King's School, Canterbury
Welcome to The鈥疜ing鈥檚鈥疭chool in Canterbury, a living tapestry of history, education, and architectural beauty. Steeped in nearly 1,400 years of tradition, this is officially the oldest continuously operating school in the world, founded in AD鈥�597 by Augustine of Canterbury. Overlooking the majestic Cathedral and the atmospheric ruins of Saint Augustine鈥檚 Abbey鈥攁 UNESCO World Heritage Site鈥攖he school offers an extraordinary setting where medieval stones meet 21st-century learning.
Stroll the historic cloisters and Green Court to witness a seamless blend of eras: your path may take you past the Norman Staircase, a photo favourite since the 12th century, before arriving at state-of-the-art buildings like the Science Centre (opened in 2023) and a modern sports complex. Visitors remark on the "gray鈥憇toned houses鈥� cobbled pathways" that whisper centuries past, while pupils excel in cutting鈥慹dge labs and contemporary studios.
The school isn鈥檛 just for scholars鈥攊t鈥檚 a cultural heartbeat of Canterbury. Every summer, the acclaimed King鈥檚 Week festival fills historic halls and the city streets with free performances, from choral masterpieces to dramatic showcases鈥攁 tradition since 1952, founded by headmaster Fred Shirley. Its music and drama departments thrive in remarkable venues, including the Old Synagogue (built 1848, repurposed as a recital hall) and the repurposed Tithe Barn at Sturry, now a Junior King's performance centre.
The King鈥檚 School is a rare chance to walk through history while witnessing vibrant, modern academic life. Whether you鈥檙e drawn to majestic Gothic architecture, the stately traditions like the purple gowns of prefects and court dress ceremonies, or simply keen to enjoy a concert in centuries-old surroundings, this living heritage merits a prime spot on your Canterbury itinerary.
Stroll the historic cloisters and Green Court to witness a seamless blend of eras: your path may take you past the Norman Staircase, a photo favourite since the 12th century, before arriving at state-of-the-art buildings like the Science Centre (opened in 2023) and a modern sports complex. Visitors remark on the "gray鈥憇toned houses鈥� cobbled pathways" that whisper centuries past, while pupils excel in cutting鈥慹dge labs and contemporary studios.
The school isn鈥檛 just for scholars鈥攊t鈥檚 a cultural heartbeat of Canterbury. Every summer, the acclaimed King鈥檚 Week festival fills historic halls and the city streets with free performances, from choral masterpieces to dramatic showcases鈥攁 tradition since 1952, founded by headmaster Fred Shirley. Its music and drama departments thrive in remarkable venues, including the Old Synagogue (built 1848, repurposed as a recital hall) and the repurposed Tithe Barn at Sturry, now a Junior King's performance centre.
The King鈥檚 School is a rare chance to walk through history while witnessing vibrant, modern academic life. Whether you鈥檙e drawn to majestic Gothic architecture, the stately traditions like the purple gowns of prefects and court dress ceremonies, or simply keen to enjoy a concert in centuries-old surroundings, this living heritage merits a prime spot on your Canterbury itinerary.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Canterbury. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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King's School on Map
Sight Name: King's School
Sight Location: Canterbury, England (See walking tours in Canterbury)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Canterbury, England (See walking tours in Canterbury)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Canterbury, England
Create Your Own Walk in Canterbury
Creating your own self-guided walk in Canterbury is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Canterbury Introduction Walking Tour
Canterbury is a UNESCO World Heritage City and one of the most visited cities in England. Canterbury has a long history and has been occupied since Paleolithic times. It was the capital of the Celtic Cantiaci, Romans settled the area for centuries, and the site was the capital of the Kingdom of Kent.
Saint Augustine arrived in Canterbury in 597 to convert the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity. The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Saint Augustine arrived in Canterbury in 597 to convert the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity. The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Canterbury Cathedral and Grounds
Canterbury Cathedral, one of the oldest churches that played a crucial role in English Christianity, stands within its own walled area, surrounded by Medieval buildings and ruins.
At the heart of this ensemble rises the cathedral itself, a magnificent example of medieval architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you enter, you'll pass through the imposing Christ Church Gate, a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.8 Km or 0.5 Miles
At the heart of this ensemble rises the cathedral itself, a magnificent example of medieval architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you enter, you'll pass through the imposing Christ Church Gate, a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.8 Km or 0.5 Miles