Burgate

One of Canterbury's oldest surviving medieval gateways, Burgate stands as a proper reminder of when the city was properly fortified. It's a chunky bit of 14th-century stonework that once controlled access to the walled town, and you can still see the murder holes and defensive features if you know where to look. The gate isn't a major spectacle - you're not walking through some vast castle entrance - but it's genuinely atmospheric, especially if you catch it when the light hits the flint and stone just right.

History buffs will find it worthwhile, particularly anyone interested in medieval Canterbury's layout and defences. Kids aged eight upwards might engage with it as part of a broader walk around the city walls, though they won't want to linger for more than 20 minutes unless they're seriously into castles and fortifications. Access is free and you can view it from the street at any time.

It works well as a stop during a park-based holiday - many visitors base themselves at Canterbury Camping and Caravanning Club Campsite, just over a mile away, then explore the city on foot. The gate sits on the eastern approach to Canterbury's medieval heart, so you can easily weave it into a walk that takes in the Cathedral and the surviving stretches of the old city walls. Allow 15 minutes if you're just passing through, or 45 minutes if you're combining it with a proper wander around the wider defensive structures. Go early morning or late afternoon for better light and fewer crowds.