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The formal name of the Canterbury Cathedral is the Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of Christ at Canterbury. It is one of the oldest and most well-known Christian structures in all of England and it is a World Heritage Site.

It was originally founded in 597 and has been expanded and rebuilt many times in its history.

In its earliest days, the church was part of a Benedictine monastic community and was the seat of the archbishop. The first bishop was Augustine of Canterbury, a missionary sent in 596 by Pope Gregory I. He also founded Saint Augustine's Abbey, though it was not called that then, located outside the city walls.

The building as it is now was more or less laid out by Archbishop Lanfranc and dedicated in 1077 after the Norman Conquest. It was built from stone from France and designed to be like the Abbey of Saint-脡tienne in Caen.

A pivotal moment in the Cathedral's history was the murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket. Becket was murdered in the northwest transept in 1170 by knights of King Henry II. The events transformed the Cathedral into a place of pilgrimage. Such pilgrims were depicted in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales.

Today the Archbishop of Canterbury serves as the global leader for the Anglican Communion and leader of the Church of England.

Why You Should Visit:
The Cathedral is a World Heritage Site and one of the most stunning examples of Gothic architecture in England.

Tips:
Plan to dedicate at least three hours to tour the Cathedral. 黑料吃瓜网 offers a self-guided tour to help you explore the Cathedral and its grounds.

Be sure to look up! Some of the most impressive examples of architecture lie in the fan vaulting, ornate carvings, and beautiful stained glassworks.

Christ Church Gate stands as the magnificent ceremonial entrance into the precincts of Canterbury Cathedral, welcoming visitors into one of England鈥檚 most historically and architecturally rich sites. Crafted around 1520 in the Tudor-Gothic style, this striking gatehouse was carefully cleaned and structurally restored in recent years, bringing to light the intricate stone carvings, heraldic shields, and mythical beasts that adorn its fa莽ade. Anchored by a commanding bronze statue of Christ (a modern replacement dating from 1990), the gate not only frames the cathedral behind it but also stands as one of the most photographed pieces of heritage in the city.

Beyond its aesthetic elegance, Christ Church Gate is steeped in symbolic and historical significance. Serving as the primary entrance for pilgrims and dignitaries visiting the cathedral, it reflects Canterbury鈥檚 stature as a pilgrimage destination since the martyrdom of Thomas Becket. The coats of arms and emblematic sculptural details encapsulate both the civic pride and religious devotion of Tudor England. Over time, it has endured and survived political upheavals, including Civil War-era iconoclasm when earlier statues and wooden doors were destroyed; yet it was ultimately restored, preserving its legacy for future generations.

For visitors, encountering Christ Church Gate is more than a photographic moment鈥攊t is a gateway into centuries of faith, craftsmanship, and community identity. As you pass beneath its vaulted arch, take time to study the heraldic motifs, discover the story behind the sculpted forms, and appreciate how this portal both welcomes and sets the tone for the extraordinary experience within the cathedral grounds.

Plan your visit to coincide with working hours of the cathedral precinct; while the gate itself stands freely in the public thoroughfare, the full visual impact鈥攊ncluding the interior courtyards and cathedral beyond鈥攗nfolds once you're inside. From this vantage point, you鈥檒l sense why so many visitors regard this gatehouse as the quintessential starting point of their Canterbury journey.

Nestled just outside the awe鈥慽nspiring Christchurch Gate of Canterbury Cathedral, The Old Buttermarket is much more than a traditional pub鈥攊t鈥檚 a living piece of the city鈥檚 rich history. With sections of its foundation dating back over 800 years to Roman-built structures, this charming establishment sits in the heart of Buttermarket Square鈥攏amed for the medieval butter market that once thrived beneath its arches. Stepping onto its cobbled terrace, you鈥檙e walking through centuries of heritage.

The site has evolved dramatically over time. In the 17th century, the square featured a timber-framed market hall鈥攃omplete with theatre and storerooms鈥攖hat earned it the 鈥淏uttermarket鈥� name. That Victorian hall gave way to the ornate war memorial unveiled in 1891, a tribute to the First World War, unveiled at exactly this spot. Today, that memorial stands proudly in the square, surrounded by the pub鈥檚 outdoor tables鈥攁 serene yet poignant reminder of the past.

