We're traveling in January 2026 (yes, I know - weather.) We'll be spending a week with family in Norwich, and then will have 3 days to spend somewhere else before heading to London. My daughter in law suggested Canterbury. But most of what I'm reading suggests Canterbury as a day trip. Will we run out of things to do/see? Other options would be Oxford, or further, to Bath.
We will not have a car, so will be traveling by train.
Thanks for any thoughts.
Posted by
Royaume-Uni
2698 posts
You can use Canterbury as a base to see other places in Kent.
Go to Dover and see the castle; Deal, Sandwich, and Broadstairs are worth a visit.
Mind you, January weather!
Posted by
OP
Nashville TN
42 posts
Thank you for those suggestions. Are they accessible via train, or might we need to rent a car for a day?
Posted by
Lake District, England
9903 posts
All are very easy to get to by train.
There is also Chatham Historic Dockyard and Rochester Cathedral a short train ride away.
Posted by
Camano Island, WA, usa
1617 posts
The Turner Contempory Museum in Margate which is a beach town near Canterbury where both Turner and Constable painted. Exhibitions change, so you can preview online before you go, You could visit Cambridge on your way from Norwich to Canterbury and the Cliffs of Dover. Oxford can be a daytrip from London, or stay there and visit Blenheim Palace which is nearby with easy bus ride. Bath is quite the haul from London, so plan to stay overnight. Check sites like www.nationaltrust.org.uk to see what is available to view in each region. Bon Voyage!
Posted by
Sapulpa, OK, USA
6790 posts
We were in Canterbury some years ago to join a Rick Steves tour. We arrived three days early, and never ran out of things to see and do. No day trips, all in Canterbury.
Posted by
OP
Nashville TN
42 posts
Thanks, all. I appreciate the tips and suggestions. Sounds like 3 days will be just fine.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
7803 posts
We spent two nights there a few years ago and another possibly could have used another night. We had a car and visited Leeds castle en route to Canterbury and when we left we drove along the coast to pass through Margate and Ramsgate, then visited Dover castle and the WWII tunnels before heading to Rye.
Posted by
Nashville
4027 posts
What ramblin' on said....lots to see in Kent. Castles, stately homes, forts, gardens.
You could also do a day trip to see Leeds Castle (as mentioned by jaimeelsabio). If you have any trouble putting together a route by train or bus to it, just use this local car service, based in Canterbury, family owned and run.
They have a couple of emails and a website.
Email: [email protected]
By using a local car service, you can go directly to the castle and back to Canterbury.
Leeds Castle is possibly the most beautiful in England.
https://leeds-castle.com/
Posted by
OP
Nashville TN
42 posts
Great suggestions, thanks!
Posted by
OP
Nashville TN
42 posts
Rebecca, do you have a website for that car service? googling first class travel, or canterbury kent airport transfers is giving me a lot of hits.
Thanks!
Posted by
Nashville
4027 posts
https://canterburyairporttransfers.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/canterburyairporttransfer/
Phone: +44 1227 455333
Email: [email protected]
Posted by
OP
Nashville TN
42 posts
Thank you, I'll be reaching out to them.