Canterbury’s rich history dates back to Roman times and its medieval architecture, city walls and streets with timbered houses make it a charming place to live and visit.
The star of the show is undoubtedly, Canterbury Cathedral (canterbury-cathedral.org) which sits at the heart of history and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded by St Augustine in 597AD, it is a unique place of worship, a major pilgrimage destination as well as a masterpiece of art and architecture. Having been at the centre of momentous events in history, including the murder of Thomas Beckett in 1170 and the resting place of royalty and saints, today a visit to the Cathedral offers an informative day out which has been 1,400 years in the making. Situated just outside the city walls and also part of UNESCO World Heritage Site, is St Augustine’s Abbey. Originally created as a burial place for the Anglo-Saxon kings of Kent, it’s run by English Heritage (english-heritage.org.uk) and it’s here where you can explore the tranquil ruins and also enjoy an informative walk.
One of the most photographed historic buildings in the city is the Old Weavers House and much of the structure dates back to the 12th century. It takes its name from the influx of Flemish and Huguenot weavers who settled in the area after fleeing from religious persecution during the 16th and 17th centuries. Combining Canterbury’s former city gaol and police station as well as England’s largest surviving medieval gateway, One Pound Lane (onepoundlane.co.uk) is a mixed-use heritage venue which also offers escape room experiences, a bar and restaurant “The Pound” and museum and viewpoint from Westgate Towers. The arts are thriving and The Marlowe Theatre (marlowetheatre.com) is Kent’s major large-scale theatre and engine house for performing arts in the region while The Malthouse Theatre (malthousetheatre.co.uk) is a 334-seat performance art theatre in a refurbished Victorian malthouse.
Canterbury is renowned for its high levels of education provisions in both primary and secondary schooling and is home to one of the oldest schools in the world, The King’s School, which offers boarding or day schooling for pupils aged three to 18. There are three universities, too!
Train services connect Canterbury with central London in just under an hour while the M2 motorway links with the rest of the county and further afield.
From the ancient to the arts, shopping and dining, Canterbury is a thriving city to live in (and visit!) Want to know more? Visit Canterbury (visitcanterbury.co.uk) has all you need to know!
One of best ways to see Canterbury is via a walk around the city walls, originally built by the Romans probably between 270 and 280 AD. Look out for the Crooked House on Palace Street. It may look in a precarious position, but thanks to a steel frame, the quirky landmark is very much safe and sturdy! Etched into the mantle of the building is a quotation from Charles Dickens’ novel David Copperfield… 'A very old house bulging over the road…leaning forward, trying to see who was passing on the narrow pavement below'…it’s also a second-hand book shop, Catching Lives Books (catchinglives.org) which raises funds for the homeless and vulnerably housed in the heart of Canterbury. Another must is to take a river tour where you will discover the city’s hidden secrets along the beautiful River Stour. Award-winning tours from Canterbury River Tours (canterburyrivertours.co.uk) have a choice for all ages and there’s walking tours, too. The Chilling Tales tour will be available on selected dates in October. And, as the leaves start to turn, Westgate Gardens is made up of four equally special and relaxing areas while Blean Woods Nature Reserve also provides the perfect opportunity for a woodland walk.
It won’t be difficult to find a place to eat in Canterbury…it’s packed with award-winning restaurants, cafes and everything in between. First up is The Goods Shed (thegoodssheds.co.uk) in Station Road West. Lunch and dinner dishes come from the best local ingredients, complemented by Kentish ales and ciders, or a glass of fizz. As well as the restaurant it’s also a farmers’ market which has been showcasing local produce and fine foods from an array of independent suppliers for more than 20 years. Noted as a destination for delicious, plant-based cuisine, The Veg Box Café (thevegboxcafe.co.uk) has everything from yummy breakfasts to lunch options. The team are passionate about nourishing food which is good for you and the planet. Four-legged friends are also welcomed. Another independent eatery is The Corner House (cornerhouserestaurant.co.uk). As one of the city’s most popular restaurants…overlooking the city walls and, of course, there’s lots of tempting choices from the menus which change regularly to reflect the best seasonal, local produce available. Also passionate about showcasing Canterbury produce with a modern Asian twist, is The Cooks Tale (thecookstale.co.uk), just a short walk from the high street. Award-winning chef, Dev Biswal, has not only compiled some unique and innovative food menus but also provides culinary tours.
The cobbled streets of the city are home to some fabulous independent shops and there’s pretty much all you could want and need. Steeped in history, The King’s Mile (thekingsmile.org.uk) is not to be missed and is a haven for shoppers looking for anything from jewellery, children’s toys and music to Danish furniture and accessories. It’s just a step away from the busy high street and beneath the spires of the Cathedral and alongside King’s School. Heading to Whitefriars (whitefriars.co.uk), many of the well-known high street brands including Cotswold Company and Fenwick reside here, but independents include Canterbury Bakery (canterburybakery.co.uk) as well as Stag Coffee (stag-coffee.com) which also has special events with musicians, chefs and artists! Over in Stour Street you’ll find Rock Paper Scissors (rockpaperscissors.co.uk). It sells exquisite items handmade by local artisans and is also an event space with creative classes. For a special gift, or a treat to yourself, Wrapped in Burgate (wrapped.shop), sells fun, quirky products and cards, wrap and stationery and Happy and Glorious (happyglorious.co.uk) is another gem nearby which has British-made gifts, art and homeware. When it comes to shopping local, Canterbury really does have it all!
There’s plenty of places to stay, whether it be for a romantic stay or city break, and ABode Canterbury (abodecanterbury.co.uk) stands in a 12th century building right in the heart of Canterbury. Contemporary design features and modern comforts with a luxurious bed and ensuite bathroom come as standard in each of the 72 guestrooms and special offers, including Sunday Sleepover or Stay & Save, can be found on the website. The Brasserie Abode Restaurant is also worth checking out! With the cathedral a noticeable focal point, Canterbury Cathedral Lodge (canterburycathedrallodge.org) is a unique hotel and conference venue in the idyllic grounds. There are 34 stylish bedrooms, both modern and comfortable, offering stunning cathedral views with complimentary Wi-Fi, tea and coffee making facilities and smart TV’s. For equal charm and character, Yorke Lodge (yorkelodge.com) offers a friendly, personal stay just outside the city. The family-run bed and breakfast aims to provide a memorable stay for all guests.
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