Inside, The Old Buttermarket delivers all the warmth you鈥檇 hope for in a Nicholson鈥檚 historic pub. Expect an inviting menu of classic British fare鈥攎eat pies, fish and chips, and the house-special steak pie鈥攑aired with an impressive array of real ales, whiskies, gins, plus a curated wine list. Whether you鈥檙e craving solace after a cathedral tour or just a relaxed evening, the pub鈥檚 blend of modern comfort and period charm hits the mark.

For tourists, this is a must鈥憊isit: you get medieval architecture, a slice of local tradition, and a cozy place to pause鈥攁ll in one. A perfect starting (or resting) point for wandering through Canterbury鈥檚 UNESCO鈥憀isted old town鈥攋ust don鈥檛 forget to look down and appreciate the layers of history beneath your feet.

The central museum and library for the city of Canterbury are located in the Beaney Institute building. Admission to the museum and galleries is free, and a trip inside is well worth your time.

The Tudor Revival-style building was designed by city surveyor A.H. Campbell and built-in 1899. It was known as the Beaney Institute until 2012.

The cost of the ornate building was gifted to the Canterbury City Council by Dr. James George Beaney. Beaney was a colorful character in the town's history. He was beset by controversy from the medical establishment.

The museum houses a collection of English and European ceramics and art, along with oriental porcelains. Of course, many items in the collection are of local interest, including the Chair of Saint Augustine and Canterbury pilgrims tokens.

Items on display in the museum span the region's history from prehistoric implements to Roman and Anglo-Saxon antiquities. If you're interested in the Roman period, don't miss the museum's other facility--the Canterbury Roman Museum.

Established to give accommodations to the poor pilgrims visiting the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket, the Hospital of Saint Thomas the Martyr of Eastbridge opened around 1190. The facility is now an almshouse for the elderly.

Don't let the word "hospital" lead you astray. This building is not and was never a medical facility. Instead, the word refers to the hospitality it provided to visiting pilgrims.

The buildings of the Hospital are all original and built in the 12th century. There is a Pilgrim's Chapel, whose ceiling shows woodwork and joinery that have been dated to 1285. The Undercroft originally served as a dormitory.

The Refectory was a large open dining space. A 13th-century fresco of Our Lord in Glory is on the wall. It was discovered and conserved in 1879.

As the name may suggest, the building was built on the King's Bridge near the Westgate. The rooms directly over the River Stour were restored in a massive preservation effort from 2014 to 2019.

The eight individual apartments that make up the present-day almshouse are private and not open to the public. The rest of the buildings, however, are. Eastbridge is one of three adjoining sites--the Eastbridge Hospital, Greyfriars Chapel, and The Franciscan Gardens.

Dating from at least the 14th century and reconstructed in the 16th, this must be one of the most photographed historic buildings in Canterbury and one of the top riverside pubs in Kent. Having survived the WWII German bombing campaigns, its timber-framed front can be easily spotted on St. Peter's street, with an even longer front running along the River Stour.

The Old Weavers House takes its name from the hundreds of Huguenots and Walloons who settled in the area after fleeing religious persecution in the 16th/17th centuries in France and the Low Countries. Many had expertise as weavers, and therefore started their trade, requiring well-lit work rooms, in local buildings. Despite having no other true weavers houses that can be seen elsewhere in Canterbury, this building housed a weaving school into the early 1900s.

At the rear is a medieval "ducking stool" that historically served to punish not only scolds (women accused by their husbands of talking back too much!), but also suspected witches, by dunking them into the water. Rather than simply being fixed by the water, however, the stool could be mounted on wheels to allow the convict to be paraded through the streets before punishment was carried out.

For the ultimate riverside experience, the Old Weavers Restaurant has a riverside terrace bursting with plants and flowers to create a restful oasis at the water's edge. Not only that, but diners can also enjoy a 40-minute river tour in one of the punting company owned boats, prior to or followed by a one-course-meal of their choosing.

