Day trip London to Canterbury UK

If you’re considering a day trip from London to Canterbury, these are the details you’ll want for your visit! Whether you’re travelling from London to Canterbury, UK by train, car or by tour, we can help. We’ve also included some ideas on things to do when you arrive to Canterbury. Canterbury is a short distance from London, and easily accessible any way you choose to travel.

Originally, we planned to combine our Day trip to Canterbury and Day trip to Dover in the same day. However, as we researched Canterbury, it became clear if we were to see all we wanted to visit it would require most of the day.

Canterbury was one of our favourite day trips, and we plan to return someday to explore even more! We recommend if you have only one day, begin your journey to Canterbury from London early. Check opening times and dates of the places you choose to visit. Also take note of those venues with reduced hours during off season if travelling during that time.

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How to get there

Day Trip London to Canterbury By Train:

It’s very simple to travel from London to Canterbury, UK by train. For example, we travelled on a Saturday, because we were there during off-season and some of the places we wanted to visit were only open on weekends . The rail companies servicing Cantebury West do not offer First Class travel.

You can easily plan your journey through the National Rail website here. Most of our trips we planned the day before or the day of, and didn’t actually book tickets through the National Rail Website, because we had prepaid with our Britrail UK Pass. You’ll see tickets if booking closer to the trip can be more expensive.

We had a list of places for consideration before departing from home, then purchased the Britrail pass based on the number of overall trips. We paid a lump sum amount in Canada before leaving for the UK. It didn’t matter that the price was higher if we decided at the last minute where to go.

If there was room on the train (and there was during off-season), we found a great deal of flexibility with the Britrail pass. IThe Britrail pass was one of the highest value items we discovered.

In the off-season, even with first class tickets, you won’t usually need to book ahead. With the Britrail Pass, it’s easy to activate the current day at the train station before boarding. For more details on booking a Britrail Pass, you’ll want to check the details here.

Example of a train journey on a day trip from London to Canterbury

Below is an example of an option you may select when choosing your journey. The cost will depend on whether you select first class (not offered for Canterbury) or standard, peak or off peak travel, and one way or return journey.

If you select standard, off peak, return travel in advance of your journey, you’ll see the lowest cost ticket available.

Our example shows same day travel from London to Canterbury. We utilized the flexibility of the Britrail pass, and didn’t worry too much about booking tickets in advance. It was off-season, and the trains generally weren’t very busy.

Day Trip London to Canterbury By Car:

One of the things we like best about London and the UK is how easy it is to travel by train and get around by public transportation, however you may choose based on your circumstanes, to rent a car instead if you’re more comfortable with this mode of transport.

You’ll want to familiarize yourself with all the laws, as is the case when driving in any foreign country. You’ll also want to ensure you have any required insurance. Check ahead of time for parking options and cost so you’re not spending your time looking for parking when you arrive to Canterbury.

Day Trip London to Canterbury By Tour:

Letting someone else do the driving, especially a professionally trained driver, can add to the enjoyment and relaxation while on vacation. Canterbury is amongst the top choices of day trips offered from London. Here are some options of tours for you to consider.

Who is the day trip from London to Canterbury UK for?

The day trip from London to Canterbury is for anyone who enjoys learning about the history of England and especially for those who like visiting Cathedrals as we do. Canterbury Cathedral, St. Augustines Abbey, and St. Martin’s Church are all World UNESCO Heritage sites, making Canterbury a “must do” day trip from London.

If you like trains, and decide to take a train journey from London to Canterbury, UK, simply being on a train may be part of the experience you’re looking for.

There were some stairs involved in our day trip to Canterbury, along with some inclines and uneven surfaces. Though there may be some options for accessibility, you would be wise to check ahead if this is a concern.

When is the best time to go to Canterbury, UK?

We don’t think there’s a bad time to visit Canterbury. We visited during the off-season to avoid crowds, and it was an extremely enjoyable day. Summer will be busier and more crowded, and you will likely have to wait in line. Reserving your train well ahead of your journey will secure your transportation.

Although it will be significantly less busy in the off-season, it will also be cooler. Make sure you dress warmly and in layers, and bring your gloves and toque for the best possible experience. As noted, you’ll also want to check the opening and closing times before visiting, especially during off season.

How much does it cost to go?

