From an ancient cathedral to world-renowned authors and gorgeous gardens, the sites of historic
Canterbury have been enticing pilgrims for centuries.
Resting just a couple of miles outside the city’s Roman walls,
Canterbury Club Site is an ideal base for your city exploration. While the site itself is only a short bus or cycle ride away from the vibrant city centre, the peace and quiet of the 200-pitch site will make you feel a million miles away.
Excellent transport links and a city packed with culture, heritage and stunning architecture are sure to tempt you out from under the canvas, but when you return, the site’s exceptional facilities, including a modern toilet and shower block and play area, will leave you feeling right at home.
So, with your home from home sorted, the only decision left is where in this magnificent city to explore first…
The Canterbury Tales
Do you remember your Geoffrey Chaucer from school? This fantastic attraction brings Chaucer’s
Canterbury Tales to life with a mix of live actors and models. Follow the path of Chaucer’s pilgrims and discover colourful tales of love, infidelity, intrigue, courtship and death, all told in the setting of medieval England with its unique range of sights, sounds and even smells!
Canterbury Historic River Tours
Walking along Canterbury’s cobbled streets, you might not immediately spot
Canterbury Historic River Tours, making it one of the city’s best hidden gems. On one of the award-winning guided tours you’ll discover the architecture and stunning scenery from the unique perspective of the River Stour. Along the way you’ll hear plenty about Canterbury’s rich history from your talented guide and chauffeur, all told with a humorous twist against a backdrop of views found nowhere else in the city.
Canterbury Cathedral
No visit to Canterbury would be complete without a visit to
Canterbury Cathedral with its extravagant architecture visible from all around the city. Forming part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the cathedral dates back to 597 AD when a monk sent by Pope Gregory the Great arrived as a missionary to establish his seat. While here, get a little closer to Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales and stand in the exact spot that makes the cathedral one of Europe’s most important pilgrimage sites - the very place where Archbishop Thomas Becket was murdered in 1170.
Canterbury Roman Museum
Discover a fascinating and family-friendly insight into Roman Canterbury at
Canterbury Roman Museum, built around the remains of an original Roman townhouse with mosaics and under-floor heating. See how the Roman town was built, stroll through the marketplace, handle replica dishes in the recreated Roman dining room, and discover amazing objects including rare tools, glass and a hoard of hidden treasure.
Whitefriars
If you’re in need of a little retail therapy,
Whitefriars Shopping Centre brings together the best fashion and lifestyle brands, all set within the historic city centre. More than 60 stores and eateries can be found, with brands including Karen Millen, Topshop, H&M, Next and Zara, within the square. If you’re looking for something a little different, and maybe even a unique holiday present or two, an exploration of the winding side streets offers plenty more stores to discover.
St Augustine’s Abbey
Just outside the city walls, the great
St Augustine’s Abbey marks the rebirth of Christianity in southern England. As the name would suggest, the site was founded by St Augustine shortly after AD 597 and has an intriguing history as the burial place for the Anglo-Saxon Kings of Kent. While here, visit the museum to delve further into the site’s history and make sure you check out the VR (virtual reality) experience, brand new for 2017.
Further afield
While you’re sure to have more than enough to discover and explore in the city of Canterbury, Canterbury Club Site is the perfect basecamp for a little coastal cruising too. Check out the harbour town of
Whitstable and you’ll find the famous Whitstable oysters, plenty of boutique shops, as well as bustling seafood restaurants. Head further along the coast to the vibrant towns of
Ramsgate,
Broadstairs and
Margate, each with its own unique charm and mixture of culture, sweeping sandy bays and chic eateries.
For more inspiration and ideas of things to do in Kent, visit www.visitkent.co.uk
Images courtesy of Visit Kent