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Canterbury Tourist Guide
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Canterbury Cathedral

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Canal tour

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St Augustine's Abbey

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Westgate Gardens

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The Marlowe Theatre

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Huguenot houses

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Cricket

Area Guides: Canterbury
Telephone - please mention Let's Stay Kent: Canterbury Information Centre +44 (0)1227 378100


Details: World Heritage Site
This cathedral city, easily reached by road and rail, contains a UNESCO World Heritage site made up of the Cathedral, St. Martin’s Church and St. Augustine’s Abbey. The Cathedral was founded in 597AD by St. Augustine and the original now lies under the nave’s floor. The Saxon church which had first been constructed was destroyed by fire in 1067 and the Normans rebuilt it three years later. A few parts of the quire and some stained glass windows survive from the twelfth century. Following the murder of Thomas Becket in the north-west transept in 1387 the cathedral became a place of pilgrimage and Geoffrey Chaucer’s famous Canterbury Tales was written about pilgrims making their way to Becket’s shrine. In 1982 Pope John Paul II and the Archbishop of Canterbury, Robert Runcie, prayed together in the transept. In the Trinity Chapel are the tombs of Henry IV and his wife, Joan of Navarre, which were on one side of Becket’s shrine with Edward, the Black Prince, on the other. Becket’s shrine, however, was dismantled during Henry VIII’s reign. The cathedral’s other main features are the largest Norman crypt in Britain and the twelfth century quire with a fourteenth century screen. St. Martin’s Church is the oldest parish church in England where unbroken Christian worship has taken place. It is named after St. Martin, Bishop of Tours in France where Queen Bertha lived before marrying Ethelbert, King of Kent. St. Augustine’s mission of 40 monks came here before setting up a monastery nearby. The third part of the UNESCO site is St. Augustine’s Abbey which was founded in 597AD. Today there are only ruins to see following the Dissolution of the Monasteries during the reign of Henry VIII.

A brief history
There has been a settlement in this area since prehistoric times and Neolithic round barrows and Bronze Age relics have been discovered. It was called Durovernum before Roman times and was the most important settlement in Kent. Later the Romans named it Durovernum Cantiacorum. It lay at the junction of three roads from Reculver, Dover and Lympne on what came to be called Watling Street. The town became affluent under Roman rule and around 270AD a defensive wall was erected to defend against Saxon invaders. Today the city walls and one city gate remain. In 1461 Canterbury became a county corporate, a small self-governing county. During the sixteenth century French Protestants settled in Kent introducing silk-making. In 1600, out of a population of 5,000, the Huguenots numbered 2,000. During World War 2 the city suffered heavy bombing in the Baedeker Blitz. Today it is a major centre for tourism with over 1.2 million visitors in 2001. Among its famous people have been Christopher Marlowe, Michael Powell, Sir Freddie Laker, Orlando Bloom and Rupert Bear!

The city today
Some of the medieval character of Canterbury has been preserved. Long stretches of the town walls remain, built in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries on Roman foundations. There are tall overhanging houses in the lanes leading to Christ Church Gate which is the cathedral’s main entrance. The King’s School, one of the oldest in England, has an unusual North staircase and the fourteenth century West Gate, the only survivor of the seven former gates to the city, has a museum of arms and armour. The Marlowe Theatre reminds everyone of the playwright Christopher Marlowe who was born in the city in 1564 and was educated at King’s. Canterbury Castle was built by the Normans in the 1080s and had replaced an earlier motte and bailey one put up at nearby Dane John. The stone keep constructed during Henry I’s reign (1100-1135) is one of three royal castles in Kent. Greyfriars is the only remains of Greyfriars Friary - the chapel and house of the first Franciscan settlement in Britain. It is the oldest Franciscan building in this country. The Dane John Gardens have been awarded the Green Flag and the Green Heritage Site Awards. The name probably comes from the French word ‘donjon’ which means castle keep. From the top of Dane John Mound you get a wonderful view of Canterbury. The University of Kent, founded in 1961, is set on Tyler Hill in the north of the city.

