St Augustine's Abbey - Canterbury

Sara Montag

St. Augustine’s Abbey is a fantastic historical site and well worth the visit. The ruins are spread out across a peaceful outdoor setting, making it a perfect spot for those who enjoy leisurely, open-air exploration. It’s a self-guided experience with the help of an audio guide, which we received for free with our ticket purchase—an excellent addition to the visit.

The audio guide is only used outside, providing insightful commentary at various points of interest among the ruins. It’s well done, enhancing the experience without being intrusive, and allows you to go at your own pace. Since the entire site is outdoors, it’s important to plan accordingly, especially with the weather in mind. However, the lack of crowds really adds to the charm, making it a calm and immersive experience. The museum, which offers a deeper dive into the site's history, is also a nice bonus and complements the outdoor exploration.

Overall, St. Augustine’s Abbey offers a tranquil, enriching day out in Canterbury. Highly recommended!

Lesley Anderson

I visited this site on a recent trip into Canterbury. I arrived there late in the day so I was 1 of 3 people on the entire site for the duration of my visit. The ruins were well kept, the graves were clean & I found the info graphic markers to be full of interesting info. That said, as a visitor I think more detailed info markers at the tombs of the many archbishops, abbots, and kings buried here would help create a better understanding of how important this location has been historically. For example, I wasn't aware of the 3 Kentish kings & the 1 Wessex King being buried there before I arrived, and I would have found it very insightful to have learned something about each of them while I stood at their tombs, as the current info marker only mentions that they are there, and nothing more about them.

Otherwise, I truly have no complaints about my visit! This was a fantastic place to visit as a lover of history

Elli Schulz

What a neat piece of history! Everything was mapped out well and many signs explained how parts of the building would've looked like and functioned as in it's former glory. Not only did it guide us through the architecture itself, but the lives of the clergymen who resided there at the time. The tour included an audio guide which was helpful, but I also found it peaceful to walk through and read the well-informed signs. After walking through, I highly recommend the VR headseat where you can visualize the building in completion, both inside and outside. It's a great way to see all the remains in completion.

It is very family friendly, with fun activities for the kids while the parents read about the history. They offer student discounts and you can purchase a package deal along with other historical attractions in the area. The lady at the reception was very kind and said if I changed my mind and wanted to buy the package after I've left, I can get a refund for my singular ticket. I didn't end up having time to go elsewhere, so the single ticket worked perfectly, but I appreciated the offer.

This and the Canterbury Cathedral are must sees.

James

An excellent example of how an English Heritage site should be run. Very informative (although small) museum with some really interesting artifacts and texts as you enter, and you are free to explore the expansive grounds. Amazing history in this location, we thoroughly enjoyed exploring this area at our own pace. The audio guide was great. Very well done to everyone at this location, what a great bit of English history

jezzaftw

An incredibly nice front desk worker.

The museum at entrance is brief but interesting.

The ruins are really interesting to see and the posted signs really help explain the function of different parts of the building and make the ruins come to life.

If your lucky during your visit the cathédral nearby will sound the end of service bells and this really helps the site come together and exploring the ruins of the Abbey with the cathedrals bells ringing in the background feels truly special. I cant begin to describe the feeling

Hana Dunajova

Had a great time here. Learned a lot about the history of this place throughout the ages.
Tickets are £10.5 but you get free audio guide. In our opinion, this was better option than overpriced Cathedral entrance which sits at £17!!

St. Augustine’s Abbey is mostly ruins, but the history of this place is fascinating.

Our time here was made even better by Brian from English Heritage who stoped us, asking how are we enjoying ourselves and if we have any questions. Brian is a fountain of knowledge and an incredibly lovely person.
Definitely recommend if you like history, ruins and nice walk on the outside.

Tara Wright

We acquired an Overseas visitor pass for English Heritage sites for approximately $100 USD, which granted us access to this particular site. Our visit to the Abbey took place on 6/25/24 at 2pm, and we were pleased to find no wait and minimal crowds upon arrival. The museum section boasted an impressive array of artifacts, as well as interactive displays and activities for children. The highlight of the exhibition was a VR headset and corresponding TV screen, offering a glimpse into the abbey's past. Stepping outside, we were able to view the remains of the abbey, including floor tiles from the middle ages, the tomb of St Augustine, and a Saxon king burial site.

Louise Purvis

I enjoyed walking around the ruins of the abbey very informative displays. Fascinating history. Excellent gift shop and coffees thank you