Key details

About the Hotel

7-8 Sun Street, Canterbury, CT1 2HX

Close to the Canterbury Cathedral

Very good

7.8

/10

4.7

Loved by The Sun Hotel guests

Central location

Friendly staff

Cozy rooms

Brief breakfast

"What an awesome little hotel, right in the center, next to the cathedral! It's old and full of character, just as you'd hope."

Ken from Netherlands

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"I loved the location and the fact that the hotel is itself a town sight, considering Dickens stayed there."

Fede from Italy

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"The location is splendid, right in the heart of Canterbury, just a few minutes walk from the cathedral."

Kewalin from United Kingdom

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4-star boutique hotel in Canterbury near historic attractions

Location

The Sun Hotel offers a central location just steps away from Canterbury's famous Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hotel is conveniently situated within walking distance of the city's vibrant shopping district and cultural landmarks. Guests can explore local attractions such as St. Augustine's Abbey and the Canterbury Roman Museum, all within easy reach.

Dining

On-site dining is hosted at the hotel's restaurant, offering a seasonal menu that showcases local ingredients. Guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner options crafted by skilled chefs. The bar serves a selection of local ales and international wines, ensuring a refreshing experience.

Business Facilities

The Sun Hotel offers a dedicated meeting room suitable for small conferences and business gatherings. High-quality audiovisual equipment is available to support presentations and discussions. This venue provides a convenient setting for corporate events close to the city's key business areas.

Family-Friendly Amenities

The Sun Hotel includes family accommodations with sufficient space for children. A variety of activities and attractions in the surrounding area cater to younger guests. The hotel can also provide cots and extra beds upon request, making family stays comfortable.

Highlights

Location: Steps away from Canterbury's Cathedral

Rooms: Double rooms and family units

Dining: Seasonal menu at on-site restaurant

Business: Dedicated meeting room available

Must-do experiences

Visit the stunning Canterbury Cathedral for breathtaking architecture.
Explore the secretive Westgate Gardens for a peaceful stroll.
Try a traditional beef pie at The Old Buttermarket pub nearby.
Discover the Canterbury Roman Museum for a taste of history.
Check out the local crafts at the normal Saturday market on St. George's.

Choose the Room

From cosy doubles to spacious family suites – all with flexible options, breakfast, and exclusive deals.

Superior King Room
2 persons
1 King-size bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Deluxe Family Room
2 persons
1 King-size bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Standard Double Room
2 persons
1 King-size bed
Heating
Shower
room details

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Check Dates & Room Rates

See what's available for your travel dates

Amenities

Thoughtfully designed amenities for a comfortable & memorable stay

Facilities: Very good

7.6/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Safe deposit box
No pets allowed

Guest Parking

No parking available.

