Caravanning in Canterbury

What the 18 sites tell you

BritStays lists 18 caravanning sites in the Canterbury area of Kent. Twelve are listed under Canterbury itself. Two are in Hythe, and there is one each in Aldington, Dymchurch, St Mary's Bay and Greatstone. So most of your choice sits around Canterbury, with a handful of options further out if you'd rather base yourself in a smaller place.

Our listings don't record whether each site is by the sea or inland, and a park's name isn't a reliable guide. If a coastal pitch or a rural view matters to you, check the map and photos on each listing before you commit. None of the listings give a 'sleeps' figure either, so confirm berths or pitch size directly with the site.

Getting around without the car

This is a well-connected set of sites. Fifteen of the 18 are near a bus stop, 12 are near a train station and 9 have EV charging nearby. That makes it realistic to leave the car parked for a day or two.

• Snowdown Caravan Site (Canterbury) is near a bus stop and a train station, with EV charging nearby.
• The Community Nest in Dymchurch has the same three: bus, train and EV charging.
• Marlie Farm Holiday Park is near both a bus stop and a train station.
• New Romney Caravan Park in Greatstone lists WiFi, a nearby bus stop and EV charging nearby.
• Cobb's Meadow is near a train station.

Only 4 sites list parking as a facility. If you're arriving with a car and caravan, or a motorhome, ask how and where you'll park.

Families, couples and dog owners

Families have a few sites with more going on. Romney Sands Holiday Park lists a swimming pool, evening entertainment and a bar. Sandy Bay has a swimming pool, bar and gift shop. Just 2 sites have a playground, and Chequers Caravan Park is one of them, along with toilets and a picnic area. Black Horse Farm lists baby changing and disabled access, which is useful if you're travelling with a little one or someone with mobility needs.

Couples may like Sunnyside Farm Caravan Park, which lists a spa and evening entertainment and is near a bus stop. Prince of Wales Residential Park in Hythe has evening entertainment and a restaurant. Only 3 sites have a restaurant, so that is worth noting if you don't want to cook every night. Because it's described as a residential park, check that it takes holiday bookings for the dates you want. If you'd prefer somewhere simpler, South View Caravan Park lists no facilities, and Goldpark Leisure Camping and Caravan Site lists only a nearby bus stop. Ask either site directly what's on offer.

Dog owners have less choice. Only 4 of the 18 sites are listed as pet friendly, Black Horse Farm among them. Check each site's rules on numbers, breeds and where dogs can go before you book.

What to do once you're there

If you like history, there is plenty to see. Castles and heritage sites near the area include Chilham Castle, Saltwood Castle, Lympne Castle, Sandgate Castle and Dymchurch Redoubt. For grand houses, there's Olantigh House and Godmersham Park. Check access and opening arrangements for each before you set off, as some may not be open to the public every day.

In Canterbury itself, the Canterbury Roman Museum is a good choice for a wet afternoon. Broadstairs has a cluster of museums: the Secret Wartime Tunnels, the Spur Casemates Exhibition, the PWRR & Queens Regiment Museum and Arthur's Hall. For a longer day out, The True CRIME Museum is in Hastings. With so many sites near buses and trains, try reaching some of these by public transport and leave the car on the pitch.

When and how to book

We don't hold live availability or pricing for these sites, so we can't tell you exactly when each one fills up. The counts do show which features are scarce. Pet-friendly pitches (4), evening entertainment (4), parking (4), restaurants (3) and playgrounds (2) are each offered by only a few sites. If your trip depends on one of these, book early, especially for school holidays and bank holiday weekends. If you're flexible and mainly want a well-connected base, you have far more choice.

Before you pay a deposit, run through this list:

• Confirm how many people the caravan or pitch takes, as our listings don't say.
• Ask about parking if you're towing or driving a motorhome.
• Check dog rules in writing if you're bringing one.
• Ask whether the pool, entertainment or restaurant runs on the dates you're visiting.
• If you drive an electric car, confirm where the nearest charger is and how far away it is.