Other places to see in Canterbury
Buffs Regimental Museum is situated on the first floor of the Beaney Institute in the Royal Museum and Art Gallery. Now it is a branch of the national Army Museum telling the story of one of England’s oldest infantry regiments.
Eastbridge Hospital, High Street. Tel: 01227 471688. For 800 years it gave shelter and help to pilgrims, soldiers, local societies and schoolchildren. For over 400 years it has given a permanent home to elderly people.
Museum of Canterbury, Stour Street. Tel: 01227 475214. Situated in the medieval Poor Priests’ Hospital and two adjoining buildings it has a range of exhibits from pre-Roman to the present together with many hands-on activities.
Rupert Bear Museum, Stour Street. Tel: 01227 475202. Find out about Rupert’s link with Canterbury. Free admission after you pay for Museum of Canterbury entrance.
St. Dunstan’s Church, London Road. Tel: 01227 463654. 1000 years old and the first to be dedicated to St. Dunstan. The head above Margaret Roper’s tomb could well be that of Thomas More.
St. Mildred’s Church, Church Lane. Tel: 01227 462395. Close to the castle, it’s the only standing pre-Norman conquest church inside the city walls.
The Gallery in the Friars. Tel: 01227 453471. Sells British designed and handmade pottery, glass, pictures, sculptures and jewellery with many exhibitions during the year.
The Roman Museum, Butchery Lane. Based underground at the level of the Roman town the museum contains excavated real objects, authentic reconstructions and the preserved remains of a Roman town house and its famous mosaics.
The Royal Museum and Art Gallery. Tel: 01227 475214. Set in a wonderful Victorian building it holds fine porcelain and art collections, notably by TS Cooper. Many exhibitions are staged here.
Westgate Gardens. Beautifully landscaped garden close to the River Stour adjacent to Westgate Towers.

Places to visit near to Canterbury
Barnsole Vineyard, Staple. Tel: 01304 812530. Visitors welcome for a full or mini tour.
Essentially Hops, Bekesbourne. Tel: 01227 830666. A traditional working East Kent Victorian oast house.
Fordwich Town Hall, Fordwich. The present Guildhall or Town Hall was built in 1544 during the reign of Henry VIII. It is probably the oldest and smallest still in use.
Goodnestone Park Gardens, Nr. Wingham, Goodnestone. Tel: 01304 840107. One of the best gardens in the South East. The 14 acres includes a woodland area and a walled garden. There are connections with Jane Austen who frequently visited.
Herne Bay Museum and Gallery, Herne Bay. Tel: 01227 475214 Here the history of the Victorian seaside resort is highlighted along with its connections with the Dambusters’ raid and the fate of the famous pier.
Herne Hill, Herne. Tel: 01227 361326.
Howletts Wild Animal Park, Bekesbourne. 90 acres of wild adventure in beautiful ancient parkland. Home to the world’s largest gamily group of gorillas in captivity and the UK’s largest group of African elephants.
Mount Ephraim Gardens, Faversham. Tel: 01227 751496. 10 acres of Edwardian-style gardens.
Reculver Towers and Roman Fort, Reculver, Herne Bay. Tel: 01227 740676. The twin towers of St. Mary’s Church are a distinctive feature of the north Kent coast. There are country walks from Bishopstone to the ruins of the Roman fort and Saxon church. The park is well known as a site for watching migrating birds.
Whitstable Castle and Gardens, Whitstable. Originally a manor house with parts dating from the 1790s. Many events are held here including May Day celebrations.
Wildwood, Herne Bay. Tel: 0871 7820081. Woodland Discovery Park – the UK’s biggest collection of British wildlife.
Wingham Animal Park, Wingham. Tel: 01227 720836. The perfect place to see meercats, lemurs, otters, reptiles, birds of prey, prairie dogs and much more.