Services

Housekeeping

Dining

Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area

Room features

Free Wi-Fi in rooms
Mini-bar
Sitting area
Tea and coffee facilities

Self-catering

Electric kettle

The Sun Hotel Location

7-8 Sun Street, Canterbury, CT1 2HX

Map view

City landmarks

Landmark

St Augustine's Abbey

2500 ft

Church

St Martin's Church

3900 ft

Castle

Canterbury Castle

2600 ft

Church

St Dunstan's Church

2700 ft

Nearby

Church

Canterbury Cathedral

1100 ft

Museum

The Canterbury Tales

1100 ft

Park

West Gate Towers

1300 ft

St Peter's St

Westgate Gardens

1700 ft

Gallery

Royal Museum and Art Gallery with Buffs Regimental Museum

500 ft

Museum

Canterbury Roman Museum

900 ft

25 High Street

Eastbridge Hospital

600 ft

Art object

Statue of Geoffrey Chaucer

400 ft

Museum

The Kent Museum of Freemasonry

1200 ft

Church

Catholic Church of St. Thomas of Canterbury

800 ft

Stour Street

Canterbury Heritage Museum

900 ft

Canterbury City Walls

1400 ft

Christ Church Gate 11E The Precincts The Buttermarket

Christ Church Gate

200 ft

Gallery

Lilford Gallery

200 ft

Stour Street

Greyfriars Chapel and Franciscan Gardens

1500 ft

University of Kent

The Canterbury Labyrinth

400 ft

Mall

The King's Mile

700 ft

17 Palace Street

Conquest House Gallery

600 ft

Synagogue

Old Synagogue

800 ft

Church

St Peter's Anglican Church

900 ft

Shopping Area

Whitefriars Shopping Centre

1100 ft

Gallery

Sidney Cooper Gallery

1100 ft

Square

The Buttermarket

300 ft

Church

Parish Church of St Paul

1400 ft

CanterburyEngland

Lady Wootton's Green

500 ft

Park

Dane John Gardens

2500 ft

Restaurants

Canteen

500 ft

17 Sun Street

Cite Crepes

700 ft

High Street Longmarket Square

Seven Stars

300 ft

1 Orange Street

Pret A Manger

500 ft

The Parade Canterburry Unit 7

Bell & Crown

500 ft

10-11 Palace Street

West Cornwall Food Company

400 ft

22 High Street

Explore Canterbury

Local Experiences

Canterbury Cathedral

4 minutes' walk

Iconic medieval cathedral with stunning architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage status. Regular guided tours available.

The Canterbury Tales

4 minutes' walk

Interactive experience bringing Chaucer's tales to life with audio guides and theatrical performances.

West Gate Towers

5 minutes' walk

Historic gatehouse featuring exhibitions about Canterbury's past. Visitors can climb for great views.

Canterbury Castle

10 minutes' walk

Ruins of a Norman castle with fascinating history. Features interpretive panels and picturesque grounds.

Howletts Wild Animal Park

10-minute drive

Thrilling animal park home to endangered species; great for families and wildlife enthusiasts. Book tickets online.

Westgate Gardens

6 minutes' walk

Relaxing park with beautiful greenery and riverside views. Ideal for a peaceful stroll or picnic.

Canteen

2 minutes' walk

Casual eatery with a focus on local dishes. Enjoy hearty breakfasts and delicious brunch options.

Pret A Manger

2 minutes' walk

Casual café chain offering sandwiches and organic coffee. Great for a quick bite or take-away.

Seven Stars

1 minute' walk

Charming pub with a cozy atmosphere, perfect for unwinding. Features regular live music events.

Royal Museum and Art Gallery

2 minutes' walk

Engaging exhibits showcasing local history and art. Great all-ages spot with free entrance.

Getting around

City Centre
Canterbury 3 min · 700 ft
Airports
London City (LCY) 143 min · 59.2 mi
London Gatwick (LGW) 165 min · 68.4 mi
Train
Canterbury WestTrain Station 9 min · 2300 ft
Canterbury West Railway Station 9 min · 2300 ft
Bus
Bus stop 5 min · 1400 ft

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 14:00-16:00

Check-out

until 10 am

Guest Parking

No parking available.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Languages

English, Italian, Romanian, Greek, Arabic

Number of rooms:

Guest Ratings & Reviews

Real Guest Experiences & Ratings

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

The Sun Hotel enjoys a superb location in the heart of Canterbury, mere minutes from the Cathedral, with its spires visible right from some windows. Housed in a historic building where Charles Dickens once stayed, the hotel offers rooms of ample size, and while some guests have noted occasional noise due to its central location, the hotel provides a complimentary breakfast of croissants, tea, coffee, cereals and marmalade. The El Sol Spanish Tapas restaurant downstairs is a highlight, serving great food like octopus and paella.

Review score

Based on 5 verified reviews

8.7 /10

Great

100%

Recommend

Breakfast

10.0/10

Location

9.6/10

Facilities

7.6/10

Cleanliness

8.1/10

Pros

Central location

Friendly staff

Spacious room

Cons

Street noise

No parking

Awkward stairs

Roy from United Kingdom

Single

Superior Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 26, 2026

8.5/10

free cereal great location friendly staff

Breakfast wasn't actually offered. they gave us free cornflakes, muesli, and croissants in the room. I thought this was a NICE touch. The location is great. Staff stored luggage on site after check out.

The room was too small. There was NO hot water in the shower.

Dining

9/10

Although a full breakfast service wasn't available, the provided cereals and croissants were a welcome addition. I appreciated the gesture, especially given the absence of other breakfast options. The food was AMAZING!!!

Rooms

8/10

The room was cozy. The location was central. The room had a comfy bed. I found the tea and coffee tray to be very well stocked. The little breakfast items were a nice surprise.

