Canterbury

Visit historic Canterbury, the gem in Kent’s crown

HERITAGE, HISTORY, CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT, FESTIVALS, SHOPPING – CANTERBURY HAS IT ALL!

 

Canterbury is a city where the present sits comfortably alongside the past. Where history and heritage quench the thirst for knowledge, street cafés and fine restaurants feed the appetite and a thriving arts community satisfies the imagination.

Canterbury’s unique appeal is the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral and the tranquil ruins of St Augustine’s Abbey just outside the city walls. Along with the ancient St Martin’s Church these form one of Britain’s handful of world Heritage Sites. Chaucer’s famous pilgrims ended their journey here, as told in the Canterbury Tales visitor attraction, a recreation of medieval England, including smells and sounds. Our museums tell the amazing story of famous people and great events from Roman times to Rupert Bear.

Canterbury is also very proud to have a thriving Theatre.   Situated in the heart of Canterbury, The Marlowe Theatre is one of the South East’s most popular theatres offering the biggest and best in touring productions. It very often also has new productions trialling here before going onto the West End.  Every year The Marlowe also shows one of the very best Pantomimes in the UK.

Canterbury has its very own International Arts Festival which runs for about 2 weeks towards the end of October every year.  Held at several locations in Canterbury and with such diversity there is something for everyone.

 

For more ideas, check out our page Top Things To Do In Canterbury.

Image courtesy of www.canterburycathedral.org

 

Canterbury also offers the ideal base from which to explore the whole of Kent.

Whitstable is a charming and unique seaside town that has changed over recent years, from an authentic and slightly scruffy Kentish maritime community with seawater running through its veins, to a chic foody destination and artist’s community. It’s a lovely place to stroll along the seafront at any time of year.  You can also check out our page on 11 Top Things To Do In Whitstable.

Margate sadly neglected for many years, this area has seen an amazing turnaround in fortunes and in 2016 was named “Best British seaside town’.  The original home of deck chairs and donkey rides this town now has much more a offer including the Turner Contemporary Galley.  Read more on our Margate page.

Broadstairs just a few miles further along the coast has been a seaside tourist attraction since Victorian times.  Famously home to Charles Dickens, the town still holds an annual Dickens Festival every June.  With seven sandy bays and beaches this is a great ‘bucket and spade’ day out.

Sandwich is one of the original Cinque Ports, and still a beautfil example of a Medieval town.  Sandwich also famously hosts the PGA open Gold tournament, usually about every 10 years.  Twin this with a visit to Deal to make an ideal day out.

Faversham, 10 miles from Canterbury, is mentioned in The Domesday Book, it is known as the oldest market town in Kent. Faversham is a fascinating town for a day trip.  You will find a daily market, interesting antique shops and Shepherd Neame Brewery, the oldest brewery in Britain.  All surrounded by idyllic Kentish hop fields and the Kent Downs.

Tenterden, situated in the Kent Weald is a little bit further afield but nonetheless worth the effort and if driving you will pass through some quintessential Kent villages.  Tenterden is an appealing town with a tree-lined green and a wealth of independent shops and architectural rarities.  Home to the Kent and Sussex railway.

 

Ideas for a great day out