Kent


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-best-for-family-fun">1. BEST FOR&#8230; FAMILY FUN</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1001" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/canterbury-medieval-pageant-2.jpg" alt="canterbury medieval family trail" class="wp-image-124314" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/canterbury-medieval-pageant-2.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/canterbury-medieval-pageant-2-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/canterbury-medieval-pageant-2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/canterbury-medieval-pageant-2-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/canterbury-medieval-pageant-2-768x513.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Sound the fanfare and grab your knightly shield as <a href="https://canterburymedievalpageant.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Canterbury’s Medieval Family Trail</a> returns on <strong>Sat 4 July</strong>. This year’s celebrations shine a spotlight on Canterbury’s links to the world-famous Bayeux Tapestry, thought to have been conceived in the city almost 1,000 years ago. While the traditional parade takes a break, a lively new Pageantry Stage will take centre stage from 10am – 5pm, complete with battle reenactments, medieval market stalls, live music, dancing, theatrical performances and even a set of stocks for any mischievous family members.</p>



<p>The ever-popular free Family Trail also returns, featuring 20 stops packed with hands-on activities including stone carving, weaving, calligraphy, coin striking, armour displays, face painting and the chance to design your own heraldic shield or explore a digital Canterbury Castle. You can even visit England’s oldest toilet. Complete five or more trail stops and you’ll be rewarded with a giant chocolate coin, while new for 2026 is the Mini Medieval Parade, where children, adults and even well-behaved pets are invited to don homemade medieval costumes and show them off on the Pageantry Stage. This much-loved event is sure to transport you back in time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">2. BEST FOR&#8230; CULTURE VULTURES</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/08/canterbury-cathedral-1.jpg" alt="canterbury" class="wp-image-59623" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/08/canterbury-cathedral-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/08/canterbury-cathedral-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/08/canterbury-cathedral-1-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/08/canterbury-cathedral-1-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/08/canterbury-cathedral-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/08/canterbury-cathedral-1-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>It’s hard to miss <a href="https://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Canterbury’s beautiful cathedral</a> towering above the city-scape in most views of the city. Not only one of the oldest and most famous Christian structures in England, it is also a World Heritage site. Do take a moment to walk through this monumental building and soak up the incredible history that has taken place here since its foundation in 597.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/the-gulbenkian.jpg" alt="gulbenkian" class="wp-image-72585" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/the-gulbenkian.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/the-gulbenkian-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/the-gulbenkian-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/the-gulbenkian-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/the-gulbenkian-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>If theatre is your thing you’ll be spoilt for choice here. First up is <a href="https://thegulbenkian.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gulbenkian</a> which is the University of Kent’s Arts Centre offering first-class fun – from regular film screenings and offering diverse productions for all the family around various scenic venues across the historic city of Canterbury. Definitely don’t miss the <a href="https://thegulbenkian.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bOing! Family Arts Festival</a> making a comeback on <strong>Sat 29 – Sun 30 Aug</strong> for a brilliant weekend of performance and creativity for all ages.</p>



<p>There’s also <a href="https://malthousetheatre.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Malthouse Theatre</a>, a state of the art theatre housed within a stunning conversion of a Victorian Malthouse – with a full calendar of shows, including brilliant stand-up comedy nights.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1004" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/marlowe-theatre.jpeg" alt="marlowe theatre" class="wp-image-114154" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/marlowe-theatre.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/marlowe-theatre-800x535.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/marlowe-theatre-1000x669.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/marlowe-theatre-400x268.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/marlowe-theatre-768x514.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The <a href="https://marlowetheatre.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marlowe Theatre</a> is one of the country’s leading regional theatres and its right on your doorstep. The theatre attracts the best of the national touring productions from <a href="https://marlowetheatre.com/shows/annie-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Annie</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://marlowetheatre.com/shows/the-bodyguard-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Miss Saigon</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://marlowetheatre.com/shows/peppa-pigs-big-family-show/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Mean Girls</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://marlowetheatre.com/shows/the-bodyguard-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show</em></a>, <a href="https://marlowetheatre.com/shows/the-bodyguard-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>The Bodyguard</em></a> and much more this summer.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">3. BEST FOR&#8230; OUTDOOR ADVENTURE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/cantebury-punting.jpg" alt="canterbury punting" class="wp-image-124375" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/cantebury-punting.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/cantebury-punting-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/cantebury-punting-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/cantebury-punting-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/cantebury-punting-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>See Canterbury from a different perspective with a trip on the River Stour courtesy of <a href="https://westgatepunts.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Westgate Punts</a>. Glide through the city’s historic waterways aboard a traditional hand-crafted punt, passing the picturesque Westgate Gardens, hidden nature reserves and some of Canterbury’s most iconic landmarks along the way. Choose from classic guided tours, private charters or book a &#8216;sweetheart punt&#8217; for couples, all led by knowledgeable local guides. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing family outing, a romantic escape or simply the best views in the city, this award-winning experience is one of Canterbury’s most charming ways to explore.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">4. BEST FOR&#8230; SHOPPING IN STYLE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/shopping-canterbury-kent.jpg" alt="canterbury shopping" class="wp-image-124373" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/shopping-canterbury-kent.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/shopping-canterbury-kent-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/shopping-canterbury-kent-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/shopping-canterbury-kent-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/shopping-canterbury-kent-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Canterbury’s cobbled streets are a pleasure to potter around and there are plenty of independent shops that can be found in the winding roads heading away from the High Street.</p>



