Canterbury Crooked House Guide & Reviews (2026)
The Crooked House is one of Canterbury’s most photographed curiosities, sitting at the end of Palace Street on the historic King’s Mile. Its leaning façade and famously wonky front door make it a quick, fun stop on the way to the Cathedral. Better still, it is home to the Catching Lives charity bookshop, so you can pop in, browse, and support a good cause while exploring the city centre.
Crooked House at a Glance
Essential visit information
Time Needed
10 - 25 Minutes
Period
16th Century
Best For
Photos & Browsing Books
Crooked House Address & Location
Getting here
Address & Navigation
You will find the Crooked House at the end of Palace Street on Canterbury’s King’s Mile, opposite The King’s School. For sat nav, use CT1 2DZ.
28 Palace Street, Canterbury CT1 2DZ
Bookshop enquiries: +44 7548 287328
A Brief History of the Crooked House
Why it leans, and why it is still standing
A Tudor-Era Survivor
The building has a 16th-century core and is celebrated for its timber framing and overhanging storeys. It is protected as a Grade II* listed building.
The Chimney Problem
Its dramatic lean developed over time as the central chimney was altered and weakened. In 1988, the chimney stack collapsed, triggering urgent stabilisation work.
A Charity Bookshop Today
After restoration work (including a supporting steel frame), it has housed various shops. Today it is home to the Catching Lives charity bookshop, selling second-hand books to raise funds.
Is the Crooked House Expensive?
Trav's Wallet Score
TRAV’S WALLET SCORE:
(Note: For the 'How Expensive' rating, the lower the number, the cheaper it is!)
Squawk! This is one of the best free photo stops in Canterbury. Pop inside the bookshop if it is open and grab a bargain book, it supports the Catching Lives charity.
Pricing & Entry
What you need to budget
Entry Information
You do not need tickets. The Crooked House is a street-side landmark, and the Catching Lives charity bookshop is free to enter during opening hours.
*We don't get any commission if you click this button.
Discounts and Offers
Easy ways to keep the day budget-friendly
A Free Stop
This is a genuinely budget-friendly attraction because it is free to visit. Treat it as a quick photo stop while exploring the King’s Mile.
Second-hand Bargains
If you fancy a souvenir, browsing second-hand books can be cheaper than typical tourist shops, and your purchase supports a local charity.
Pair With Free Walks
Combine the Crooked House with nearby free sights like Westgate Gardens for a low-cost day out in the city centre.
Who Should Visit?
Is it right for your itinerary?
WHO WILL LOVE IT
WHO MIGHT HATE IT
Visiting With Kids
Is it family-friendly?
Funny Photos
Kids love the illusion shots here. Try a picture of someone "holding up" the leaning side of the building.
Spot the Details
Turn it into a mini scavenger hunt: can they find the wonky door frame and the overhanging upper storeys?
Quick Book Browse
If the shop is open, a quick browse can be a calm break from the busy streets, especially in the afternoon.
What to Look For
Small details that make it special
The Crooked Door
The famous sloping front door is the headline feature. The frame is deliberately skewed, which makes it look even more exaggerated.
Double Jetties
Look up at the projecting upper floors. The overhangs and timber framing are classic features of Canterbury’s historic streets.
Carved Brackets
Check the supporting brackets beneath the overhangs. Some are carved with quirky faces and grotesques that reward a slower look.
Peak Crowd Heatmap
When the street feels busiest
🟢 Early Mornings
Best for photos. Palace Street is quieter earlier in the day, so it is easier to grab a clear shot without people in the background.
🔴 Midday Rush
Busiest vibe. Late morning to mid-afternoon tends to be the busiest period in the city centre, especially on weekends and school holidays.
🟡 Late Afternoons
Calmer again. Later in the day you often get a steadier flow of people, making it easier to browse the bookshop and take photos.
Trav’s Insider Hack: The Perfect Mini Loop
“Squawk! Do the Crooked House first for photos, then stroll to Canterbury Cathedral, and finish with a calm walk in Westgate Gardens. It is a brilliant mix of iconic sights without rushing.”
How Close Is It? (Distance Matrix)
Approximate walking times to nearby landmarks
⛪ Canterbury Cathedral
🚶 Approx. 3 - 6 mins
(A short walk through the city centre lanes)
🖼️ The Beaney
🚶 Approx. 5 - 9 mins
(Back towards High Street)
🏰 Westgate Towers
🚶 Approx. 10 - 15 mins
(A straight stroll towards St Dunstan’s)
Best Areas to Stay Near the Crooked House
Top neighbourhoods for easy exploring
City Centre
The easiest base for walking everywhere. Perfect if you want quick access to the King’s Mile, Cathedral, and museums.
Westgate and St Dunstan’s
Great for links to Canterbury West station and a slightly calmer feel, while still being within an easy walk of the old town.
St George’s Area
Handy for Canterbury East station, restaurants, and quick access into the city centre lanes and historic sights.
Canterbury Parking Information
Where to leave your car
Nearby Car Parks
The Crooked House is in the city centre, so on-street parking is limited. For the easiest visit, aim for a central pay-and-display or multi-storey car park and walk in:
If you have a Blue Badge, check Canterbury City Council guidance for rules and any registration requirements in ANPR car parks.
Other Attractions Near Crooked House
Explore more sights in the city
Traveller Reviews
What did you think of this stop?
No reviews yet. Be the first to leave one!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Quick answers for your visit
