St. Augustine’s Abbey in Canterbury, Kent, is a remarkable historic site that chronicles over fourteen centuries of religious and cultural history. Founded in AD 598 by St. Augustine, the abbey was once one of England’s most important Christian monasteries and played a key role in the country’s conversion to Christianity.
Today, visitors can wander among the atmospheric ruins, including impressive stone walls, cloisters, and crypts, while learning about the abbey’s pivotal role in medieval ecclesiastical life. The site is managed by English Heritage and forms part of Canterbury’s UNESCO World Heritage designation, alongside Canterbury Cathedral and St. Martin’s Church.
Interactive exhibits and informative signage guide visitors through the abbey’s dramatic history, from its foundation to its dissolution under Henry VIII. The peaceful surroundings and beautiful gardens also provide a reflective space for visitors of all ages.