Living in Canterbury

Community life in Canterbury blends centuries-old tradition with a contemporary, inclusive spirit. Local events, such as the Canterbury Festival and monthly street markets, offer chances for residents to connect, celebrate, and explore creative talent. The city’s various cultural and heritage organisations host art exhibitions, lectures, and volunteering opportunities year-round.

Green spaces such as Westgate Gardens, Dane John Gardens, and the nearby Blean Woods are focal points for outdoor life, supporting picnics, dog walks, and riverside strolls. Many neighbourhoods host their own associations and fayres, fostering a sense of belonging and shared heritage. The presence of two universities enriches the area with a dynamic student community and brings a global perspective to local life.

Canterbury also benefits from a number of community centres, churches, and support networks that offer activities, classes, and assistance across various age groups and interests.

Crime rates in Canterbury are generally comparable to similar-sized historic cities in England. The city’s centre and key nightlife zones may experience slightly more incidents, especially during evenings and weekends, typically related to anti-social behaviour or petty crime.

Neighbourhoods on the outskirts, such as Blean and Tyler Hill, are often viewed as more peaceful and residential. Canterbury benefits from a visible police presence, community support officers patrolling central areas, and initiatives like Neighbourhood Watch, which encourage vigilance and community cohesion.

Ongoing regeneration projects in and around the city centre also focus on enhancing safety through improved lighting, CCTV, and active public spaces. Most residents report feeling safe, with local authorities responsive to concerns. As with any city, taking routine precautions and being aware of surroundings, especially at night, is recommended.

Parking in Canterbury can be challenging in the city centre, particularly during peak hours and weekends due to narrow medieval streets. There is a mix of short-stay and long-stay council car parks, and a Park and Ride system operates from three main sites (Wincheap, New Dover Road, and Sturry Road), making it convenient for residents and visitors to access the city without the hassle of inner-city traffic.

On-street parking permits are issued to local residents, though some streets have limited capacity. Demand often rises during university term times and tourist events, so planning ahead is beneficial. Road access is facilitated by the A2, which skirts the southern edge of the city and connects to the M2 for journeys heading to London or coastal Kent.

Nearby towns and cities:

• Folkestone – approx. 40 minutes via A2/A20 (22 miles)
• Margate – approx. 35 minutes via A28 (18 miles)
• Maidstone – approx. 50 minutes via A2/M2 (34 miles)
• London – approx. 1 hour 15 minutes via A2/M2 (61 miles)

Canterbury offers a lively and diverse food scene, featuring cuisines from across the globe alongside traditional Kentish fare. High-street favourites sit next to independent cafés, artisan bakeries, and acclaimed restaurants such as The Ambrette and Café du Soleil. The King’s Mile and Northgate quarter are especially renowned for their independent eateries and unique bistros.

Pubs play a central role, from atmospheric historic taverns like The Parrot and The Old Buttermarket, to modern bars offering local craft ales and Kent wines. The city’s student population ensures a busy nightlife, with bars, cocktail lounges, and several nightclubs such as Club Chemistry. There is also a healthy live music and performing arts scene, with venues including The Marlowe Theatre and regular outdoor events at Dane John Gardens.

For those seeking more relaxed evenings, riverside cafés and waterside pubs provide scenic views of the River Stour. Takeaways, street food markets, and pop-up events add further depth to Canterbury’s culinary offerings.

School Quality: Canterbury is home to a number of high-achieving primary and grammar schools, as well as well-regarded independent and specialist institutions. This makes the city attractive for families seeking quality education at all stages.

Parks and Green Space: Families have access to beautifully maintained parks and riverside walks, with playgrounds and open-air events held throughout the year, especially in Dane John Gardens and Westgate Parks.

Childcare: Nursery and pre-school provision in Canterbury is diverse, with Ofsted-registered childcare available and several facilities situated near both residential and central locations for convenience.

Safety: Canterbury is perceived as a safe place to raise children, with active community safety measures and a visible police presence particularly in residential areas.

Family Activities: A broad range of family attractions, such as The Canterbury Tales Experience, local museums, and seasonal festivals, provide entertainment and learning opportunities for all ages. Sports clubs, youth organisations, and accessible nearby countryside further enhance Canterbury’s appeal for family life.

Canterbury is notably pet-friendly, thanks to its abundance of parks, green spaces, and easy access to the expansive Kent countryside. Westgate Gardens, Blean Woods, and the river pathways are favoured spots for daily dog walking. The city’s compact layout makes it easy to explore by foot, with pet owners often gathering at local cafes with outdoor seating.

There are several veterinary practices and pet shops in Canterbury offering a range of services, and a number of pubs and cafes welcome dogs. Pet-friendly rental properties are increasingly available, though demand can be strong due to the city’s popularity with families and students. The nearby countryside and coastline offer plentiful opportunities for dog-friendly days out and adventure.

Canterbury boasts excellent transport connections, making it a convenient location for local and long-distance travel. The city is served by two main railway stations: Canterbury East and Canterbury West, both providing regular services in and out of the city. Canterbury West offers high-speed services to London St Pancras, significantly reducing journey times for commuters.

Local and regional bus services circulate across Canterbury and surrounding villages, including connections north to Whitstable, Faversham, and Herne Bay, and southeast towards Folkestone and Dover. The city’s ring-road system helps ease central congestion, while cycling and pedestrian routes support sustainable travel within Canterbury itself.

Key commute times:

• London St Pancras – around 55 minutes (high-speed rail from Canterbury West)
• Ashford International – about 20 minutes by train
• Folkestone – approximately 35 minutes by train
• Whitstable – roughly 15 minutes by train or bus
• London Gatwick Airport – approximately 1 hour 35 minutes by car
• Port of Dover – about 30 minutes by train or car

Canterbury’s location on the A2 also puts it within easy reach of the M2 and wider motorway networks.

Canterbury is widely recognised for its high-quality education at all levels, making it a hub for academic excellence in Kent.

Primary Schools
Among the leading primary schools in Canterbury are St Thomas’ Catholic Primary School (Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ – last inspected 2016), Blean Primary School (Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ – 2016), and St Stephen’s Junior School (Ofsted ‘Good’ – 2023). These schools serve the local communities with a strong focus on academic achievement and extracurricular activities.

Secondary Schools
The city hosts several highly regarded secondary schools, most notably Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys (Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ – 2009), Simon Langton Girls' Grammar School (Ofsted ‘Good’ – 2014), Barton Court Grammar School (Ofsted ‘Good’ – 2020), and The Canterbury Academy (Ofsted ‘Good’ – 2017). These schools attract families from across Kent due to their strong reputations and academic results.

Independent & Specialist Schools
Kent College, Canterbury stands out as a respected independent day and boarding school, catering to both boys and girls from ages 3 to 18. The King's School, Canterbury, founded in the 6th century, is often recognised as one of the oldest schools in the world, offering a distinguished education for ages 13 to 18.

Further & Higher Education
The University of Kent is a leading public university with a strong research focus, situated on a hillside campus with views of the city. Canterbury Christ Church University is renowned for its teacher training, health, and social care courses. Both universities contribute to a dynamic student population and bring a range of facilities, events, and partnerships to the local area.