Pilgrims Hotel

Pilgrims Hotel runs out of a building raised in the 16th century, set inside Canterbury's ancient Roman walls. The name nods to the medieval pilgrims who have walked to Canterbury Cathedral since the Middle Ages. Guest reviews rate the location a striking 9.7 out of 10, the highest of any hotel in this price tier in the city, and praise a family-run welcome that feels clearly different from the big chains.

Rooms and decor

Rooms vary in size, the way they tend to in a 16th-century building: some are compact with low medieval ceilings, others more generous with windows looking onto the old street. Most reviews praise the cleanliness as consistent, with comfortable bedding, free Wi-Fi throughout, a flat-screen TV and tea and coffee in the room. The stairs are steep and there is no lift, so take care if you are carrying a large suitcase or have mobility concerns, and ask about a ground-floor room when you book.

Food and amenities

A continental breakfast is included in the rate, with a varied spread that takes in fresh bread, jam, butter, fruit, yogurt and hot drinks. Travelers who come back to stay again say the breakfast holds steady and fresh every time. Staff are well placed to point you toward restaurants and sights as people who genuinely know the city, and the front desk is helpful throughout opening hours.

Location and getting there

The hotel sits directly across from the Marlowe Theatre, which makes it ideal if you are coming for a show. Canterbury Cathedral is a 5-minute walk, and the High Street shops and restaurants wrap around it in every direction. Canterbury West Station is about 0.6 km away, an easy walk, with a direct high-speed train to London St Pancras in roughly an hour. The Roman Museum and Westgate Towers are close by too. For a 3-star rate, this is one of the best addresses in town.

Things to know before booking

A few things to settle first. The stairs are steep and there is no lift, a consequence of the historic building, so message the hotel ahead if you have heavy luggage and staff will help carry bags up. Some rooms are small with low ceilings, so ask for a larger one if space matters to you. And because it is a 16th-century building, room sizes vary widely from one to the next, meaning what you are given can differ noticeably, so it is worth flagging your preference at the time of booking.

Our take

This suits travelers who want a strong location at a sensible price, anyone who likes the feel of an attentive family-run hotel, and people coming to see a show at the Marlowe Theatre across the road. Rates start around $81 a night, roughly £65, with breakfast included, which makes it one of the best-value stays in Canterbury for an address this central. If you can handle the stairs, the location alone earns the booking.