Our best spots in the City
Kentâs only city, Canterbury, boasts hundreds of years of character-forming history. Its ecclesiastical heritage alone is made up of legendary tales, from Chaucerâs Pilgrims that travelled thousands of miles to the shrine of St Thomas ĂĄ Becket to St Augustine who became the first Archbishop of Canterbury, inciting the rebirth of Christianity in England.
Modern-day pilgrims to Canterbury can delve into the cityâs history at two of its oldest monuments: Canterbury Cathedral and St Augustineâs Abbey. Sitting resplendently in the city centre, before you enter the cathedral itself, marvel at the restored Christ Church Gate. This Grade I-listed main entrance to the Cathedral Precincts and Scheduled Ancient Monument has stood for over five centuries and still glitters with intricate carvings. As well as enthralling tours, the Cathedral itself holds many services and concerts throughout the year which are another great way to experience this landmark in all its glory â including the shrine of Saint Thomas ĂĄ Becket himself.Â
Just outside Canterbury City Wall, you will find St Augustineâs Abbey. Founded shortly after AD 597 by St Augustine, this is now part of Canterburyâs World Heritage Site, with the incredible ruins of this ancient and sacred building still remaining. It was St Augustine who reintroduced Christianity to England after the departure of the Romans, who themselves left a much older physical mark on the city that can still be admired today. In the centre of town, explorers and history buffs can travel down to subterranean depths at The Roman Museum on Butchery Lane. Here you can marvel at an in-situ Roman under-floor heating system and a dazzling mosaic corridor; one of the UKâs only remaining in-situ Roman pavement mosaics.Â
Not quite as ancient but still with a great history is Plumcot Halt, a converted railway carriage set in a quiet private garden located on the outskirts of the city. This unique dog-friendly holiday home has an open-plan living room, a cosy wood burner and even a roll-top bath. Itâs a delightful romantic retreat for couples and one four-legged companions.
Another great way to see Canterbury is with Canterbury Historic River Tours or Canterbury Punting Company. Take to the waters in a punt on the River Stour and let the experts give you a brilliant tour full of facts, or simply sit back and enjoy all the romance of the river. From the mystical Greyfriars Island and chilling witchesâ ducking stool, to the beautiful Westgate Gardens, youâre sure to see many exciting sights from a different angle.Â
Canterburyâs heritage extends into more recent history, with many creatives and artists calling the city home and taking inspiration from it. This includes the creator of Rupert The Bear, Mary Tourtel. Maryâs family were artists who worked at the cathedral on the restoration of stained-glass windows, and today the Rupert The Bear Museum can be visited as part of The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge. The Beaney houses a host of other collections, antiques, exhibitions and artworks and is free to visit.
Canterburyâs cultural hotspots donât stop there. As the birthplace of Shakespeareâs contemporary, Christopher Marlowe, the city has naturally become a place for theatre and live performances. Boasting no less than three theatres: The Marlowe Theatre, The Malthouse and The Gulbenkian at The University of Kent. All three show an extensive and varied array of different acts and shows throughout the year from comedy and live music to poetry readings and plays.
For a modern and contemporary place to rest after a busy day exploring Canterbury, check into Pitch Perfect, a stylishly decorated holiday home with simple luxury and classic lines, a fabulous bathroom with a hotel chic appeal. Sleeping up to four guests, this is the ideal city pad for small families or couples.Â
