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Visit by Train

Canterbury East / West

Kent

Canterbury and its Cathedral have seen many important historic events. Medieval walls still enclose parts of the city. The North Downs Way National Trail, the Elham Valley Way LDP and the Stour Valley Walk LDP all pass through Canterbury. The distance between East and West stations is just under 1 mile.
Website: www.canterbury.co.uk
Website: www.canterbury.gov.uk (with a good map to download and print)

Tourist Information: 12/13 Sun Street, The Buttermarket. Tel. 01227 378100.

Canterbury Cathedral - entrance in Sun Street
Canterbury Cathedral has attracted visitors since the days of medieval pilgrimages and the murder of Thomas Becket in the Cathedral in 1170. It has some of the oldest and most beautiful stained glass windows in England. Tel. 01227 762862.
Open*: M-S 0900-1700, Sun 1230-1430, 1630-1730. Closures or restrictions apply during services and for special events.
Website: www.canterbury-cathedral.org

The Canterbury Tales - St Margaret's Street
A reconstruction of 14th century England following the journey of Geoffrey Chaucer's medieval pilgrims travelling from London to Canterbury. Tel. 01227 479227.
Open*: Daily 1000-1700, closes 1630 Nov-Feb.
Website: www.canterburytales.org.uk

Museum of Canterbury - Stour Street
The story of Canterbury and its often turbulent history housed in the medieval Poor Priests' Hospital beside the River Stour. Exhibits include the Rupert Bear Museum. Tel. 01227 475202.
Open*: M-S 1030-1700, also Sun 1330-1700 Jun-Oct only. Last admission 1600.
Website: www.canterbury-museums.co.uk

Roman Museum - Longmarket, Butchery Lane
The Roman Museum is underground, at the level of the Roman town. Preserved remains of a Roman town house with mosaics, authentic reconstruction of a Roman market place. Excavated objects. Tel. 01227 785575.
Open*: M-S 1000-1700, also Sun 1330-1700 Jun-Oct only. Last admission 1600.
Website: www.canterbury-museums.co.uk

Royal Museum & Art Gallery with Buffs Regimental Museum - 18 High Street
A Victorian building housing decorative arts and picture collections. Tel. 01227 452747.
Open*: M-S 1000-1700. Admission free.
Website: www.canterbury-museums.co.uk

West Gate Towers - St Peter's Street
Despite its age West Gate is well preserved. A spiral staircase leads to a museum with guns and armaments. Replica armour for children to try on. Excellent views from the battlements. Tel. 01227 789576.
Open*: M-S 1100-1230, 1330-1530.
Website: www.canterbury-museums.co.uk

St Augustine's Abbey EH - Longport
The ruins of the Abbey founded in 597 AD by St Augustine. Museum. Refreshments. Tel. 01227 767345.
Open*: Daily 1000-1800, closes 1700 Oct, 1600 Nov-Mar.
Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk

Druidstone Wildlife Park - by bus
Enchanted Woodland trail, Artpark with sculptures, farmyard and adventure play areas. Tel. 01227 765168.
Open*: Daily 1000-1730.
Website: www.druidstone.net
Bus: 4/4A (4B Sun) from Bus Station and St Dunstan's Street to entrance (shortly after Blean, Royal Oak). M-S 4 per hour, Sun ½-hourly (hourly Jan-Easter), 15-20 minutes journey. Return buses are 6/6A (6B Sun). Traveline tel. 0871 200 2233. Buses also operate from Whitstable.

Wingham Wildlife Park - by bus
Walk through aviaries, pet village, capuchin monkeys, otters and adventure playground. Tearoom and picnic area. Tel. 01227 722053.
Open*: Daily 1000-1800.
Website: www.winghamwildlifepark.co.uk
Bus: 13 (13A Sun & BH) from Bus Station to entrance off A257 between Wingham and Ash (watch for sign shortly after Wingham), 20 minutes journey. M-S 13 hourly, Sun & BH 13A every 2 hours. Traveline tel. 0871 200 2233.

Canterbury map

National Rail Enquiries tel. 0845 748 4950.


Other stations on the same route:
Chatham - Gillingham - Sittingbourne - Faversham - Canterbury East - Bekesbourne - Adisham - Shepherds Well - Dover Priory
Maidstone East - Bearsted - Ashford International - Canterbury West - Sturry - Minster - Ramsgate - Broadstairs - Margate
Staplehurst - Headcorn - Ashford International - Canterbury West - Sturry - Minster - Ramsgate - Broadstairs - Margate

The information is provided in good faith, but errors are possible and details may change at short notice. Please confirm information using the links or telephone numbers provided. If you find an error please let me know so that I can correct it.
* Opening dates and times are approximate, please check before visiting.
Website: www.visitbytrain.freeuk.com     © John Hewes 2008     This page last updated: August 2006