Shopping
The district has some exceptional shopping to offer for all tastes so be sure to spend some time perusing the shops and enjoying each town’s unique atmosphere. In Canterbury itself, the Whitefriars development offers many popular retailers in one spacious and well-designed location. This recently opened venue has helped to ensure the city offers some of the best shopping opportunities in Kent. Heading towards Westgate Towers and the St Dunstan’s area, you will come across a range of specialist, privately run emporia offering everything from antiques and collectables to classical music. That theme continues as you walk in another direction, this time along the King’s mile, a continuation of the city centre’s pedestrianised area, and on towards Northgate. Head to Whitstable and you will find Bohemian charm in abundance. Move on to Harbour Street for independent art galleries, boutiques and individual gift shops offering all the essentials and more with good old-fashioned service. In Herne Bay, there are bargains to be had along the pedestrianised High Street from independent shops selling a vast range of goods including furniture and clothing – as well as those vital buckets and spades for the beach!

Markets
Canterbury Farmers' Market, The Goods Shed Station Road West, (every day except Monday) 01227 459153.

Restaurants
Just a selection….
Augustines Restaurant, 1-2 Longport 01227 453063
Aztecs, 13 The Friars 01227 768594
Beaus Creperie, 59 Palace St 01227 464285
Bistro Vietnam, The Linen Store, White Horse Lane 01227 760022
Cafe des Amis, 93-95 St.Dunstans St 01227 464390
Cafe Naz Indian Restaurant, 36 Northgate 01227 765300
Caffe Uno, 49a St. Peters St 01227 479777
Caffe Venezia, 60-61 Palace St 01227 787786
Candy's, 6 Longport 01227 784077
Carmen's of Canterbury, 25/26 Sun Street 01227 767 854
Chaopraya River Thai Restaurant, 2-3 Dover St 01227 462876
Chicago Rock Cafe, St. Georges Place, New Dover Rd 01227 761276
Copper Kettle, 2 The Square 01227 730303
Dragon City, 64 Dover St 01227 766327
Element 5, 4-5 Pound Lane 01227 479999
Flapjacques Restaurant, 71 Castle St 01227 781000
Hare & Hounds, Angelo's Restaurant, 4 Blean Hill 01227 471594
Il Pozzo Restaurant, 15 Best Lane 01227 450154
Il Vaticano, 35 St. Margarets St 01227 765333
Kozmos, 4-5 Upper Bridge St 01227 457747
Kudos 52 Chinese Restaurant, 52 Dover St 01227 761126
La Bonne Cuisine, 71 New Dover Rd 01227 450552
Little Italy, 2-3 St.Peters St 01227 472232
Lloyds, 89-90 St. Dunstans St 01227 768222
Manolis Taverna, 10 Guildhall St 01227 769189
Marlowes Restaurant & Cocktail Bar, 55 St. Peters St 01227 462194
Masala Gate, 34 Northgate 01227 462906
Mayflowers, 41 Sussex Avenue 01227 471005
Michael Caines Restaurant, 30-33 High Street 01227826684
Morelli's Courtyard, Longmarket 01227 784700
Old Weavers Restaurant, 1 St. Peters St 01227 464660
Olive Grove, 12 Best Lane 01227 764388
Panteli's of Canterbury Ltd, 5-7 Canterbury Lane 01227 765506
Paprika, 78 Northgate 01227 379888
Pinocchio's Restaurant, 64 Castle St 01227 457538
Poppins Restaurant, 52 St. Peters St 01227 769301
Raj Venue, 92 St. Dunstans St 01227 462653
Skippers Restaurant, 73 High St 01227 830788
Star Express, 26 St. Peters St 01227 765044
Tapas, 13 Palace St 01227 762637
The Ancient Raj, 26 North Lane 01227 455882
The Black Pig, Barnsole Rd 01304 813000
The George Restaurant & Ale House, Stone St 01227 709247
The Jackdaw Inn, The Street 01303 844663
The Nacient Raj, 26 North Lane 01227 455882
The Refectory, 16 St. Dunstans St 01227 765554
The Rising Sun, The Street 01227 721364
The Shed Cantina, 61 Dover St 01227 450288
The Tasty Spice, 9 Longport 01227 463326
Tuo E Mio, 16 The Borough 01227 761471
Vintage Inns, Old Gate Inn, Old Dover Rd 01227 829951
Winner, 37 The Street 01304 812924
Yum Box, 226 Broad Oak Rd 01227 767076
Zizzi's Italian Restaurant, 53 St. Peters St 01227 764463