The western gate in the city walls is the 60-foot (18-meter) high Westgate. This impressive structure is the largest surviving medieval gatehouse in England. It was built of local ragstone around 1379 and is the only one of Canterbury's original seven gates still standing.

The Romans built the first city walls in 300 AD. Westgate was always the most crucial entrance, as this was the road from London. The present gate was built to replace the original Roman one.

The building has had various other uses over the years. It was used as the local prison from the 1400s to the 1800s. There was even a cage built in the gateway where select prisoners were allowed to beg from or chat with passers-by.

After the city walls were dismantled in the early 1800s, the jailer's house was built to the north. This building wound up serving as the Canterbury City Police headquarters. It was connected to the jail by an iron bridge. This building is now a bar and cafe.

Presently the structure houses the West Gate Towers Museum and several very realistic and historically-themed escape rooms.

A peaceful haven just steps from Canterbury West train station, Westgate Gardens is one of the city鈥檚 most beloved public green spaces. Set beside the River Stour, the gardens are known for their vibrant floral displays, tree-lined paths, and proximity to the ancient Westgate Towers. Visitors are drawn year-round to this tranquil park, which is particularly popular in spring and summer when the flower beds come alive and the riverside footpaths fill with life. Fans of the anime Sakura Quest also make pilgrimages here, as one of the park鈥檚 views inspired a scene in the series.

The park is spacious enough to never feel crowded, with broad lawns ideal for sunbathing, picnicking, or simply lounging beneath towering redwoods, beech, walnut, and tulip trees. One of the park鈥檚 oldest residents is the Oriental Plane Tree, easily spotted by its thick, sculptural trunk. The River Stour flows through the gardens, and punting tours offered by Westgate Punts provide a gentle way to learn about the area鈥檚 history or enjoy the scenery鈥攐pen seasonally from March through October. Keep an eye out for Alluvia, an underwater sculpture by Jason deCaires Taylor resting in the riverbed.

Overlooking the park is Tower House, a handsome historic building that now serves as a venue for weddings and private events. During summer, it hosts a mobile caf茅 with outdoor seating, adding to the park鈥檚 welcoming atmosphere. Families can also venture to the Toddler鈥檚 Cove playground, while walkers can follow the riverside path to the charming village of Chartham.

Westgate Gardens is more than just a beauty spot鈥攊t鈥檚 also a place of remembrance and community. A physic garden and several memorial gardens, including one honoring WWII medal recipients, provide quiet spaces for reflection. The park regularly hosts seasonal art exhibitions, performances, and community gatherings, making it a dynamic part of Canterbury鈥檚 cultural life as well as a serene escape.

The Franciscans began arriving in England in 1224, during the lifetime of their founder, Saint Francis of Assisi. Greyfriars was the first friary in England. The name stems from the plain grey cloth and belt ropes that made the friar's habits.

Their original accommodations were poor, and they quickly realized they needed better housing and land to farm. So in 1267, the building was rebuilt from stone.

King Henry VIII's establishment of the Church of England was not good news for the friars. Several brothers were imprisoned, and two were executed for refusing the Act of Supremacy. The friary was disbanded, and the lands and property were surrendered to the Crown.

The land wound up as private property for centuries and was known as the Greyfriars Estate. The precise original site of the friary is unknown. The owners began restoring the one surviving building in 1919. That building had been used as a prison at one point and a guesthouse at another. Today, it is the Greyfriars Chapel, and you can still see the names of inmates carved into the wood walls.

The gardens surrounding the Chapel contain a few other visible elements of the 13th-century buildings, including remnants of the church and part of a stone bridge.

Today the Chapel and Gardens are owned by the Eastbridge Hospital. The gardens and buildings are a quiet and beautiful place to visit and a welcome break from the bustling city.

The Dane John mound dates from Roman times. It was a burial mound built between the first and fourth centuries. The site was later used as an 11th-century motte-and-bailey castle. This area has been a civic park since 1790.

In 1066, William the Conqueror wanted a castle built for the city. So the Dane John mound was incorporated, as was the circuit of defense.