<p>Head to the <a href="https://www.superstorevintage.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Superstore Vintage</a> for your teen (they might even thank you) or kids will love <a href="https://wrapped.shop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wrapped!</a> or for younger ones <a href="https://whirligigtoys.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Whirligig Toys</a> or for your good self there’s <a href="https://madame-oiseau.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Madame Oiseau</a> (for hand-made chocolate delights), <a href="https://www.rockpaperscissors.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rock Paper Scissors</a> (for gorgeous interior wares and gifts) or <a href="https://www.happyglorious.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Happy &amp; Glorious</a> on Burgate (for beautiful gifts, homeware and dried flowers).</p>



<p>Or go to <a href="http://www.lilfordgallery.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lilford Framing Gallery</a>, if it’s an art-fix you are after. There’s always cool, modern, playful work on display. Expect an eclectic range of works by both emerging artists from the Kent Area and internationally known artists.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">5. BEST FOR&#8230; YOUNG HISTORY LOVERS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/the-beaney-canterbury.jpg" alt="the beaney" class="wp-image-83569" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/the-beaney-canterbury.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/the-beaney-canterbury-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/the-beaney-canterbury-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/the-beaney-canterbury-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/the-beaney-canterbury-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/the-beaney-canterbury-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Let them experience some culture at <a href="https://canterburymuseums.co.uk/the-beaney/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Beaney House of Art &amp; Knowledge</a>, Canterbury’s museum, library and art gallery right in the city centre. There’s always something going on here from exhibitions, events and daily activities. See their ancient Egyptian mummified cat, victorian toys, artworks from legendary Anthony Van Dyke, Pop Artist David Hockney and brand new is their family gallery showcasing the original <a href="https://canterburymuseums.co.uk/collections/the-beaney/the-smallfilms-gallery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bagpuss</a> giving insights into early, pre-CGI animation. Better still, admission is free!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/Canterbury-Roman-Museum-5.jpeg" alt="roman museum" class="wp-image-83579" style="aspect-ratio:1.5;width:640px;height:auto" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/Canterbury-Roman-Museum-5.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/Canterbury-Roman-Museum-5-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/Canterbury-Roman-Museum-5-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/Canterbury-Roman-Museum-5-400x267.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/Canterbury-Roman-Museum-5-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/Canterbury-Roman-Museum-5-788x525.jpeg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Found in the heart of Canterbury’s historic centre, the <a href="https://canterburymuseums.co.uk/canterbury-roman-museum/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Canterbury Roman Museum</a> is Kent’s only Roman Museum; providing a fascinating and family-friendly insight into life in Roman Britain. Explore Canterbury’s history around the remains of an original Roman Town House and Scheduled Ancient Monument. Discover one of the UK’s only remaining in situ Roman pavement mosaics – as well as the remains of an ancient underfloor heating system. Get ready to step back in time and down the streets of Roman Canterbury.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/canterbury-tales-experience.jpg" alt="canterbury tales" class="wp-image-124341" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/canterbury-tales-experience.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/canterbury-tales-experience-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/canterbury-tales-experience-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/canterbury-tales-experience-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/canterbury-tales-experience-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Or, step into Chaucer’s world at Canterbury’s reimagined <a href="https://www.canterburytales.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Canterbury Tales</a> attraction, where medieval storytelling gets a high-tech makeover. Combining immersive theatre with cutting-edge projection mapping, virtual reality, animatronics and special effects, this interactive experience brings the famous tales vividly to life as visitors journey from medieval London to Canterbury. Round off your adventure at The Chequers of Hope Inn, a lively themed tavern serving up entertainment, events and plenty of medieval atmosphere.</p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hungry-for-more"><em>HUNGRY FOR MORE?</em></h2>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/whats-on/summer-kent-festivals-music-arts-culture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fun loading! All the summer 2026 festivals to book now</a></li>



<li><a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/things-to-do-on-a-rainy-day-in-bucks-oxon/">T</a><a href="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/things-to-do-on-a-rainy-day-in-kent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ake cover! What to do on a rainy day in Kent</a></li>



<li><a href="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/whats-on/summer-highlights-at-dreamland-margate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">5 reasons Dreamland should be at the top of your SS26 bucket list</a></li>
</ul>


Day trippin’? Canterbury’s top 5 things to do this summer

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