Canterbury looks like a city for grown-ups, with its cathedral and medieval lanes, but it is surprisingly good with children. The centre is compact and mostly pedestrianised, there are open spaces and a river within a few minutes of every sight, and a ring of wildlife parks and castles lies a short drive away. The trick is to mix one big historical sight a day with something active.
Make history hands-on
The Canterbury Roman Museum is built around a Roman townhouse, and its mosaic, heating system and hands-on objects are far more vivid for children than a textbook. Under-fives go in free, and the visit takes about an hour. The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge is free and has a mummified cat and a medieval murder story, which children tend to remember. The Canterbury Tales Experience is a story-led walk through Chaucer's pilgrims that the venue recommends for ages six and over, with lighting, sound and special effects, and it ends in a tavern. Westgate Towers has narrow stairs, cells and a rooftop view, which children usually love, though the climb is not suitable for pushchairs.
Get on the water
A punt trip on the Stour is a short, gentle way to see the city from a different angle, and the tours run in all weather. The Westgate Gardens next door give children room to run, and the Dane John Gardens add fountains, lawns and a steep mound to climb, plus a cafe. Use these open spaces between the more serious sights, and remember that a picnic is easier than a restaurant for small children.
Take them to the animals
Howletts Wild Animal Park, a short drive from the centre, is known for gorillas, elephants and big cats, and a day ticket gives you three or four hours of walking among large enclosures. The Wildwood Trust, halfway to Herne Bay, focuses on British wildlife with walk-through exhibits, keeper talks and red squirrels, and it has free parking. Dogs are not allowed at Wildwood, so plan for pets. Both parks suit a half day, and each pairs with a sea air stop: Reculver Towers is free and has space to run, though you should keep children away from steep slopes and the no-climb ruins.
Add a castle or the seaside
Dover Castle has a Great Tower, tunnels and walls to explore, and its timed tickets and long visit suit older children best. Leeds Castle has a maze, a grotto and wide parkland, which makes it ideal for a long family day. Whitstable offers a beach, harbour boats and ice cream, and the colourful beach huts at Tankerton. Check seasonal opening for the castles, as winter hours are reduced, and wrap up warm on the clifftop and the coast.
Pace the day
Plan one anchor activity in the morning, a picnic or easy lunch, and a free play stop in the afternoon. The cathedral can be rewarding for older children if you use the activity trails and the crypt, but it is a place of worship, so keep the visit gentle. Evensong is better for older children than for toddlers. Rainy days suit the Roman Museum, the Beaney and the cathedral, and sunny days suit the gardens and the coast.
Where to stay
Premier Inn Canterbury City Centre has family triple and quadruple rooms and a lift, and Best Western Abbots Barton Hotel has family rooms and free parking. The Ebury Hotel offers an apartment that sleeps four and a cottage that sleeps five, which gives larger families extra space. Ask about cots and highchairs when you book, since availability varies.
Practical tips for families
Pack a waterproof, snacks and a change of clothes for each child, because the best family sights are outdoors and weather changes quickly on the Kent coast. Many attractions have steps and cobbles, so a lightweight pushchair or carrier is easier than a bulky buggy, and the pedestrian centre is far less stressful if you leave the car at a hotel with parking. Look for family tickets, free under-age categories and activity trails when you book, and ask at the Beaney's visitor information desk for ideas on the day. A short, flexible plan with a snack stop in the middle always beats a packed schedule.