In our opinion Canterbury is pretty much a perfect holiday destination, it has all the right ingredients for every type of holiday. You can spend a weekend strolling around the medieval streets, soaking up the history, taking in the pretty buildings and visiting one of the many museums and the incredible cathedral, or a whole week exploring a wide array of attraction slightly further afield.
If you want to indulge in a cultural break Canterbury is just the ticket. A visit to the spectacular cathedral and a stroll around the precincts is a must. There are numerous museums around the city and if the theatre is your thing Canterbury is home to the world class Marlowe theatre with big touring shows. There are also several smaller venues which offer innovative high quality arts programmes. October is a particularly exciting time in Canterbury with the International Arts Festival which offers events from music, and dance, to exhibitions, walks and comedy. The Kent Spitfire ground is also worth a visit, home to the county team, also hosts big name bands as well as some pretty good cricket.
If people watching is your thing , the cafe culture has exploded in recent years in Canterbury. There are numerous dining options with something for everyone from the health conscious to those looking for pure indulgence or something a little different.
For night owls Canterbury has a very lively pub, bar and club scene. From independent pubs where you can try out the local brews, to lively bars and quirky offerings, sample a cocktail in an 11th century jail or a Honey daiquiri in a speakeasy bar to the stylish and sophisticated for those looking for a little more glamour.
We are also extremely fortunate to be located near a variety of sought after and award winning restaurants in the heart of Canterbury.
There are numerous options to enjoy the outdoors, join a guided walking tour through Canterbury City Centre learning its ancient history or simply stroll along the medieval walls, for excellent views across the city climb the mound in the Dane John Gardens or enjoy a picnic in the stunning Westgate Gardens. For those looking to explore further afield hire bikes and cycle along the traffic free Great Stour Way to Chartham or peddle to Whitstable along the Crab and Winkle Way. For something a little different join a river tour or hire canoes and paddle yourself along the Stour.
There are a wide array of things to do in Canterbury for both the young and old in Canterbury, with interactive hands on museums such as The Canterbury Tales and the Roman Museum to the quirky Ghost Tour for slightly older children. There are numerous family friendly cafes and eateries within the centre and the Gulbenkian and Marlowe theatres regularly feature child friendly performances. Further afield there are numerous family friendly visitor attractions from wildlife parks to castles for families to enjoy while visiting Canterbury, ensuring a boring afternoon in, is not on the agenda.
Alongside the numerous Canterbury museums and the theatres, the Curzon, Canterbury cinema is an excellent option for rainy days, showcasing independent films from all over the world. If music is your thing, the city has a vibrant music scene, you can take in a recital at the cathedral, try your hand at the tango in the Westgate Hall or check out live music in one of the many exciting smaller venues around the city. For something a little different test your skills in one of the city’s Escape Rooms or hop on a train and head to Turner Contemporary in Margate or visit the amazing war tunnels in Ramsgate or the labyrinth of secret war tunnels below Dover Castle.
Canterbury is home to a wonderful array of shops and boutiques. If you’re looking to indulge in a bit of retail therapy there is something to suit all tastes, from the plethora of specialty stores along the ancient King’s Mile within Canterbury’s independent quarter where you can find everything from a traditional greengrocer to modern art to the fashion and lifestyle retailers in the modern Whitefriars district. If designer clothes are your thing, the Mcarthurglen designer outlet at Ashford is only a short train journey away.
For those looking for a longer get away Canterbury is blessed in its location, being only a short distance from the coast and all that has to offer and yet also being surrounded by beautiful countryside with pretty villages, historic towns and a host of visitor attractions, from castles, galleries and museums to ww2 tunnels and wildlife parks. And not forgetting a speedy train ride to our amazing capital city, London.
