St. Augustine's Abbey



Take an hour or so to visit one of Canterbury’s most important heritage sites and see impressive ruins dating back to the sixth century.

Spend some time at one of Canterbury’s best attractions: St. Augustine’s Abbey. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has beautiful ruins and sacred religious artifacts from the sixth century. Take an audio tour to fully enjoy your visit, and be sure to explore the on-site museum.

The abbey was built around A.D. 598, after St. Augustine had made the journey from Rome to Britain on a mission to convert Anglo-Saxons to Christianity. One of Britain’s oldest remaining monastic sites, the abbey was originally built as a burial place for the kings of Kent. Much of the layout of the abbey has been preserved and its ruins can be seen around the grounds.

Get an audio kit, included in the admission price, from the reception and begin an informative self-guided tour of the site. See a wall of the abbey nave, still standing resolute after no less than seven centuries, and the foundations of a workshop and a chapel used for burials from the 16th century. Look for the medieval stone carving in the ruins of St. Anne’s chapel.

The tour will alert you to the numerous significant burial sites of former archbishops. Take a moment to pay a visit to the original tomb site of St. Augustine, the founder and first Archbishop at the Canterbury Cathedral.

Capture the ancient stone constructions on camera. The ruins are contrasted with the vibrant green grass that England is so famous for.

After a tour of the abbey, visit the on-site museum to see protected artifacts and learn more about the history and original layout of the site.

The opening hours for St. Augustine’s Abbey are announced on a seasonal basis, so check the abbey's website before you go. Entry fees include access to the museum.

You can combine your visit to the abbey with a visit to the stunning Canterbury Cathedral. Take a walk around the gardens and enjoy the soaring Gothic spires of St. Augustine’s proudest work.

Plan a trip to see St. Augustine's Abbey

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Things to do near St. Augustine's Abbey

At St. Augustine's Abbey in Canterbury, visitors can immerse themselves in history while enjoying a range of activities. Explore the stunning architecture and the serene gardens, or partake in guided tours that delve into the abbey's rich heritage. Nearby, you can indulge in local art galleries and quaint shops, making it a perfect blend of cultural exploration and leisurely pursuits. Don't miss the opportunity to savour the local cuisine at nearby eateries.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near St. Augustine's Abbey, visit the Old Synagogue, just 249m away, offering unique gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, explore Ashford Designer Outlet and Capel le Ferne Farmers Market, both located 8.1km away, featuring a range of shops and local produce.

Recreation

At Canterbury Golf Club, enjoy a round of golf surrounded by beautiful landscapes, just 1.6km from St. Augustine's Abbey. For a serene retreat, visit Duncan Down, a tranquil area perfect for relaxation, located five miles away. Families can have fun at Herne Bay Mini Golf, seven miles from the Abbey.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of Lazer Rush, located 3.1km from St. Augustine's Abbey, where you can engage in exciting laser tag battles. Explore the natural beauty of Reinden Wood, 6.8km away, perfect for outdoor adventures. For a unique family experience, ride the Leas Lift, situated 8.7km from the Abbey.

Nightlife

In St. Augustine's Abbey, enjoy a night out at the Marlowe Theatre for captivating performances or head to the Gulbenkian Theatre for an enriching cultural experience. For family fun, the iFUN@Sandancers arcade offers adventurous entertainment, making for a lively evening in this historic city.

Find the best attractions near St. Augustine's Abbey

Whether you're keen on history or nature, St. Augustine's Abbey and its surroundings offer a delightful array of attractions. Explore the abbey church, delve into the rich heritage of the St. Augustine Abbey Monastery, or enjoy the local urban parks and nature reserves. With options that cater to culture enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike, your visit promises to be both enriching and enjoyable.

  • Canterbury Cathedral: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this stunning cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and a focal point of Christian heritage in England. Explore its awe-inspiring interiors, including the beautiful stained glass and the famous shrine of Thomas Becket.
  • University of Kent: Known for its vibrant campus and modern facilities, the University of Kent offers a blend of academic excellence and cultural experiences. Stroll through its picturesque grounds and enjoy the lively atmosphere, with plenty of student-driven activities and events.
  • Whitstable Beach: Famous for its colourful beach huts and fresh seafood, Whitstable Beach is a perfect spot for seaside relaxation. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the pebbled shore, indulge in oysters at local eateries, and take in the charming coastal scenery.

Best time to go to St. Augustine's Abbey

The best time to visit St. Augustine's Abbey can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around St. Augustine's Abbey falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around St. Augustine's Abbey falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January42.3°F (5.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April48.6°F (9.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May53.6°F (12.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June59.2°F (15.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July63.5°F (17.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August64.0°F (17.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October56.1°F (13.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November49.3°F (9.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December45.0°F (7.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for St. Augustine's Abbey

To save money on your visit to St. Augustine's Abbey, consider travelling in the cheaper months of January to February and November, as accommodation prices drop during these times. Aim to book your stay on a Wednesday for the best rates, avoiding the pricier Saturdays. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter by budget and eco-friendly options, and combine your hotel, flights, and activities for potential savings. Additionally, explore free activities in the area to keep costs down while enjoying your trip.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around St. Augustine's Abbey are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around St. Augustine's Abbey is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around St. Augustine's Abbey is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as budget, desired location, and type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel booking for St. Augustine's Abbey with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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