St Martin’s Church Guide & Reviews (2026)
Visiting St Martin’s Church is an absolute must for history lovers travelling to Canterbury. Known as the oldest church in continuous use in the English-speaking world, this ancient site dates back to before 597 AD. Queen Bertha prayed here and St Augustine began his Christian mission from these walls. Understanding the free entry, knowing where to find convenient Canterbury parking, and discovering the best nearby spots will help you plan a completely stress-free day out.
St Martin’s Church at a Glance
Essential Visit Information
Time Needed
30 - 45 Minutes
Origins
Before 597 AD
Best For
Ancient History & Pilgrimage
St Martin’s Church Address & Location
Getting here
Address & Navigation
Located just a short walk east of the city centre on St Martin’s Hill. For sat nav, use CT1 1PW.
St Martin’s Church, North Holmes Road, Canterbury, Kent CT1 1PW
Venue enquiries: +44 1227 768072
A Brief History of St Martin’s Church
From Queen Bertha to St Augustine
Queen Bertha’s Chapel
Built before 597 AD as a private chapel for Queen Bertha, the Christian wife of King Ethelbert of Kent. She worshipped here while the rest of the kingdom was still pagan.
St Augustine’s Mission
In 597 AD St Augustine landed in Kent and used St Martin’s as his base until land was granted for the abbey and cathedral. This makes it the cradle of Christianity in England.
UNESCO World Heritage
Part of the Canterbury World Heritage Site since 1988, alongside Canterbury Cathedral and St Augustine’s Abbey.
Is St Martin’s Church Expensive?
Trav's Wallet Score
TRAV’S WALLET SCORE:
(Note: For the 'How Expensive' rating, the lower the number, the cheaper it is!)
Squawk! Entry is completely free, making this one of the best-value historic sites in the whole of England. A perfect budget-friendly stop on any Canterbury itinerary.
Pricing & Entry
Completely free admission
Admission Rates
No tickets required. Simply turn up during opening hours and enjoy this incredible piece of English history. Donations help keep the church open.
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Discounts and Offers
Ways to save on your visit
Donations Welcome
While entry is free, a small donation helps preserve this ancient building for future generations.
Group Visits
Groups of 5 or more should contact the church in advance for private tours or special access.
Pilgrims & Locals
Regular worshippers and pilgrims receive a warm welcome at services. Everyone is invited to join.
Who Should Visit?
Is it right for your itinerary?
WHO WILL LOVE IT
WHO MIGHT HATE IT
Visiting With Kids
Is the church family-friendly?
Roman Brick Hunt
Turn the visit into a fun game of spotting the ancient Roman bricks in the walls.
Story Time
The story of Queen Bertha and St Augustine is perfect for bringing history to life for children.
Outdoor Space
The churchyard offers a safe space for little legs to stretch after a quiet visit inside.
What to See Inside
Highlights of the church
Roman Chancel Wall
Parts of the original Roman brickwork still visible, one of the oldest standing structures in England.
Ancient Font
The Norman font where generations of local families have been baptised for centuries.
Bertha’s Story
Displays and information panels telling the story of Queen Bertha and the arrival of Christianity in England.
Peak Crowd Heatmap
When to expect the biggest queues
🟢 Early Mornings
Peaceful Visit. Arriving at 11:00 am on a weekday is the quietest time to enjoy the atmosphere.
🔴 Weekends
Moderate Crowds. Saturdays and Sundays can be busier with local visitors and pilgrims.
🟡 Late Afternoons
Calm Close. After 2:00 pm the numbers drop off nicely before closing at 3:00 pm.
Trav’s Insider Hack: Combine with the World Heritage Sites
“Squawk! Visit St Martin’s first thing, then walk the short distance to St Augustine’s Abbey and finish at Canterbury Cathedral. You will see the full story of Christianity in England in one incredible morning, all for free except the Abbey and Cathedral tickets.”
How Close Is It? (Distance Matrix)
Walking times from major landmarks
🏛️ St Augustine’s Abbey
🚶 5 mins
(Just across the road and up the hill)
⛪ Canterbury Cathedral
🚶 15 mins
(Pleasant walk through the historic city centre)
🏙️ City Centre
🚶 10 mins
(Via Longport to the heart of Canterbury)
Best Areas to Stay Near St Martin’s Church
Top neighbourhoods for venue access
City Centre
Perfect central location with easy walking access to all major Canterbury attractions.
East Canterbury
Quiet residential area close to St Martin’s and St Augustine’s Abbey.
Near the Station
Convenient for train travellers, with a pleasant 15-minute walk to the church.
Canterbury Parking Information
Where to leave your car
Nearest Car Parks (Postcodes)
St Martin’s Church has no dedicated parking. Limited on-street parking is available nearby but can be tricky. Best options:
Blue Badge parking is limited; public transport or walking is strongly recommended for a stress-free visit.
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Traveller Reviews
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Quick answers for your visit
