Canterbury on the Via Francigena

You can reach Canterbury — the starting point of the Via Francigena — by plane, train, bus or car. The guide below details the nearest airports, train and bus connections, driving directions, and the exact point where the walking route begins. The nearest major international airports are London Gatwick (LGW) and London Heathrow (LHR). From either, take a train or National Express coach to Canterbury West or East station. Canterbury has two stations: Canterbury West (high-speed services from London St Pancras) and Cante

The Via Francigena officially begins at the milestone zero marker located just outside the South Porch of Canterbury Cathedral. Modern pilgrims traditionally gather here to receive their pilgrim blessing and obtain their initial passport stamp from the cathedral's information office before walking through Christchurch Gate and out toward Dover.

You can obtain your official pilgrim passport (credenziale) at Canterbury Cathedral inside the visitor information office within the precincts, or at The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge in the town center. Both locations can also provide the official first stamp for your journey before you set off.

Canterbury's key holy sites include Canterbury Cathedral, which houses the shrine site of Saint Thomas Becket, and St Augustine's Abbey, established in 598 AD. Just east of the center sits St Martin's Church, the oldest church in continuous use in the English-speaking world, and St Dunstan's Church along the western entrance.

Canterbury is easily reached by direct train from central London. High-speed Southeastern services depart from London St Pancras International, arriving at Canterbury West railway station in under an hour. From Canterbury West, it is a pleasant 15-minute walk through the medieval streets and Westgate Towers to the cathedral.

Inside the cathedral precincts, The Refectory serves refreshing daytime meals, tea, and light bites. For a sit-down meal featuring regional Kentish produce, The Goods Shed, situated directly beside Canterbury West station, offers seasonal farm-to-table market dining in an atmospheric converted railway store.