With our Britrail pass, the journey itself cost no more than the lump sum cost paid before we left home for the United Kingdom. It was one of the 15 flex days we selected in our pass, and we simply activated it the day of our travel, upon arriving at the train station. In this case, we activated London to Canterbury. We recommend you do NOT activate your pass before you see the journey on the main board (to ensure it hasn’t been cancelled). Plan B imay be appropriate in the event a planned trip can’t be completed.

There was a charge for visiting Canterbury Cathedral, and you would want to check their website in advance of your visit to verify the price. As an English Heritage member, at the time we went, there was a 20% discount. The price may vary depending on the time of the year you go and your personal situation (single/family/concession). And the cost will vary depending on what you wish to see and do while in Canterbury.

We had a wonderful lunch while in Canterbury at The Thomas Becket and would highly recommend it!

Here we enjoyed one of the best lunches we had anywhere in our time in the London area, and was very reasonably priced.

Have a look at Paul’s google review for more details on The Thomas Becket.

What is there to see in Canterbury?

Visit Canterbury Cathedral

We began our time in Canterbury at the cathedral, entering the moment it opened to the public. We booked our ticket online in the lobby waiting for it to open. The interior of this UNESCO World Heritage Site is magnificent. We joined a guided tour. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable, and he clearly enjoyed touring people through this cathedral he knows and loves.

There was so much to see here and without a guide, you will undoubtedly miss some of what makes Canterbury Cathedral so very special. Please refer to our post to learn more about Canterbury Cathedral.

Admire and walk through Christ Church Gateway

This is the main visitor entrance to Canterbury Cathedral, a beautifully embellished monument built in the 1500s.

Visit St. Martin‘s Church

As already indicated St. Martin’s Church is a UNESCO World Heritage site and worth a visit. It’s charming and ancient, and the oldest church in the English speaking world still in use today. You will take a tour at your own pace in this church. There is volunteer at the entrance to answer any questions and possibly to give you some interesting information.

Take your time, it’s unique and memorable. The extremely knowledgeable and helpful person there answered every question we had and pointed out some very interesting hidden treasures.

You may simply choose to take a day trip from London via an organized tour, specifically to see the Canterbury Cathedral or, do a walking tour. Or you may choose to do a combination tour of Canterbury and Dover. As you can see, there are many options available to you.

We did a separate day trip to Dover from London and spent an entire day there.

Discover St. Augustine Abbey Ruins and museum

The Abbey Ruins and museum are an interesting and unique experience. Many of the museums in and around London UK are interactive, yet there are creative ways to engage you in the experience and learn the history at the same time.

Once again, St. Augustine Abbey is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and therefore in our opinion, a must see destination.

This was one of the most fun interactive experiences we had while in the London area.

Walk by Westgate Tower

Designed with keyhole gunports to be used for cannon fire from a defended position, the Westgate Tower was erected n the late 1300s. This is located within about a five minute walk from the Canterbury West train station.

Explore the City Walls

Built originally by the Romans the City Walls are a reminder of ancient times. The grandeur is impressive and part of what makes Canterbury so unique.

Find the Geoffrey Chaucer Monument

This one’s for all the “The Canterbury Tales” fans, of which there are many. It’s not difficult to find, and you will have fun exploring the area.

Learn at The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge

Unfortunately, the Beaney was closed when we were in Canterbury, due to the off season, however having won the Sandford Award in 2023, this should be a stop on any visitor’s list who finds themselves in Canterbury for a day. Check their website for times and open dates.

See The Crooked House

During a busy day, it may be difficult to snap a photo of the Crooked House. Even in the off-season, when we visited Canterbury, there were several folks doing when we were, and we had to wait our turn to take a picture of this unique structure.

You have come this far, don’t forget to actually go into the book store. There is an impressive selection of books in this small space, and you will enjoy browsing here.

Stroll along The Kings Mile

This includes streets lined with specialty, local shops. It’s a delight to wander and browse this area. If you’re at the Crooked House, you’re on Kings Mile.

Walk around Canterbury town

Although this is noted last on our list, it is by no means the least in priority of things to do on hour day trip from London to Canterbury. Canterbury’s historic, even medieval streets offer visitors a unique experience.

Whether you go from London to Canterbury by train, car or tour, make sure to you take some time to walk around the town.

Our trip to Canterbury was extremely memorable and we’re happy we chose this location as one of our day trips while we were in the UK. For other possible day trips, visit our main menu, under day trips.