Canterbury

Canterbury, a historic city in Kent, England, is steeped in rich heritage and boasts a captivating blend of medieval architecture, serene gardens, and cultural landmarks. It was a major pilgrimage site in the Middle Ages, made famous by Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. The city center is encircled by ancient walls, originally built by the Romans, and has cobbled streets lined with timber-framed houses.

Canterbury Cathedral: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this magnificent cathedral stands as a testament to over 1,400 years of history, founded in 597 AD. Its soaring spires, intricate stained glass windows, and the hallowed halls echo tales of pilgrims, archbishops, and saints. It is the headquarters of the Church of England, and features Gothic and Romanesque architecture with stunning stone carving.

The doorway to the crypt is beside the altar. This cavernous space is the cathedral's highlight, the only survivor from the cathedral's last devastating fire in 1174, which destroyed the rest of the building. Look for the amazingly well-preserved carvings among the forest of pillars. The wealth of detail in the cathedral is immense and unrelenting, so it's well worth joining a one-hour tour (three daily, from Monday to Saturday) or taking a 40-minute self-guided audio tour.

In Canterbury you encounter stories of pilgrims, scholars, and artists. Whether you're drawn to its ancient streets or seek solace in its green spaces, this city invites you to step back and savor its charm.

Dane John Gardens: Nestled within the city walls, these picturesque gardens offer respite from the bustling streets. Stroll along tree-lined paths, admire the vibrant flowerbeds, and ascend the Dane John Mound for panoramic views of Canterbury. It's a tranquil oasis where history and nature converge.

Canterbury Castle, a Norman castle with a motte and bailey keep, was constructed shortly after Canterbury submitted to William the Conqueror in October 1066. The castle declined in importance following the new castle at Dover, then Canterbury Castle became the county jail. While the keep itself is ruinous and partly restored, a substantial section of the town wall remains, and both keep and wall tell a story which long predates the arrival of William the Conqueror.

Other attractions include:

The ruins of St Augustine's Abbey, another UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Beaney House of Art & Knowledge, which houses a collection of art, archaeology, and local history. 18 High St; h9am-5pm Mon-Wed, Fri & Sat, 9am-7pm Thu, 10am-5pm Sun

My hotel choice: The Sun Hotel

For more information see the Official Tourist Information website

Map of Sights, Hotels, Restaurants

Eastbridge Hospital 25 High St; adult/child £2/1; h10am-5pm Mon-Sat) A 'place of hospitality' for pilgrims, soldiers and the elderly since 1180, Eastbridge Hospital of St Thomas the Martyr is the last of many such buildings in Canterbury still open to the public.

Greyfriars Chapel h2-4pm Mon-Sat Easter-Sep) You'll find Greyfriars Chapel in serene riverside gardens behind Eastbridge Hospital. The first monastery was built in England by Franciscan monks in 1267.

High St, St George's St, at the east end of Main Street shopping centre. For mainstream stores head for the High St.

Roman Museum Butchery Lane, Daily 10am–5pm; adult/child £6/free) This fascinating subterranean archaeological site gives an insight into Canterbury's everyday life almost two millennia ago.

St Martin's Church www.martinpaul.org; North Holmes Rd; h11am-4pm Tue, Thu & Sat Apr-Sep) This stumpy little building is thought to be England's oldest parish church in continuous use.

West Gate Towers; St Peter's St. The city's only remaining medieval gateway has become Canterbury's most-discussed sight in recent years.

RESTAURANTS

Canterbury Tails Cat Cafe, 8 Mercery Ln Canterbury; Mon 10:00-18:00 Wed-Sat 10:00-18:00 Sun 10:00-17:00 Vegan Cat café based in the heart of Canterbury and run by vegan owners.

ASK, Italian 24 High St Canterbury; Mon-Thu 11:00-22:00 Fri-Sat 11:00-23:00 Sun 11:00-22:00

Azouma, 4 Church St St Paul's Canterbury; Mon-Sun 05:00-23:00 North African and Arabian restaurant serving all you can eat vegan mezze.

Bill's, 6-8 Rose Lane Canterbury; Mon-Sat 08:00-23:00 Sun 09:00-22:30

Boho, 43 St Peter's St; snacks £4-14; h9am-6pm Mon-Sat 10am-5pm Sun

Burgate Coffee House, 43 Burgate Canterbury; Mon-Fri 08:30-17:30 Sat 10:00-17:30 Sun 10:00-16:30

Cafe Chambers, 59 Palace St Canterbury; Mon-Sun 10:00-17:00 American pancake house tucked behind Canterbury Cathedral.

Cafe des Amis, 95 St Dunstan's St http://cafedez.com. Lively Mexican/Tex-Mex/South American place with eclectic carnivalesque decor.

Goods Shed, Station Rd West http://thegoodsshed.co.uk. A buzzing shabby-chic Modern British restaurant in the fabulous Goods Shed farmers' market.

Fordwich Arms, King St Canterbury; Wed-Sat 12:00-14:30 18:00-21:30 Sun 12:00-17:00 Michelin star rated pub & fine dining restaurant.

Tiny Tim's, 34 St Margaret's St http://tinytimstearoom.com. This elegant 1930s-inspired tearoom offers some thirty blends of tea.

HOTELS - see map

Thomas Ingoldsby

Travelodge Canterbury Chaucer Central

Number 8

The Sun Hotel

Cathedral Gate Hotel

ABode

Canterbury Cathedral Lodge Hotel 4star

Hampton by Hilton Canterbury

Coach House Canterbury

Corner House

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