Would you trade Canterbury/Dover for York?

I've been to Canterbury and York and I'd say which town you want to visit depends on what you want to see. Do research and decide which place has more of an interest. I love medieval architecture and enjoyed what I saw in Canterbury - the city gates, cathedral, and Norman castle ruins - but York blew me away. I walked the entire city wall, went to York Minster, Clifford's Tower, and the Shambles. I didn't go to the Viking museum.

I haven't been to Canterbury but I can say that I absolutely loved York! It was just the right size city for me, very walkable, with lots of great sites.

I spent 3 nights in York and 4 in Canterbury in late May. I also spent 3 nights in Hastings. That gave me 2 full days in York, 3 in Canterbury and 2 in Hastings. I used trains, buses, taxis and feet to get around.

The weather in both areas was rainy, windy and cold most of the time. I would expect it to be the same when you are there.

I attended evensong services at about 17:30 in both cathedrals. I didn't go to Dover, largely due to the weather. I did go to the Hastings Battlefield, did the short walk around and just made it back to the café in time to order and get seated when a deluge hit and drove lots of people inside for shelter. You can also do a long walk which puts you right on the battlefield instead of just looking over it from the ruins of Battle Abbey.

Here's what I think.

You cannot really see the area around Canterbury, including Dover and the 1066 battlefield on a day trip from London. With a car on your own and with the short distances, you might be able to see more, but parking will be an issue. Also, the places you'll want to see do keep regular hours, usually closing about 17:00, and the days will be getting shorter when you are there. With the right train or bus scheduling, you might be able to visit Canterbury Cathedral and Dover OR the Hastings Battlefield from London, but not all 3 in one day.

Although some of my British ancestors came from Kent, and no doubt were in Canterbury Cathedral centuries ago, I preferred York. Besides the evensong service, I attended the York Minster Mystery Play one evening. I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the Shambles and the Yorkshire Museum. And I definitely ate at Betty's. I wish I would've had an extra day in York in spite of the weather.

So, to answer your question, yes, I would trade Canterbury/Dover for York. And to answer a question you didn't ask, I'd skip Canterbury/Dover and keep that day for London -- especially if I hadn't been there before.

It's a personal choice, but I would go to York and Canterbury/Dover and drop north Wales. It's a bleak coastline and not the most interesting coastline either. You could visit Bodiam Castle on the Kent/East Sussex border instead, a gem of a place.

I agree with Emma that the town of Dover is hideous, but the castle and tunnels make it worth the journey. The western end of North Wales is pretty, but Rhyl, Ruthin etc should be avoided unless you have interests in static caravan parks.

The towns in mid/west North Wales are of very average interest, other than a few have castles. There is nothing wrong with these towns, but there are much better places in the UK to visit IMO. Maybe it's because I was taken there numerous times when I was young. And it always rains when I go there!

Having been to both York and Canterbury I too would vote for staying 2 nights in York and seeing Canterbury cathedral as a day trip from London, time permitting from your 1 week in London--1h direct train journey. While I loved the cathedral in Canterbury and its prestige and history, I found so much more variety in York. We especially liked the minster and evensong, the wall walk, the Shambles, the keep, the Castle Museum and strolling along the river looking at the narrow boats. We didn't go to the Viking Center.

Chuck, I really prefer staying in Canterbury rather than doing it as a day trip (I've done it both ways). It does work as a day trip and many people see it that way. It is quiet after the day trippers leave.

We spent most of the day at Dover Castle. There is a lot to see. We drove back through Deal to see Henry VIII's castle. We did this trip from Canterbury.

We spent a few hours at the Battle of Hastings and am very glad we did. We also spent a whole day walking along the white cliffs at Seven Sisters and Beachy Head.

I have also been to York a couple of times. I know it is very popular but is further down on my favorite list, probably due in part to its popularity.

You can't see it all in one trip. You have to choose. If you plan to come back, perhaps a trip to see Scotland, you could fit York (and Durham -- don't miss Durham -- and Hadrian's Wall) on a Scotland trip. Canterbury fits with London (I do think it is easier to see rhe sites you mentioned with a car)

Hi Chuck,
Sounds as if you have a good itinerary with many famous and interesting places to see. Someone suggested that you skip North Wales, but I encourage you to keep it on the list. It's fascinating and I assume the national park to which you refer is Snowdonia. It's gorgeous and you won't be disappointed. You might consider an overnight at Conwy, a walled market town with a castle and tons of atmosphere. As for something additional in conjunction with your Devon visit, I suggest Glastonbury (particularly if you're "new age" enthusiasts) or Wells, where one can visit the glorious cathedral and attend a sung service if you wish to do so.
Also, I add my voice to those who recommend York over Canterbury, particularly during the school year. Because of its proximity to continental Europe, Canterbury is a favored spot for school excursions from France. During one of my visits, I encountered wall-to-wall students. In York, try to make time to walk the city walls, watch the street artists in the Shambles, and take a guided tour of the Minster. Have fun! Kathleen

Thank you everyone for your time and valuable comments and information. We have tweaked our itinerary, adding York and deleting Canterbury/Dover as a sleeping destination. May still take a day trip there, depends on how London goes. The only advice I'm not taking is to train from London to York; as a Californian, I prefer to drive and create my own path, so I'm renting a second car for the last few days from London-York-Manchester, allowing us to take tangents along the way.

Thanks again.

I think you should reconsider. Taking the train from London to York is fast and comfortable. The drive is not pleasant -- lots of traffic, not much to see. Parking is tough in York. It is a very walkable place. If you want to spend a day driving in surrounding area, rent a car from York and return it before you have to park!

There is no place better than the another: York or Canterbury. Just tell yourself that you have to go back for your next trip. Flip a coin what to see next. Any where you choose is a good location. Just tell yourself you will be back. You can not see it all no matter how much time you have. Enjoy what you do see and explore. HAPPY TRAVELS!!

Thanks again, everyone. I greatly appreciate your comments, ideas and suggestions.

Chuck