Full of history and plenty of vitality from the 21st century, Canterbury may not be particularly big, but it is a must-see city. Canterbury not only contains one of the most outstanding cathedrals in the whole of Europe, but is overflowing with medieval character in every corner. The city invests millions in its thriving tourism industry and is easily explored on foot. As well as being of historical interest, this is also a modern city, full of colour and creativity.

Canterbury's main tourist attractions and tourism highlights include a variety of guided tours around both the city and the River Stour, with popular choices including the Tourist Guides walking tours led by knowledgeable local guides, the Canterbury Ghost Tour during the evening, the horse-drawn Canterbury Carriages around the Old Town area, and both punting trips and boat cruises along the river.

CANTERBURY CATHEDRAL

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, striking Canterbury Cathedral reflects components of various architectural styles from different centuries. A must-visit when in Canterbury, it's famous for having been the place where Archbishop Thomas Becket was murdered in 1170.

Another interesting spot to check out is the choir. Boasting a choir screen dating from 1411, the magnificent stone work is decorated with angels carrying shields and the crowned figures of six monarchs: Henry V, Richard II, Ethelbert of Kent, Edward the Confessor, Henry IV, and Henry VI.

For a truly unique experience, plan a stay at Canterbury Cathedral Lodge. Owned by the cathedral, it combines superb views overlooking beautiful gardens with wonderful views of the cathedral, as well as exclusive access to the Cathedral Precincts. Another must-do is a guided tour (opt for the longer 60-minute version covering the Great Cloister and Chapter House, well worth the investment of time). The cathedral is also famous as part of the Pilgrim's Way, a route for pilgrimages from Winchester and Rochester.

ST. AUGUSTINE’S ABBEY

St. Augustine's Abbey (1846), an English Heritage property just outside the city walls, is home to the remains of the abbey founded by St. Augustine in 604. St. Augustine's Gate and the Cemetery Gate date from the 13th century, and are where the foundations of the old abbey church and the graves of St. Augustine, King Ethelbert, and his wife Queen Bertha have been found. There are also excavated remains of the early Saxon Church of St. Pancras, including rare Roman artifacts.

CANTERBURY HERITAGE MUSEUM

Tourists eager to learn more about the history of Canterbury and the surrounding area should visit the Canterbury Heritage Museum. In an imposing medieval building on Stour Street, the museum includes the ancient Poor Priests' Hospital, with its magnificent beamed ceilings. Displays feature Anglo-Saxon treasures, rare Tudor painted plaster, and the historic Invicta steam engine built by Robert Stephenson. The museum also houses the wonderful Bagpuss and Rupert Bear exhibit, a tribute to two of the UK's most iconic children's TV characters.

CANTERBURY NORMAN CASTLE

While only a small section of this once great fortification remains, Canterbury Norman Castle is one of the oldest of Britain's castles. Begun by William the Conqueror around 1070, it became a prison for a period before being abandoned. You can explore portions of the remains, including one of the towers and the ground floor of the keep. The castle is a sightseeing highlight of the City Wall Trail, as are the Dane John Gardens, with their bandstand, fountain, tearoom, and children's maze.