If you are looking for something fun to do while you are in Canterbury with your children, you will be spoilt for choice. Canterbury is a beautiful cathedral city, with so much to offer. With that being said, continue reading to discover more about 10 of the best things to do while in Canterbury with kids.


Family Hotels & Holiday Homes in Kent

Places to Eat in Canterbury with Children


1. Visit the iconic Canterbury Cathedral

There is only one place to begin, and this is with the famous Canterbury Cathedral. Almost one million visitors head to this Cathedral per year. There is a wide range of facilities for visiting groups, including everything from behind the scenes tours to guided tours. You will be able to explore the Cathedral in a manner that suits you. 

Address: Cathedral House, 11 The Precincts, Canterbury CT1 2EH

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things to do in Canterbury
Source: Wolfblur / Pixabay

2. Discover a treasure chest at House of Secrets

If your children are fans of Harry Potter, this store is a must-visit while heading to this part of Kent. the store has only been open for a year, and it sells a huge range of different items that are based on the popular J.K Rowling series. 

Address: 15 Mercery Ln, Canterbury CT1 2JJ

Source: LaraHughes / Pixabay

3. Watch your kids play outdoor at Toddler’s Cove Playground

At Toddler’s Cove, you will be able to experience the riverside landscape, which is rich in both history and wildlife. Located along the Great Stour in Canterbury, this is one of the four unique green spaces of Westgate Parks. It is a great place for families to relax and enjoy some outdoor fun. In fact, the Play Area here has been designed by children, and so you know that your kids are going to have a lot of fun.

Address: Whitehall Rd, Canterbury CT2 8BQ

things to do in Canterbury with Family
Source: Eibe Play

4. Take a walk at Blean Woods National Nature Reserve

Teeming with fauna and flora, the Blean Wood National Nature Reserve is a beautiful place. It is definitely worth visiting here at any time of the year, but especially in the summer. During these months, keep an eye out for dragonflies, damselflies, and butterflies, which includes the heath fritillary butterfly, which is very rare. The Blean Wood National Nature Reserve makes up one of a number of woods that incorporate 11 square miles. The other woods are the Cloews Wood, West Blean Woods, East Blean Woods, and Thornden Woods. 

Address: 163 Margate Rd, Herne Bay CT6 7AB

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Things to Do in Canterbury for Families
Source: explorekent.org

5. Visit the Howletts Wild Animal Park

While we’re on the theme of nature and wildlife, we have to mention the Howletts Wild Animal Park. here, you will be able to interact with more than 390 animals, across 52 different species. Some of the different animals that are housed here include clouded leopards, snow leopards, Sumatran tiger, Eastern bongo, white-naped mangabey, honey badger, Brazilian tapir, Eastern black rhino, a Western lowland gorilla, and the African elephant. 

Address: Bekesbourne Ln, Bekesbourne, Littlebourne, Canterbury CT4 5EL

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things to do in Canterbury with family
Source: Aspinall Foundation

6. Enhance the creative mind of your children by visiting The Beaney

At The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge, not only are you going to get to enjoy a range of different art exhibitions but one of the best things about this attraction is that there are often family activities going on here too. For example, this includes the likes of Creative Family Activities and Dragon Egg Hunts. It is definitely worth checking out the events calendar on the website before you make the trip to Canterbury with your family, so you can find out whether there are any activities going on that you and your children would be interested in.

Address: 18 High St, Canterbury CT1 2BD

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things to do in Canterbury with Family
Source: BabyBreaks

7. Enjoy great plays at The Marlowe

After an extensive rebuild, The Marlow Theatre opened its doors again in 2011. It is now one of the leading regional theatres in the country. You will find a lot of exciting shows going on here throughout the year. This includes everything from comedy performances to dance and music shows. Some of the shows that are going on are the popular pantomime with Nurse Nellie Saves Panto and Jack and the Beanstalk. A lot of other plays and shows are planned in 2021 including Heathers the Musical or Everybody’s Talking about Jamie.

Address: The Marlowe, The Friars, Canterbury CT1 2AS

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Source: The Marlowe

8. Get local fresh produce at The Goods Shed Food Market

The Goods Shed opened around 18 years ago, as a daily farmers market, with an on-site restaurant that uses local produce. If you want to enjoy the best of the best in terms of food, this is definitely the place to be. You can enjoy slow-proved bread that are baked on-site at Enzo’s Bakery. There is also Murray’s General Store, as well as Cheese Makers of Canterbury, a Fish Stall, Veg Stall, and a Butchery as well. You name it; you will find it here!

Address: Station Rd W, Canterbury CT2 8AN

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Source: The Goods Shed / Instagram

9. Enjoy a spooky tour with the Ghost Tour

Last but not least, if you are looking for a little bit of spooky fun, you will enjoy the Canterbury Ghost Tour. This is a 90-minute tour, which will take you through the dark side of Canterbury in a manny that offers an interesting and entertaining blend of the haunting, mixed with humour and history. John Hippisley leads the tour – a multi-award-winning Ghost Hunter, local historian, and author. There are a number of other tours you may want to consider as well, including the John Hippisley Photographic Tours and The Canterbury Hidden City Tour.

Address: Alberrys Wine Bar & Bistro, 38 St Margaret’s St, Canterbury CT1 2TY

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Source: Canterbury Ghost Tour

10. Take a river tour with Canterbury Punting

Why not discovering Canterbury on the Stour river by taking a private hand-built punt tour. This is a perfect family attraction that is best enjoyed on a bright sunny day of course. This tour lasts about 45 min.

Address: Water Ln, Canterbury CT1 2NQ

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Source: Canterbury Punting Co. / Facebook

So there you have it: 10 of the best things to do while you are in Canterbury with your children. From the famous Canterbury Cathedral to the spooky Canterbury Ghost Tour; there is something for all families to enjoy. 

10 Best Things to Do in Canterbury with Family

List of Images Sources

  • Wolfblur / Pixabay
  • LaraHughes / Pixabay
  • Toddler’s Cove Playground / Eibe Play
  • Blean Woods National Nature Reserve / explorekent.org
  • Howletts Wild Animal Park / Aspinall Foundation
  • The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge / BabyBreaks
  • The Marlowe Theatre / The Marlowe
  • The Goods Shed / Instagram
  • Canterbury Ghost Tour
  • Canterbury Punting Co. / Facebook

 

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