0 Helpful

francis from france

Single

superior double room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 15, 2026

8.5/10

historical charm stay

central location short walk historic building much character

i liked the central location. it was a short walk to the cathedral. the historic building had much character. it was fun to stay there.

the uneven floor in my room caused a slight slope in the bed, it made sleeping a little odd.

Facilities

9/10

the hotel has onsite luggage storage available after checkout. staff members are available and responsive to guest requests. the building exhibits historic architecture, dating back to 1500.

Rooms

8/10

my room had a great view. the superior double room provided adequate space. beds were acceptably comfortable, fitted with acceptable beddings and linens. the room offered a certain unique, quirky charm.

Dining

8/10

the restaurant staff was friendly and efficient. a small box of cereals and a plastic-wrapped croissant were provided for breakfast. fresh milk was available in the room fridge for beverages. olives were served in the downstairs restaurant.

Service

9/10

the staff were helpful with requests. early check-in was accommodated, which i appreciated. sasha and ben were particularly helpful and ensured i was comfortable . communication was effective and timely.

0 Helpful

Eva from Germany

Single

Deluxe Double Room Bath

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 04, 2025

8.8/10

Charming Stay in Historic Building

excellent location provided breakfast friendly staff cool view

The location was excellent, very central to everything (I could easily walk to all main attractions). I appreciated the provided breakfast items in the room, including cereal and croissants. The staff were friendly and helpful, accommodating my early check-in request. I found the room to have a cool view overlooking the heart of the city.

Dining

8/10

The hotel included a complimentary breakfast with cereals and packaged croissants in the room, alongside tea and coffee provisions, allowing guests to start the day with basic refreshments before exploring other options (which is always appreciated).

Service

9/10

The staff was helpful with storing luggage after checkout, enabling guests to explore freely without carrying bags. They provided assistance with early check-in, demonstrating a willingness to accommodate guest requests.

Facilities

9/10

This hotel occupies a historic building, its location central and a short walk from the Cathedral. The very building itself is a notable site, with guided tours stopping to photograph its windows.

Rooms

9/10

The room had tea, coffee, bottled water, and also a minibar. It was clean and tidy and included a bathroom, furthermore, the room provided a comfortable space for relaxation after a day of sightseeing.

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Avery from United Kingdom

Family with children

Superior Family Room

3 nights in June 2026

Reviewed: August 15, 2025

8.8/10

historic charm in central location

convenient dining helpful staff tasty food central location

I appreciated its proximity to key attractions. the staff was helpful during check-in. breakfast included tea and coffee. the on-site spanish tapas restaurant provided a convenient dining option with very tasty food. I enjoyed both the octopus and paella.

the noise from the street was noticeable at night because of the single-pane windows.

Service

9/10

The staff was quite friendly and helpful during the check-in process at the downstairs restaurant. They were ready to answer questions and provide assistance regarding local attractions and directions throughout the stay.

Location

10/10

the hotel is situated in the middle of the city center, very close to the cathedral. it also has easy access to the high street. this makes it easy to explore many historical sites and local shops.

Dining

8/10

there is a spanish tapas restaurant located downstairs. it serves dishes like octopus and paella. a complimentary breakfast offers croissant with jam marmalade with free tea and coffee.

Rooms

8/10

the superior family room provided ample space for my family. it included tea and coffee making facilities, as well as complimentary water. cereal and two packet croissants were also provided in the room.

0 Helpful

Ronnie from United Kingdom

Family with children

Deluxe King Room

3 nights in June 2026

Reviewed: August 14, 2025

9.0/10

friendly staff room upgrade historic building

I found the staff very friendly. I also received a room upgrade to the charles dickens room. The building is quirky and full of history it was a delight to stay in a place with so much character.

i noticed the noise on friday and saturday nights was quite loud it subsided after 2am on saturday.

Dining

8/10

the hotel provided a little tray for breakfast including coffee croissants marmalade cereals and muesli it was a convenient way to start the day. the downstairs restaurant offered spanish tapas with dishes like octopus and paella available for dinner.

Location

9/10

the hotel is near the cathedral the high street is around the corner making it easy to explore nearby attractions. the hotel's central position makes many places easily accessible by foot offering convenience for sightseeing and shopping.

Rooms

10/10

my room featured a super comfortable bed. the cleanliness of the room was perfect. i also had access to a jacuzzi bath allowing for relaxation in addition a fan was provided, useful during warmer nights.

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