbury District has a population of about 160,000 people with students making up about 30,000. Situated in the centre of Kent, Canterbury is well known for its stunning scenery, cultural legacy, and lengthy history. The mediaeval city of Canterbury is home to the iconic Canterbury Cathedral. Whitstable and Herne Bay are two more quaint coastal towns in the area, known for their beaches, seafood, and maritime heritage.

Dogs on the Beach

Find out what restrictions are in place for dogs on the beaches in Canterbury District.

Attractions in Canterbury

Kent’s Canterbury area is a centre of history and culture with a wide range of attractions.

• Canterbury Cathedral is a prominent pilgrimage site and a key landmark in Christian history. It is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Canterbury High Street is bustling with things to do. It includes a shopping centre, restaurants, pubs, clubs, West access to Canterbury Cathedral, Canterbury Library, access to many attractions, Canterbury bus hub, Canterbury’s West End quarter featuring The Marlow Theatre, and so much more.
• A well-liked interactive exhibit that brings Chaucer’s well-known tales to life is The Canterbury Tales.
• The biggest remaining mediaeval city gate in England, Westgate Towers provides sweeping views of the city.
• Discover Roman ruins, mosaics, and artefacts at Canterbury Roman Museum.
• Canterbury Historic River Tours: Enjoy views of historic landmarks from a serene boat ride on the River Stour.
• St Augustine’s Abbey and St Martin’s Church: Included in the UNESCO site, which highlights England’s early Christian past.
• Home to endangered animals, Howletts Wild Animal Park is a well-known conservation zoo located close to Canterbury.
• Dane John Gardens: Lovely public grounds ideal for a leisurely stroll or picnic, with an ancient mound.
• Crab and Winkle Way: A charming bicycle and pedestrian path that traces the path of one of the earliest passenger trains in history, between Canterbury and Whitstable.
• Whitstable is a seaside town featuring beaches, seafood eateries, and an annual oyster festival. It is well-known for its oysters.
• Herne Bay is a classic coastal village including a seaside museum, pier, and beach.
• Blean Woods National Nature Reserve is ideal for nature hikes and animal observation.
• The free museum and art gallery Beaney House of Art and Knowledge in Canterbury has artwork, antiques, and local history.
• Mount Ephraim Gardens: Magnificent Edwardian gardens with views over the Kent countryside and lovely sceneries near Faversham.
• Near Herne Bay, the dramatic Roman and mediaeval ruins known as Reculver Towers and Roman Fort offer a stunning view of the sea.
• The Norman castle ruins of Canterbury Castle provide an insight into mediaeval defences. It located in the heart of Canterbury near the high street.
• Greyfriars Chapel and Franciscan Gardens: These serene gardens and old church, tucked away in the city, provide a calm haven.
• Eastbridge Hospital is a historic almshouse from the Middle Ages that has a close connection to the Canterbury pilgrims.
• Goodnestone Park Gardens: Situated in the countryside close to Canterbury, these exquisite ancient gardens have ties to Jane Austen.
• The Wildwood Trust is a conservation-focused wildlife park close to Herne Bay that is home to British animal species like bison, wolves, and beavers.
• Whitstable Castle and Grounds: A charming castle perfect for gatherings and relaxation, with wonderful grounds and town views.
• The breathtaking scenery of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is perfect for hiking, bicycling, and taking in the breathtaking vistas of the surrounding farms and rolling hills.
• Whitstable Harbour is a busy harbour where you may eat fresh seafood, peruse locally created art, and see the fishing boats.

Transport

This district has convenient road connections to the highway system, making it easily accessible. By train, Canterburys District is connected to the major London stations and mainland Europe (Eurostar). It takes under an hour from St Pancras International via the High Speed 1 railway.