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Home> Walks> England> Kent> A Canterbury trail

A Canterbury trail

Recommended by
Our view
"Through the ancient cathedral city and tracks once followed by pilgrims"
Walk directions

Go right from Castle Street car park then right again down Gas Street to pass the castle. At the end turn left on Centenary Walk. Where this finishes go right and walk beside the road. Cross a bridge, turn left, go under another bridge and along the river to the other side of the road.

Cross some grassland, go over a bridge and through a children's play area. Walk across the car park and turn left up the road to join the Stour Valley Walk.
View all directions
Location
Nearest postcode:
Additional information
  Terrain  - City streets and firm footpaths
  Landscape  - Ancient cathedral city and tracks once followed by pilgrims
  Dog friendliness  - Keep on lead in city but can mostly run free on footpaths
  Parking  - Castle Street or one of several car parks in Canterbury (fee)
  Toilets en route  - Castle Row, off Burgate and off High Street
Walks in Kent Family friendly walks in Kent
About the walk
As you walk through the streets of Canterbury, you can't help but be aware that you are following in the footsteps of millions of pilgrims. They have been drawn to Canterbury cathedral every year since 1170, when Thomas Becket was murdered there, and have included some notable historic figures....
Read more
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Walking in Safety

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About the area
Kent is home to the White Cliffs of Dover, an English icon that marks the point where the Kent Downs AONB stretches from the Surrey Hills down to the sea. Visitors can explore historic parklands, including Knole Park and Sir Winston Churchill’s former home at Chartwell, or beautiful nature reserves, such as the coppiced woodlands of Denge Wood and Earley Wood and the ancient fine chalk woodland of Yockletts Bank.
Explore Kent
Area image

Nearby places to stay

View all (8)
Restaurant with Rooms
The Corner House
★★★★
awardaward
"16th-century coach house offering great cooking in the city centre...."
  • Rooms 5
  • Free TV
  • DVD Player
  • Wifi
Hotel
THE PIG-at Bridge Place
★★★
awardawardaward
"Great bedrooms/bathrooms, characterful public areas and beautiful grounds...."
  • En-suite rooms:
  • Family rooms:
Inn
The Duke William
★★★★
awardaward
"Good food, a welcoming atmosphere, and comfy beds at this charming country inn..."
  • Rooms 4
  • Free TV
  • Wifi
Nearby places to stay
The Corner House
Located right in the city centre, The Corner House offers five stylishly decorated bedrooms. They are very characterful and appointed to a high standard yet still showcase some of the b...
★★★★    Rating
THE PIG-at Bridge Place
Located in the Kentish countryside, THE PIG at Bridge Place is an impeccably presented 16th-century country house. Characterful lounges have been beautifully restored and retain large f...
★★★    Rating
The Duke William
Located in the quiet village of Ickham, this village pub is a mix of traditional – exposed beams and roaring wood fires – and modern with up-to-date and stylish touches. Each of the fou...
★★★★    Rating
Westgrange House B&B
Located in a quiet and tranquil area, this family-run bed and breakfast offers comfortable rooms, all equipped with WiFi and TVs. Off-road parking is available for all guests and a cook...
★★★    Rating
Homing Park
A small touring park close to Seasalter Beach and Whitstable, which is famous for its oysters. All but eight of the generously sized pitches are hardstandings and fully serviced, separa...
★★★★    Rating
The Dog at Wingham
Close to Canterbury and opposite the village church, The Dog at Wingham once formed part of a former monastery dating from the 13th century. A boutique makeover has lent the place a sym...
★★★★    Rating
Cave Hotel and Golf Resort
Cave Hotel and Resort sits between Faversham and Canterbury, on the edge of the Kent Downs. Its sleek and contemporary design aesthetic is complemented by rich American walnut paneling,...
Quality Assessed
Canterbury Cottages
Canterbury Cottages were restored and rebuilt from the original buildings of 1703, using eco-friendly materials. The result is a delightful mix of modern and antique, with private parki...
★★★★    Rating
View all (8)
Places to eat nearby View all
The Corner House
   AA Rosette Award
Fordwich Arms
   AA Rosette Award
THE PIG at Bridge Place
   AA Rosette Award
The Duke William
Places to eat nearby
The Corner House
   AA Rosette Award
Fordwich Arms
   AA Rosette Award
THE PIG at Bridge Place
   AA Rosette Award
The Duke William
The Dove
   AA Rosette Award
The Dog at Wingham
   AA Rosette Award
Firepit Restaurant
   AA Rosette Award
Firepit Restaurant
View all
Route details
1hr 45min
Family-friendly
Difficulty:
Easy

Gradient:
Gentle


Distance:
3.75 miles (6kms)

Ascent:
115ft (35m)

Stay in the area  
Eat or drink nearby  
Discover more walks in Kent
If you like this walk, you can try more routes in the area.
Find more walks in Kent

A Canterbury trail

Recommended by
Our view
"Through the ancient cathedral city and tracks once followed by pilgrims"
Walk details
1hr 45min
Family friendly
Difficulty:
Easy
Gradient:
Gentle
Distance:
3.75 miles (6kms)
Ascent:
115ft (35m)
Walk directions

Go right from Castle Street car park then right again down Gas Street to pass the castle. At the end turn left on Centenary Walk. Where this finishes go right and walk beside the road. Cross a bridge, turn left, go under another bridge and along the river to the other side of the road.
1 of 7

