Canterbury for Kids

For a day or a short break, Canterbury is a super city to visit if you have children. The city is home to a wealth of truly kids friendly attractions all hosting great family events during the school holidays. The compact nature of Canterbury with its pedestrianised streets make it easy for the whole family to explore. 

The wonderful Cathedral is a ‘must see’ and like many churches is full of ‘Creatures Great and Small’ ! Younger children will enjoy exploring and looking for the stone Canterbury lions, the carved dragonflies, dogs, doves and a dragon with the trail sheet ‘Creatures Great and Small’. On Tuesdays in August there will be activity days with trails around the Cathedral and arts and crafts activities. St Augustine’s Abbey is set in spacious grounds just outside the city walls, part of the UNESCO World Heritage site, it is sometimes missed by visitors.

The Canterbury Tales visitor attraction is a ‘must’ for families who set off on a pilgrimage from the Tabard Inn to the shrine of St Thomas Becket in Canterbury Cathedral. This accurate re-creation of medieval life provides an excellent introduction to the city and its famous literary connection. Great family events programme during school holidays.

Museums in Canterbury are certainly not boring - the Museum of Canterbury hosts the Rupert Bear Museum and characters from Oliver Postgate’s novels ‘The Clangers’ and ‘Bagpuss’ combine with hand’s on areas of history. The Roman Museum located underground right in the heart of the city centre ‘brings history to life’ with interactive screens and ‘touch the past’ areas, both museums have a great programme of family friendly events throughout the year. The West Gate Towers which have guarded the city since the 1380’s provides wonderful views from the battlements. A spiral staircase leads up to the Guardroom with guns and armour, here the children can try on replica armour and have a go at brass rubbing.

Enjoy a relaxing glide along the River Stour with Canterbury Historic River Tours , your host and guide will entertain and inspire the whole family with their lively and informative insight into some of the hidden treasures of Canterbury. Time to let off steam in the play area in Dane John Gardens set in the heart of the city the gardens have recently been judged one of the best parks in the country.

Hand’s on arty fun painting pottery, ceramics and glass at All Fired Up and Espression – Interactive Art Studio and Café. Both The Marlowe Theatre and The Gulbenkian located on the University of Kent campus stage great productions for children, included in the programme at The Marlowe Theatre is ‘The Emperor’s New Kilt’ and ‘High School Musical’

Just on the outskirts of Canterbury is ‘Wildwood’ Woodland Discovery Park where the whole family can come ‘nose to nose’ with British wildlife. Spend a thrilling day out at Howletts Wild Animal Park less than half an hour’s drive from the city centre. Enjoy close encounters with tigers, gorillas, and the largest herd of African elephants.

On the doorstep of Canterbury lie safe shingle beaches, good walking paths and wide promenades ideal for enjoying a day on the beach.

Fact Box

For more information on Canterbury visit www.canterbury.co.uk/kids