Seven top tips for exploring Canterbury
The three big C’s epitomise the beautiful historic city of Canterbury: Chaucer, Canterbury Cathedral and cosy pubs!
Filled with medieval buildings and old cobbled streets this city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the UK’s most popular tourist destinations, situated in the garden of England, Kent.
So immerse yourself in the culture and history this city has to offer and while away the day with my seven top tips for a day out in Canterbury:
1) Canterbury Cathedral
A trip to Canterbury would not be complete without a trip to Canterbury Cathedral, the home of the Archbishop of Canterbury. Parts of this magnificent building have stood for a thousand years and pilgrims and visitors have been making their way here for as long. Come and take in an evensong or visit the spot of Thomas Beckett’s murder where a candle is always kept burning…
2) The Canterbury Tales
Bring literature to life with the Canterbury Tales visitor attraction. Chaucer is known as the father of English literature and is best known for writing the Tales. In this fantastic tour you will walk alongside Chaucer’s pilgrims with costumed guides re-creating Chaucer’s wonderful tales of love, death and intrigue. Experience medieval England through the eyes of one of England’s greatest poets.
3) Canterbury Historic River Tours
See the city from the River Stour which winds its way through the city. This tour takes in some of Canterbury’s most striking and architecturally important sites as you make your way through the heart of the city. You will pass under a 12th Century hospital and bridge as well as take in a quaint 13th Century chapel on a small island. So what are you waiting for?
4) Cathedral to Coast Cycle
Keep active with the Cathedral to Coast Cycle Ride. This 50 mile cycle takes in Dover, Canterbury and Folkestone. You’ll pass through the beautiful countryside of the North Downs Way as well as pass the famous Dover Castle.
5) The Beany House of Art & Knowledge
The Beany House of Art and Knowledge is a state-of-the-art gallery and award-winning facility. This is a cultural hub in Canterbury combining art and history. It’s named after Dr James Beaney, a Canterbury-born man of modest background who studied medicine. Dr Beaney left money in his will to the city of Canterbury to build an ‘Institute for Working Men’ with amenities for men from poor backgrounds such as his own. Take a trip and visit some of their more unusual collections.
6) The Marlowe Theatre
The Marlowe Theatre was opened before World War One and is one of the country’s landmark theatres. Take in some great plays and soak up the culture of Canterbury in this beautiful setting.
7) The Parrot
Enjoy a pint or two in one of Canterbury’s oldest buildings. Hidden down one of Canterbury’s many cobbled streets The Parrot pub is full of old medieval charm and is a wonderful place to soak up the atmosphere of this historic city.
