Local area guide

Living in Canterbury

The historic city of Canterbury is beautiful to behold. A World Heritage site, it's a shopper and foodie paradise with plenty of cultural attractions to enjoy.

Your guide to moving to Canterbury

Why Canterbury is a good place to live

A treat to behold, Canterbury is a beautiful, buzzing market town steeped in culture and history.

A shopper and foodie paradise, it's a World Heritage Site filled with cobblestone streets, lovely old buildings and a massive cathedral at its centre.

Brimming with quirky local businesses and independent stores to add to the fun, the streets are a pleasure to ramble around and you'll stumble upon some fab places for brunch or dinner along the way.

This bustling medieval, cathedral city is where old world charm blends with vibrant student life.

And there are some great schools here: the first one everyone will think of is The King's School. Established in 597, it's one of the oldest schools in the world - and Canterbury also has some excellent grammar and state options.

What's Canterbury famous for?

Canterbury's fame is rooted in its historical and cultural heritage.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the city is best known for it's cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture that's been a Christian pilgrimage site for centuries.

Chaucer's raucus Canterbury Tales, studied by English undergraduates around the world, bring the city to life in its medieval heyday through a collection of witty stories told by pilgrims on their way to the shrine of Thomas Becket.

Thomas Becket was the Archbishop of Canterbury, who was murdered in Canterbury Cathedral in 1170, elevating Canterbury's status as a pilgrimage destination.

Canterbury's rich history dates back to Roman times and its medieval architecture, city walls and streets with timbered houses make it a place that's brimming with charm.

Things to do in Canterbury

Pottering through the pretty cobbled streets, soaking up the vibes and exploring the boutiques and art galleries is an event in itself in Canterbury.

And there are loads of lush green parks to explore, like the Westgate Gardens, complete with their own Victoria Tower House and physic gardens, while a visit to Blean Woods Nature Reserve is well worth making, with its miles of cycling and walking trails.

Obviously, a visit to the cathedral is a must, as is St Augustine's Abbey, a former monastery.

For the wonkiest bookshop in town, head to Sir John Boys House. While the Old Weaver's House is one of the most iconic buildings in the city and a great place to enjoy dinner by the River Stour.

For foodies, the choice is endless, from Michelin starred restaurants to cheap and cheerful cafes.

Check out The Goods Shed, a farmer's market selling cheese, fish and meat with its own independent restaurant. It's a great place for brunch or cocktails and dinner. And The Refectory Kitchen is another hot spot for brunch, with pancakes that are legendary.

Canterbury also offers easy access to lovely coastal towns like Whitstable, famous for its oysters - and Deal, famous for its beautiful promenade and castle.

Average asking prices in Canterbury today

We update our average asking prices every day using data from millions of properties for sale.

Terraced

Avg. asking price

£325,000

206 properties for sale

Detached

Avg. asking price

£675,000

315 properties for sale

Semi-detached

Avg. asking price

£375,000

162 properties for sale

Flats

Avg. asking price

£210,000

207 properties for sale

Properties currently for sale in Canterbury

Whether you're looking for a family home or a beautiful apartment, we've got you covered.

See all properties for sale in Canterbury

Canterbury and beyond

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Local pubs in Canterbury

In partnership with
useyourlocal
  • Pilgrims Hotel

    Canterbury, Kent, CT1

    The Pilgrims Hotel is a charming historic building in the heart of Canterbury City Centre. Situated directly opposite the Marlowe Theatre, it’s an ideal place to stay overnight to catch a show or explore the attractions of Canterbury.

  • Canterbury Tales

    Canterbury, Kent, CT1

    The pub is situated opposite the Marlowe Theatre, and you can book your interval drinks here. Opening hours may be extended if there are special events at the theatre.

  • Cuban

    Canterbury, Kent, CT1

  • Foundry Brew Pub

    Canterbury, Kent, CT1

    The Foundry is a unique craft brewery, restaurant, and bar located at 77 Stour Street. This industrial two storey building, originally a Victorian Foundry, produced cast metal items that went all over the empire.

  • Lady Luck

    Canterbury, Kent, CT1

    THE LADY LUCK IS A ROCK N’ ROLL PUB IN THE HEART OF CANTERBURY

Transport in Canterbury

Trains

Canterbury is well-connected by train, with Canterbury West and Canterbury East being the main railway stations.

Canterbury West offers high-speed services to London St Pancras (approximately 56 minutes) and slower services to London Charing Cross, while Canterbury East provides connections to London Victoria, Dover, and Ramsgate.

Buses

The city has a comprehensive bus network, with services operated by various providers, including Stagecoach and National Express.

Buses connect Canterbury to neighboring towns and villages, as well as transport hubs like Canterbury Bus Station.

Park and Ride

Canterbury operates a Park and Ride service, with three park and ride sites: New Dover Road, Sturry Road, and Wincheap. These services provide a convenient way for visitors to park their cars and access the city center without the hassle of city traffic.

Car

Canterbury is accessible by road via the A2 and M2 motorways, connecting it to London (approximately 60 miles away) and other parts of southeast England.

The A28 provides a route to Ashford and the Kentish coast.

Airports

London Gatwick Airport is approximately 80 miles away, and London Heathrow Airport is about 95 miles away.

Both airports are accessible by road and rail, with train services connecting to London and onward to the airports.

Transport connections

Canterbury West
National Rail
0.3 miles / 0.5 km
Canterbury East
National Rail
0.4 miles / 0.6 km
Sturry
National Rail
2.4 miles / 3.9 km
Bekesbourne
National Rail
2.8 miles / 4.5 km
Chartham
National Rail
3.1 miles / 5.0 km
Chilham
National Rail
5.1 miles / 8.2 km

Schools in Canterbury

Canterbury has a wide range of Outstanding and Good schools across the primary and secondary sectors.

For primary school children, Adisham Church of England Primary School, Blean Primary School, Reculver Church of England Primary School, Whitstable and Seasalter Endowed Church of England Junior School and Sturry Church of England Primary School are among those rated Outstanding by Ofsted.

For secondary education, Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys is Outstanding, while Simon Langton Girls' Grammar School is Good.

Within the independent sector, The King's School is a member of the Eton group. Once based in the crypt of Canterbury Cathedral, today it is a five minute walk away in Mint Yard.

For further education, the University of Kent is located on a picturesque campus just outside of the city and specialises in the sciences, technology, medical studies, the social sciences, arts and humanities.

Canterbury Christ Church University has its main campus in the city center and is known for its strong emphasis on teaching and professional programs.

Schools in Canterbury

St Peter's Methodist Primary School
Ages: 4 - 11 years old
Ofsted Rating: Good (2018)
Haven Nook
Ages: 11 - 18 years old
Ofsted Rating: Good (2023)
The King's School Canterbury
Ages: 13 - 18 years old
St Johns Church of England Primary School
Ages: 2 - 11 years old
Ofsted Rating: Good (2018)
St Thomas' Catholic Primary School, Canterbury
Ages: 5 - 11 years old
Ofsted Rating: Good (2023)
Barton Court Grammar School
Ages: 11 - 18 years old
Ofsted Rating: Good (2020)