Banks
Halifax, 29 St. Georges Street 01227 599609
Barclays Bank PLC, East Kent Group/9 St. Georges St 0845-755 5555
HSBC Bank plc, Whitefriars/Gravel Walk 0845-740 4404
Cheltenham & Gloucester PLC, 1-2 The Pde 01227 761663
NatWest, The Pde 0845-600 2803
Royal Bank Of Scotland PLC The, 14 Rose La 01227 763345
Abbey, 48 High St 0845-765 4321
Bradford & Bingley, 32 High St 01227 454068
Alliance & Leicester PLC, 16 High St 01227 763044
Barclays Bank PLC, 12-13 High St 0845-755 5555
Barclays Bank PLC, East Kent Group/The University 0845-755 5555
Lloyds Tsb, Graylaw House, 0-22 Watling St 01227866700
Lloyds Tsb Bank plc, High Street, Wingham 0800 0564262

Hospital
Kent and Canterbury Hospital, Ethelbert Road 01227 766877

Doctors
Surgery, 10 New Dover Rd 01227 462197
Surgery, Cossington Ho/51 Cossington Rd 01227 763377
Canterbury Health Centre/26 Old Dover Rd 01227 452444

Dentists
The Dental Care Centre, 60 Dover St 01227 462521
The Smile Centre, 11 Upper Bridge St 01227 463574
The Burgate Dental Practice, 14 Burgate 01227 462857
The King Street Orthodontic Practice, King St 01227 762535
Bradley & Partners, 2 St. Peters La 01227 463529

Please contact these information centres for confirmation of opening times and events:
Canterbury Information Centre
12/13 Sun Street, Canterbury, Kent
Tel: 01227 378100
www.canterbury.co.uk

Herne Bay Information Centre
Central Parade, Herne Bay, Kent
Tel: 01227 361911

Whitstable Information centre
7 Oxford Street, Whitstable, Kent
Tel: 01227 275482

Transport
Roads: Canterbury lies on the A2 and A28 which can be easily reached from the M2 and M20. The city is approximately 45 minutes from London.
Trains: Canterbury East Railway Station, Station Road East (B5).
Canterbury West Railway Station, Station Road West (B1).
National Rail Enquiries (24 hours for bookings, enquiries and disabled travel assistance) Tel: 01732 770111. Recorded Information Tel: 01732 771844.
Buses and Coaches: Bus Station, St. George's Lane (00).
East Kent Timetable Enquiry Centre Tel: 01843 581333.
Canterbury and Herne Bay Travel Office, Tel: 472082.
National Express Coaches Tel: 0990 808080. Canterbury to London recorded timetable Tel: 0839 142926. Or contact the Visitor Information Centre.
Ferries: P & O Tel: 0990 980980. Hoverspeed Tel: 01304 240241. Stena Sealink Tel: 01233 647047. Sally Line Tel: 01843 595522.
Taxis: Ranks at Canterbury West Railway Station (B1), Canterbury East Railway Station (B5), Canterbury Lane (D4) and St. George's Lane (D4).
Park & Ride: Operates between 7.30-18.30 Monday to Saturday. Bus stop in Rose Lane (C4).
Wincheap Park & Ride: at the junction of the A28 and A2, follow Wincheap (A5) out of the city for about half a mile.
Sturry Road Park & Ride: on the A28 Sturry Road (off F1).


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Disclaimer: The information in this Tourist Guide has been researched from a variety of sources including books, articles and online information. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information the reader should check any specific facts for themselves before making any decisions based upon the said information.

© 2007 jnEditorial



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Another Kent Tourist Guide listing created by Let's Stay Kent.
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