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Location notes
Canterbury West station is on the line from Ashford to Margate and Ramsgate direct (not via Dover), whilst Canterbury East station is on the line from Faversham to Dover. Canterbury itself is a popular tourist destination.
The signal box at the east end of the station is particularly noteworthy and is still in use, despite the partial resignallingof the route.
The station is now 'home' to the citys 'high speed' service run by South Eastern using class 395 units to London St Pancras.
Railway type and traffic
There are usually three trains per hour in each direction serving Canterbury West, these being two trains from Charing Cross to Ramsgate (portions that split from Dover trains at Ashford) and one terminating service from London Victoria via Maidstone. These are usually formed of class 375 units.
In addition to this
The new St. Pancras High Speed services go to Ramsgate via Sturry and Minster and Magate via Ramsgate and Broadstairs.
Environment
Canterbury West is a busy station on the edge of the city.
Road directions
Canterbury is just off the A2, and is the centre of a radius of roads throughout most of eastern Kent. Canterbury West station is on the north-west side of the ring road.
Click here to set up your location for directions to this location Canterbury West map co-ordinates
Parking
Due to the tourist nature of the city, parking is highly restricted. Best to get the train in.
Public transport
Amenities
There are toilets on the station. The main part of the city centre would be about a 10 minute walk away. There is a restaurant in the antiques market (old goods-shed) with views over the eastern end of the platforms.
Accommodation
There is plenty of accommodation in the area, but due to the touristy nature of the city, they can be busy.
Sun Compass
Sun Compass using Suncalc by brought to you by Vladimir Agafonkin:
It might be necessary to adjust the time to suit your visit, this link should open with the current day.
Canterbury West
Googly map
Streetmap links
Canterbury West general view map
Canterbury West close up map
Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Canterbury West
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Railway Gen Group
Photographic notes
The station is formed of two platforms. There used to be two centre-roads, so the platforms are the equivalent of four tracks apart. To the east there is still a large signal box spanning the tracks and to the west a very busy level crossing. The light is best for trains entering/leaving the eastern end of the station from about 11am.
General views - All photographs © Mark Bearton unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking east
Fig 2 - Looking east
Fig 3 - Looking west
A telephoto shot over the crossing
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