Cross some grassland, go over a bridge and through a children's play area. Walk across the car park and turn left up the road to join the Stour Valley Walk.
2 of 7

Go under a bridge and continue to a level crossing. Cross the railway, then stroll up past Whitehall Farm. Walk under the bridge, through a gate and over a stream. The path bends round and the main road is on your left.
3 of 7

At a junction turn right along the North Downs Way. Go over a bridge and up a lane. To your left is Golden Hill – from which pilgrims traditionally had their first view of the city. When you come to a track, turn left and follow it round. Go right along Mill Lane to the main road. Take the underpass to cross Rheims Way, turn right down London Road, then turn right into St Dunstans Street.
4 of 7

Walk into Canterbury to go under the Westgate, turn left along Pound Lane and into St Radigund Street.
5 of 7

Continue into Northgate, go left then right down Broad Street. You're now walking around the outside of the city walls. Turn right along Burgate, past a tiny 16th-century building called The Pilgrim's Shop. Soon you will come to a pedestrianised area that brings you out at the Butter Market and war memorial. On your right is the entrance to the cathedral.
6 of 7

Turn left, cross The Parade into St Margaret's Street and turn right down Beer Cart Lane. Turn left into Stour Street and on the right is the city museum, and almost opposite, down Jewry Lane, is Canterbury Wholefoods where you can finish your walk. To return to Castle Street, retrace your steps along Stour Street, turn left along Rosemary Lane and then right.
7 of 7
Location
Starting point
Nearest postcode:
Additional information
  Terrain - City streets and firm footpaths
  Landscape - Ancient cathedral city and tracks once followed by pilgrims
  Dog friendliness - Keep on lead in city but can mostly run free on footpaths
  Parking - Castle Street or one of several car parks in Canterbury (fee)
  Toilets en route - Castle Row, off Burgate and off High Street
Walks in Kent Family friendly walks in Kent
About the walk
As you walk through the streets of Canterbury, you can't help but be aware that you are following in the footsteps of millions of pilgrims. They have been drawn to Canterbury cathedral every year since 1170, when Thomas Becket was murdered there, and have included some notable historic figures....
Read more
Been on this walk placeholder

Been on this walk?

Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.

Find out more
Walking in Safety placeholder

Walking in Safety

Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.

Learn more
Get an AA guide placeholder

Get an AA guide

Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.

Learn more
About the area
Area image
Kent
Kent is home to the White Cliffs of Dover, an English icon that marks the point where the Kent Downs AONB stretches from the Surrey Hills down to the sea. Visitors can explore historic parklands, including Knole Park and Sir Winston Churchill’s former home at Chartwell, or beautiful nature reserves, such as the coppiced woodlands of Denge Wood and Earley Wood and the ancient fine chalk woodland of Yockletts Bank.
Explore Kent

Nearby places to stay

View all (8)
Restaurant with Rooms
The Corner House
★★★★
awardaward
"16th-century coach house offering great cooking in the city centre...."
  • Rooms 5
  • Free TV
  • DVD Player
  • Wifi
Hotel
THE PIG-at Bridge Place
★★★
awardawardaward
"Great bedrooms/bathrooms, characterful public areas and beautiful grounds...."
  • En-suite rooms:
  • Family rooms:
Inn
The Duke William
★★★★
awardaward
"Good food, a welcoming atmosphere, and comfy beds at this charming country inn..."
  • Rooms 4
  • Free TV
  • Wifi
Nearby places to stay
The Corner House
Located right in the city centre, The Corner House offers five stylishly decorated bedrooms. They are very characterful and appointed to a high standard yet still showcase some of the b...
★★★★    Rating
THE PIG-at Bridge Place
Located in the Kentish countryside, THE PIG at Bridge Place is an impeccably presented 16th-century country house. Characterful lounges have been beautifully restored and retain large f...
★★★    Rating
The Duke William
Located in the quiet village of Ickham, this village pub is a mix of traditional – exposed beams and roaring wood fires – and modern with up-to-date and stylish touches. Each of the fou...
★★★★    Rating
Westgrange House B&B
Located in a quiet and tranquil area, this family-run bed and breakfast offers comfortable rooms, all equipped with WiFi and TVs. Off-road parking is available for all guests and a cook...
★★★    Rating
Homing Park
A small touring park close to Seasalter Beach and Whitstable, which is famous for its oysters. All but eight of the generously sized pitches are hardstandings and fully serviced, separa...
★★★★    Rating
The Dog at Wingham
Close to Canterbury and opposite the village church, The Dog at Wingham once formed part of a former monastery dating from the 13th century. A boutique makeover has lent the place a sym...
★★★★    Rating
Cave Hotel and Golf Resort
Cave Hotel and Resort sits between Faversham and Canterbury, on the edge of the Kent Downs. Its sleek and contemporary design aesthetic is complemented by rich American walnut paneling,...
Quality Assessed
Gardener's Cottage
Awaiting description...
★★★★    Rating
View all (8)
Places to eat nearby View all
The Corner House
   AA Rosette Award
Fordwich Arms
   AA Rosette Award
THE PIG at Bridge Place
   AA Rosette Award
The Duke William
Places to eat nearby
The Corner House
   AA Rosette Award
Fordwich Arms
   AA Rosette Award
THE PIG at Bridge Place
   AA Rosette Award
The Duke William
The Dove
   AA Rosette Award
The Dog at Wingham
   AA Rosette Award
Firepit Restaurant
   AA Rosette Award
Firepit Restaurant
View all
Stay in the area  
Eat or drink nearby