A motte-and-bailey castle is a simple earthen and timber structure that unskilled laborers can quickly build. It is identified by a raised area of ground, or "motte," a walled courtyard, or "bailey," and a protective ditch and palisade. This structure was later abandoned in favor of the more modern Canterbury Castle, built just north of here in 1123.

The gardens were uniquely designed to feature the history of the site. The castle motte is still prominent, as are the Roman bank and medieval walkways. During World War II, parts of the Gardens were used as an ammunition depot.

The Gardens are the site of the local annual Christmas market and many other festivals throughout the year.

Saint Augustine arrived in England in 597. Pope Gregory I sent Saint Augustine to convert the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity. The King of Kent, Ethelbert, was married to Queen Bertha, who was already a Christian. King Ethelbert ordered the construction of a splendid church, and construction on Saint Augustine's Abbey began in 598. At that time, the Abbey was dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul.

While most structures in the area were quickly built with wood building materials, Saint Augustine wanted to build a church with stone to emulate the churches of Rome. Thus, Saint Augustine's Abbey became the main religious building in Kent. In addition, Saint Augustine's Abbey became known as a missionary school where learning and knowledge were celebrated.

Saint Augustine became the first Archbishop of Canterbury and was buried in Saint Augustine's Abbey.

In 978, Dunstan, the Archbishop of Canterbury, renovated and expanded the Abbey. Finally, he re-dedicated the Abbey to Saint Augustine, and the church became known as Saint Augustine's Abbey.

The Abbey gatehouse was rebuilt in 1309 and became known as Fyndon Gate. The chamber in the gatehouse was used as the state bed-chamber, and royalty stayed there on their travels. For example, King Charles I and Queen Henrietta Maria stayed here after their Canterbury Cathedral wedding in 1625. In 1660, Charles II and the Dukes of York and Gloucester stayed here.

Freedom Gate faces Lady Wootton's Green. This small square houses statues of King Ethelberht and Queen Bertha.

King Herny VIII dismantled England's monasteries to make way for the new Church of England. In 1538, Saint Augustine's Abbey became the property of the Crown after 940 years of existing as a monastery. Some of the Abbey was initially used as a residence by royal family members. Throughout the centuries, the Abbey was dismantled.

In 1844, Alexander James Beresford Hope bought the ruins and remaining buildings and began to preserve them. Unfortunately, the site was heavily damaged by World War II bombs.

Saint Augustine's Missionary College survived and is currently used by the King's School, Canterbury.

Why You Should Visit:
Saint Augustine's Abbey is part of the Canterbury World Heritage Site, along with the cathedral and Saint Martin's Church. Visitors can see the ruins of Saint Augustine's Abbey, as well as several important graves. Saint Augustine, Ethelberht of Kent, and early Archbishops of Canterbury are buried on the site.

Tips:
Visit the small on-site museum to get an idea of what the Abbey looked like 1,000 years ago. The museum also has audio tours of the ruins available.

Saint Martin's Church is known as England's oldest church still used as a church and the oldest parish church in the English-speaking world. Records indicate the church building originated during the fifth or sixth century.

King Ethelberht and Queen Bertha of Kent renovated this Romano-British building around AD 580. The church was dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours.

Saint Augustine of Canterbury arrived in 597 and expanded the church. Saint Augustine was on a mission to convert the English to Christianity, and he baptized King Ethelberht in Saint Martin's.

Saint Martin's construction includes Roman tiles and reused Roman bricks. In addition, the remains of a Roman tomb were integrated into the building.

The church has been modified over the centuries. The blocked square-headed doorway in the chancel might have been the entrance to the church during Queen Bertha's time. Parts of the church wall, including the nave, were built in the seventh or eighth century. The tower was built in the 14th century in the English Gothic style.

Why You Should Visit:
Saint Martin's has been a place for Christians to gather since the sixth century. It was here that Saint Augustine first arrived to spread the message of Christianity.

Tips:
Don't miss visiting the church graveyard. Well-known gravesites include artist Thomas Sidney Cooper and writer Mary Tourtel, Rupert Bear's creator.