South-East England is the main economic powerhouse of the country and is the most populated of the English regions. The region holds a lot of interest to travelers, from landscapes to historical towns and cities.
Kent was originally one of the kingdoms of the Jutes, it has been the point for invasion attempts, and is traditionally the major embarkment point for travel to mainland Europe. Kent is known as the “Garden of England“, because of it”s extensive agriculture, orchards and hop farms,
Canterbury is a cathedral and university city in the county of Kent. Canterbury Cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Primate of All England and the “primus inter pares” of the primates of each national church in the Anglican Communion and the spiritual leader and senior clergyman of the Church of England.
Canterbury Cathedral
Image courtesy of colart at freeimages.com
Canterbury is a major tourist center it has many ancient buildings, and modern building development within the medieval town center and is regulated by officials.
As a result of the murder of Thomas Becket in 1170, Canterbury became a major center of pilgrimage, the backdrop of Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, written in 1387, about pilgrims passing the time by sharing stories. There is a museum in Canterbury about the Tales.
The Museums are as follows:
- Museum of Canterbury
- Sidney Cooper Gallery
- Canterbury Royal Museum and Art Gallery with Buffs Regimental Museum,
- Canterbury Computer Gallery of Art
- Canterbury Roman Museum
- West Gate Museum
- Canterbury Tales Visitor Attraction “Medieval Misadventures”
“Canterbury was founded as the Romano-Celtic town of Durovernum Cantiacorum. In the early Middle Ages, the city became known by the Anglo-Saxon name of Cantwarebyrig, means “fortress of the men of Kent”.”
“People who have proof that they live nearby can get into some museums/cathedrals for free, check with the venue first.”
There are landmarks that you might be interested in and they are as follows:
- Canterbury Cathedral – there is an entrance fee of £9.50
- St. Martin’s Church – this is a Roman Shrine free admission
- St. Augustine’s Abbey – admission for adults is about £5.00
- Canterbury Castle – this was a Norman Castle, which was built in the 11th century, admission is free
Where can you go when you’re hungry? Try the following:
- Old Weavers Restaurant 1 St Peters Street – this restaurant is known as “Little Italy” prices range for a main course around £4.95.
- Goods Shed, Station Road West – mostly organic food and fresh vegetables and fruits prices range from £8-£16.
- Thomas Becket, 21 Best Lane – British food and you can only pay by cash, euros, sterling and cheques.
- Boho Cafe Bar, located at the Westgate end of Highstreet. Here you’ll find Bohemian food.
- Cafe Belge, 89/90 St Dunstans St near Westgate – Belgian food, mussels, sausages, salmon and beer.
- Cafe Des Amis, 95 St Dunstan’s Street – Mexican food, meals start at £8.95 and breakfast £5.95.
- Ancient Raj, 26 North Lane – Curry food and live music on Saturday evenings. price ranges from £9.00 to £10.00.
- Bangkok House, 13-15 Church St St. Pauls – Thai food. price range around £11.00.
- Forge Bistro & Cafe, 61 Dover Street Canterbury – Specialty European cuisine open from 10am to 10pm a platter for two is around £20.00.
- The New Inn, Canterbury Road, Etchinghill – this one is a 16th century inn with real-ale and fantastic food. You will find them open seven (7) days a week for lunch and dinner you can literally stay here all day.
If you’re a drinking person and like to go to bars, in English Pubs, try these:
- New Inn, Havelock Street
- The Parrot, Church Lane
- Club Chemistry, East Station Road
- The Loft, St. Margarets St.
- Westgate Inn, North Lane
- The Canterbury Tales, The Friars
- The Shakespeare, Butchery Lane
- The Cuban, High St.
- Alberry’s, St. Margarets St.
- The Old Butter Market, Burgate
- Bramley’s, Orange Street
- The Cherry Tree, 10 White Horse Lane
- The Dolphin, 17 St. Radigunds Street
- Tiny Tim’s Tearoom, St. Margaret’s St.
- Beer Cart Arms, Beer Cart Lane
- Lady Luck, St Peters Street
- Smith (Jones), 20 palace street
- Browns Coffeehouse, Water Lane
I have been to most of these restaurants and bars. I found the food to be better than the States and the beer is real-ale and brewed locally. If you’re traveling for the food and drink alone it is well worth it.
Now where do I stay. I personally prefer Hostels/Pensions, not only because they are cheaper but also because you meet some wonderful people that become your friends for life.
- Canterbury Youth Hostel, Ellerslie, 54 New Dover Rd, CT1 3DT, ☎ 0870 770 5744
- Art House Bed and Breakfast, 24 London Road, ☎ +44 1227 453032; annadof@gmail.com
- Ebury Hotel and Serviced Apartments, 65/67 New Dover Road, ☎ +44 1227 768433; info@ebury-hotel.co.uk
Featured Introduction Photo on top courtesy of obyvatel at freeimages.com
