Canterbury is perched on the tip of the southeast county of Kent. Aptly crowned the ‘Garden of England’, this fresh and green corner of England boasts the most stunning scenery, thanks in part to its southerly position, which guarantees some of the best sunshine in the UK.
Vibrant city life is combined with relaxing countryside, so whether you opt for a lively hotel in the thick of things or a quiet self-catering cottage or a family-run B&B in the surrounding area, the real beauty is that you get to experience the best of both worlds.
Traditional seaside resorts, like Whitstable and Herne Bay are all but a stone’s throw away. And when it comes to cathedrals, well, this is where you’ll find the biggest one in England.
Canterbury a place where culture and creativity meet where many a writer, poet and artist has been drawn for its beauty and charm. It’s where Chaucer found inspiration for his famous Canterbury Tales.
Canterbury Attractions
Canterbury City itself is an attraction. It’s mostly pedestrianized, so the best way to get around is on foot. Meander through the narrow streets, where overhanging Tudor Townhouses defy gravity to almost suspend over your head.
It’s this stunning Tudor architecture that helps give Canterbury its uniqueness. Its distinctive character that lies within, with its wiggly, winding streets, olde time curiosity shops and specialty stores spilling out into the cobbled walkways. It’s typically English, but with a few twists.
Grab a gastro pub lunch by the riverbank. Gather around a barrel for a beverage in one of the many Ale Houses while the locals fill you in on stories of pilgrims and battles aplenty.
Enjoy an evening river cruise to see the city in a new light. Or take in the vista at Westgate Towers Museum and Viewpoint.
History Aplenty
Canterbury Cathedral, alongside St. Augustine’s Abbey and St. Martin’s Church form a wonderful UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Cathedral however, is the real centerpiece of Canterbury. Dating back to 597 AD, parts of the original stonework still remain after all this time, and be sure to check out the stained glass windows - when the sun shines, the effect is simply divine.
These parts aren’t just steeped in history they’re well and truly drenched. Visit the Canterbury Roman Museum, Canterbury Heritage Museum or Beaney House of Art & Knowledge to uncover more.
Time for Some Retail Therapy
A little retail therapy is always good for the soul, so why not find a hotel right in the beating heart of Canterbury city? While you’ll find all the usual High Street favourites, head for the King’s Mile to discover some lesser known independent stores with everything from boutiques and antique stores to cute coffee shops and irresistible restaurants.
Open Spaces
There are numerous parks and gardens, lush meadows and medieval riverboat trips to while away the hours and laze away the days. If that’s a little too tame for you, take a walk on the wild side at Howletts Wild Animal Park.
Whatever your trip to Canterbury consists of, you can’t fail to fall in love with this city.
