Time Travel in Kent: Explore Medieval Canterbury, Faversham, and Sandwich

Kent’s ancient streets whisper stories from the Middle Ages at every turn. From the bustling pilgrim trails of Canterbury to the peaceful market squares of Faversham and the well-preserved quays of Sandwich, history is not just preserved here—it’s alive. Whether you wander ancient halls, stay in centuries-old inns, or even learn to wield a sword, Kent offers a true medieval experience for modern explorers.

Discover Medieval Canterbury

The heart of medieval England beats strongest in Canterbury, a city immortalized by Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. Pilgrims once flocked here from across Europe, and today, visitors can still walk in their footsteps.

Canterbury Cathedral
One of the most important Christian sites in the world, Canterbury Cathedral is an architectural masterpiece. Founded in 597 AD and rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1174, the Cathedral became a key pilgrimage destination after the martyrdom of Thomas Becket. Wander through its soaring Gothic nave, marvel at medieval stained glass, and visit the site of Becket’s shrine.

Franciscan Gardens
Tucked away from the city’s bustling streets, the Franciscan Gardens offer a serene retreat. These beautiful walled gardens sit on the site of a medieval Franciscan friary and offer peaceful reflections along the River Stour.

Eastbridge Hospital
Built in the 12th century to house poor pilgrims visiting Becket’s shrine, Eastbridge Hospital remains one of Canterbury’s hidden treasures. The atmospheric halls and crypts still echo with the footsteps of weary travelers from centuries past.

Step into History in Faversham

Faversham, one of England’s oldest market towns, is a medieval gem with a thriving heritage scene.

Abbey Street
Wander along Abbey Street, considered one of the finest preserved medieval streets in England. Timber-framed houses, once home to merchants and seafarers, stand proudly as a testament to Faversham’s historical prosperity.

Maison Dieu
Founded in 1234, the Maison Dieu once provided hospitality to pilgrims traveling to Canterbury. Though it evolved into a royal lodge and town hall, its medieval origins remain clear in the preserved structure.

Faversham Museum
Dive deeper into the town’s fascinating history at the Faversham Museum, located inside a charming Georgian building. The museum offers exhibits on medieval Faversham, its maritime trade, brewing heritage, and even its secret role in gunpowder production.

Visit the Timeless Town of Sandwich

One of the best-preserved medieval towns in England, Sandwich offers winding streets and historic treasures at every corner.

Sandwich Medieval Centre
The Sandwich Medieval Centre is a dynamic living history attraction where you can experience medieval crafts firsthand, from blacksmithing to boatbuilding. It’s a fantastic place to engage directly with the town’s past.

Guildhall Museum
Housed in an atmospheric 16th-century building, the Sandwich Guildhall Museum displays local artifacts, including copies of the Magna Carta, and tells the story of Sandwich’s evolution from a Cinque Port powerhouse to a historic market town.

Stay in Medieval Luxury

Your journey back in time isn’t complete without staying somewhere rich in character and history. Historic UK offers a selection of remarkable properties, from cozy medieval inns to stately manor houses, ensuring your historical holiday feels truly authentic.

Live the History: Learn Medieval Combat

No medieval adventure would be complete without experiencing the art of medieval combat. At the Medieval Sword School in Canterbury, you can train like a 14th-century knight. Learn the ancient techniques of longsword fighting, defense strategies, and the physical discipline that medieval warriors mastered. This private, hands-on experience offers a thrilling, unforgettable way to connect with history in a deeply personal way.

Key Takeaways

  • Canterbury offers iconic medieval sites, from the world-famous Cathedral to secret gardens and ancient hospitals.
  • Faversham brings history to life with medieval streets, religious heritage, and an insightful town museum.
  • Sandwich remains one of England’s best-preserved medieval ports, full of living history.
  • Historic accommodations across Kent allow you to sleep within the walls of history itself.
  • Medieval combat training offers a once-in-a-lifetime way to walk—and fight—in the footsteps of knights.

Unleash Your Inner Knight

Are you ready to do more than just see history? Are you ready to live it?

Sign up today for your private Medieval Combat Training Experience at Canterbury Medieval Combat. Feel the weight of a real sword in your hands, learn authentic techniques, and step fully into the medieval world. ⚔️ The past is calling—answer it with steel.

< BACK