You can visit a stunning cathedral city known for its scenic punting spots and historic buildings – and it’s just an hour by train or coach from south east London.
Canterbury in Kent, known for its famous cathedral and links to famed writer Geoffrey Chaucer, was ranked by Go Outdoors as one of the top five UK staycation destinations to visit this summer.
Ranking at number three on the list, Canterbury received an impressive 9.07 out of 10 score, on account of its high number of local hotels with stays coming in under £100, as well as its affordable transport options and many nearby activities.
Canterbury is within easy access of south east London, with direct trains from Bromley South to Canterbury West starting at £10, as well as links by coach with National Express from south east London, with seats starting from £8.
Upon arrival in Canterbury, travel around the city is fairly walkable from place to place, with taxi tariffs starting from £2.60.
If it's history you’re interested in, Canterbury is home to over 1,500 listed buildings according to the Canterbury Historical and Archaeological Society, with the earliest dating back to the 7th century.
One of Canterbury’s most popular attractions is Canterbury Cathedral, dating back to the 11th century, this impressive Anglo-Gothic and Romanesque structure has been an integral part of the landscape for centuries.
The cathedral played an important role in forming the Magna Carta and was also the infamous location for the murder of Thomas Becket, which has led to the cathedral remaining one of the most significant pilgrimage spots in Europe.
Don’t miss a chance to see the cathedral’s impressive cloisters, as well as browsing through 1200 square metres of stained glass, with some dating back over 840 years.
Along with local buildings St Augustine’s Abbey, a monastery founded in 580, and St Martin’s Church, known as Britain's oldest building, these prolific religious buildings make up a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Another thing Canterbury is equally famous for is its punting trips, with a number of punting companies located offering trips to explore the River Stour.
A popular punting route for visitors is from Westgate Gardens, lined with colourful flower beds, historic cottages and willow trees, where you can enjoy views from a river boat with prices starting at £18.
Canterbury is also home to many historical buildings with over 1,000 years of history, from a skewed house turned bookshop dating back to the 17th century, to a 16th century riverside house now used as a restaurant.
Canterbury is also home to a number of small museums, such as the Canterbury Roman Museum on the site of an original Roman Villa, and The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge, which even houses the original Bagpuss puppet used in the 1970s TV series.
Temperatures in Canterbury were found to average at 16 degrees during the summer months and, being within close distance to local beaches at Whitstable and Herne Bay, this staycation is well situated for anyone looking for a day at the beach during their stay.
If you fancy exploring the countryside, the area surrounding Canterbury is famously known as the “Garden of England”, with parks and green spaces boasting thousands of acres of land.
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