City of Cathedrals

Canterbury is probably Englands most famous cathedral city. Canterbury Cathedral, St Martins Church and St Augustines Abbey together form a world heritage site, attracting over 2.5 million visitors every year.

The charm of the narrow streets and period architecture, the pedestrian high street with shops of every description. Today Canterbury is a colourful and varied city and offers something for everyone, with its mixture of arts architecture, history, culture, museums, and visitor attractions. Much of the centre of Canterbury is pedestrianised.

The main high street shopping takes place up and down St Peters Street, which leads into the High Street and the recently developed Whitefriars Shopping Centre. Head down Burgate, Palace Street, Northgate and the ancient Buttermarket by Cathedral Gate for souvenirs and classic clothing. For something more unique, explore The King's Mile and other quiet back streets.

After dark there is still plenty to see in Canterbury. The Marlowe Theatre plays host to many post and pre West End shows. The wine bars and pavement cafes entice you, and if you still have the energy you can visit Canterbury's busy nightclubs.

It is most cosmopolitan best when it comes to food. You can eat almost any type of cuisine here. Restaurants range from high quality Anglo French to sumptuous Moroccan and funky Californian

The pubs are located all over the city, there are so many to choose from. Most are open until 11pm, although the odd few have a late license. Most pubs will have music, in the form of a DJ or just a juke box.

Canterbury Cathedral is located in the heart of Kents historic district. The building is noted for being home to the first archbishop of the English in 602, the scene of the murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket in 1170. When King Henry the Eighth stopped pilgrimages after he created the Church of England, and Thomas Becket's tomb was destroyed. A candle is now lit at the place where the tomb used to be. The cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is the main visitor attraction in the town. You can attend the Evensong service in the early evening, during which you can hear the cathedrals choir singing.

St Augustines Abbey part of Canterburys UNESCO World Heritage Site, this monastery was founded in the 6th century by St Augustine. Ransacked during the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16th century, today visitors can see around 250 artefacts in the museum.