Canterbury’s Christmas Market, just an hour from London, is celebrated for its charm, family-friendly activities, and historic backdrop, making it a must-visit this season.
Canterbury: A Christmas market in this historic city has been named one of the best in the UK. It’s just an hour from southeast London, making it super accessible.
If you’re looking for a festive outing, the Canterbury Christmas Market is a great pick. It’s one of the largest in the southeast, so there’s plenty to see and do.
As you stroll through, you’ll be surrounded by stunning historic buildings. Canterbury boasts over 1,500 listed structures, so the scenery is just as delightful as the shopping.
The Independent recently highlighted this market as one of the top spots in the UK, right alongside Spitalfields in East London. It’s been running for 16 years and features around 150 stalls.
There’s also a bunch of fun activities, like mini golf and a festive carousel. Families will love the VR sleigh ride and Santa’s grotto, complete with a talking letterbox!
The market is open until Christmas Eve and is spread across various locations, including The Marlow Arcade and the Cathedral Precincts. You can enjoy live music while you shop, too.
And guess what? Father Christmas will be making special appearances on certain days, so kids can meet him in person!
For a unique experience, you can even have Breakfast With Santa for just £15. This includes a hot drink and pastries while you chat with the jolly man himself.
Getting to Canterbury is easy, with direct trains from Bromley South starting at £10. Coaches from National Express are also available, with fares from £8.
The city is rich in history, featuring the famous cathedral that dates back to the 11th century. It’s a stunning example of Anglo-Gothic and Romanesque architecture.
Don’t miss out on other historical sites like St Augustine’s Abbey and St Martin’s Church, which is known as Britain’s oldest building. Together, they form a UNESCO World Heritage Site.