Canterbury

There’s history at every turn in Canterbury, Kent with St Martin’s Church, the oldest church in continuous use in England, the ruins of the Norman Canterbury Castle – and the all-imposing Canterbury Cathedral.

St Martin’s Church in Canterbury is not far from the city’s cathedral. Dating from the 6^th century, St Martin’s Church is believed to have been built for Queen Bertha.

Built in 1066, Canterbury Castle is much younger than St Martin’s Church yet here, only ruins remain.  Canterbury Castle was one of Kent’s original Royal Castles.  It’s part of the city wall trail, see the information boards that tell the history of Canterbury Castle.

You’ll find yourself in a World Heritage Site in Canterbury and the star is Canterbury Cathedral.  For a place of peace, its ancient walls have witnessed many blood thirsty events that took place in Canterbury.  The gothic building is very atmospheric and past deeds seem to echo.  St Thomas Becket was murdered in Canterbury Cathedral and it became a place of pilgrimage.

Poet Geoffrey Chaucer (1345 – 1400) wrote about the antics of a group of pilgrims.  Pick up the story in the Canterbury Tales Experience. While you are in Canterbury you might want to visit St Lawrence Ground and see the Kent Cricket Club play.

Even shopping in Canterbury seems historic too as you browse the old city centre with its maze of medieval alleyways and timber framed buildings. Amidst all this history are many contemporary shops, bars and restaurants so you get the best of both worlds in Canterbury.