St Augustine's Abbey
Canterbury, Kent
Where Christianity was reintroduced to southern England in AD 598, with extensive level grounds where your dog can walk the plan of the whole complex.
This is one of the foundation stones of English history. St Augustine was sent from Rome and founded the abbey here in AD 598, baptising the pagan King Ethelbert of Kent, the most powerful Anglo-Saxon monarch of his day and the first to convert. The abbey became one of the greatest in England and forms part of the Canterbury World Heritage Site alongside the cathedral and St Martin's Church.
Whilst you follow the museum and exhibition through the layers, from Anglo-Saxon churches to Norman rebuilding to the Dissolution, your dog walks the ground plan with you, because dogs on leads are welcome in the abbey grounds, which are extensive, level and grassed. You can cover the plan of the whole complex without going indoors.
There is no site parking, though there is charged parking opposite, and Canterbury city centre is a few minutes' walk. There is a café, shop, toilets, museum, exhibition and picnic seating. Worth pairing with a walk along the Stour or out to the Westgate Gardens, since central Canterbury is busy and not especially dog friendly on a summer weekend.
At a Glance
- Dog Access
- On-lead in the grounds
- Dogs on leads are welcome in the Abbey Grounds.
- Site Type
- Abbey & Church
- Entry
- £11.90 adult
- £5.95 child · £29.75 family
- Members
- Free for English Heritage members
- Facilities
- Café / restaurant, Exhibition, Gardens, Museum, Parking, Picnic seating, Shop, Toilets, Wheelchair access
- Telephone
- 01227 767345
- Parking
- There’s no site parking, but there is charged parking opposite (not managed by English Heritage).
English Heritage Membership
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Planning Your Visit
- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- Closed
- Wednesday
- 10:00 - 17:00
- Thursday
- 10:00 - 17:00
- Friday
- 10:00 - 17:00
- Saturday
- 10:00 - 17:00
- Sunday
- 10:00 - 17:00
Opening times and prices were checked on 26 August 2026 and are subject to change, and some sites close for events or over winter. Confirm on the English Heritage site page before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is St Augustine's Abbey dog friendly?
Yes, dogs on leads are welcome in the abbey grounds, which are extensive, level and grassed. You can walk the full plan of the complex with your dog without needing to go indoors, so there's plenty to take in together.
Are dogs allowed at St Augustine's Abbey year round?
The listing confirms dogs are welcome in the grounds, though it doesn't specify any seasonal restrictions, so access appears to be year round. It's always worth checking with the site directly if you're planning a visit at an unusual time of year.
What should I know before visiting St Augustine's Abbey with my dog?
Dogs must be kept on leads throughout the grounds. There's no on-site parking, but there is charged parking opposite (not managed by English Heritage), and Canterbury city centre is just a few minutes' walk away. The grounds are level and grassed, making them comfortable for most dogs, and the site has a café, picnic seating and toilets — worth factoring in if you're making a longer day of it. If you fancy extending the outing, the listing suggests pairing your visit with a walk along the River Stour or out to Westgate Gardens.
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