Canterbury

Canterbury is calling! Here’s why you should visit.

Whether you’ve heard of Canterbury because of its infamous Cathedral or award-winning Fudge Kitchen, there’s plenty to see and do. The city’s history dates all the way from the prehistoric times to the English Civil War and is still being written during the present-day, so there’s sure to be something for everyone to enjoy, no matter your age or interest!

1. Historic buildings to explore

It’s what makes Canterbury a Cathedral town, so why not join the ranks of pilgrims and visitors that have visited Canterbury Cathedral since the Middle Ages? With over 1,400 years of worship inside, it’s a must for history buffs. Pick up a guidebook to steer your way through the building, or a souvenir book to remember your trip by. And with a coffee kiosk on-site, it’s the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat and take in the building’s beautiful views.

The second location within Canterbury’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, St Augustine’s Abbey was originally a burial place for Anglo-Saxon Kings of Kent but is now open to visitors – and their dogs! With benches situated throughout the Abbey ruins, you’re welcome to bring a picnic on your trip, or head straight inside museum building to see artefacts and stone carvings found during excavations of the site.

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2. Attractions out and about

But if you’d rather learn about the city in a more relaxed way, then take a trip one of Canterbury’s Historic River Tours. With excursions themed around things such as the history of the city or chilling tales from its past, it’s a great way to explore Canterbury from the comfort of a trip down the river.

And if the chilling past you hear on the river tour isn’t quite enough to satisfy your spooky side, why not throw yourself into the action by visiting Escape in the Towers? The award-winning escape room has three variations to choose from. “The Crime & Punishment Lab” is set within the original 1830s cells of Canterbury’s former prison, whilst “The Comms Room” takes places during World War Two and is located within an original WWII comms room, never before open to the public. Or if it’s something new you want to explore – try out the Magna Carta Murder – set within England’s largest surviving Medieval gateway, built in 1380!

For a break away from learning about history, head over to Wingham Wildlife Park. Housing the largest number of animal species out of all the wildlife parks and zoos in Kent, there’s sure to be something for everyone – no matter which species is your favourite! Visitors even have the chance to explore and learn about extinct animals, with dinosaur exhibits featuring the Velociraptor and T-Rex.

3. Unique locations to eat

For those with a sweet tooth, Fudge Kitchen is absolutely perfect, having handcrafted the treat for over thirty-eight years. Whilst their fudge is naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, they’re also working hard to offer more vegan products for all their customers. But if fudge isn’t quite up your street, why not try their caramels and crunchy brittles, or drinking fudge for something a bit different?

Or head to Alice and the Hatter for an afternoon tea in Wonderland. Roughly a twenty-minute drive outside of the city, it’s great for those who fancy adventuring out a bit further to try something new. And with food, furniture and even plates and cutlery themed around Lewis Carol’s iconic novel, you’re bound to really feel like you’ve fallen down the rabbit hole.

For those looking for a taste of sunnier places, take a trip to Café Du Soleil. With a menu inspired by Provence in Southern France, Italy and the Pacific Rim, there’s a wide range of food to suit everyone. Located by the river Stour, the views are sure to be a welcome addition to your meal.

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