Canterbury is an English city located in the district of Kent in the South East of England, on the River Stour.
Canterbury has a strong religious affiliation. When the kingdom converted to Christianity in 597, St. Augustine became the first Archbishop of Canterbury. This position heads the Anglican community worldwide as well as the Church of England.
These strong Christian ties explain the city centering the famous Canterbury Cathedral. The Cathedral was founded by Augustine in 597 AD and has since become a World Heritage Site. It hosts services three times a day, has over one million visitors a year, and is one of the most visited places in all of England. Musical and theatrical performances are also often hosted at the cathedral.
Other cultural landmarks include the Old Synagogue of Canterbury. It is one of the two Egyptian Revival synagogues still standing, and is currently being used as the King's School Music Room.
Theatres include the Marlowe Theatre, named after the famous Elizabethan playwright, the Gulbankian Theatre, Strode Park House- Open Air Theatre, The Kings Hall, and Herne Bay Little Theatre.
Other institutional buildings, such as Tudor houses, now serve as local pubs, restaurants, and theatres, mostly frequented by the city's prestigious university, the University of Kent.
Visitors can enjoy a wide selection of delicious restaurants including L'Escargot Restaurant (classic French food), Lady Hamilton (a local favourite), The Grove Ferry Inn (a converted Georgian Manor), and the Lobster Shack "a rustic airy 18th century oyster grading house that has been transformed into a spacious lobster restaurant."
Those looking for a place to stay have a variety of hotels and quaint B&B's to choose from. Local favourites include, Alkham Court Farmhouse, Yorke Lodge, and Magnolia House.
Another great way to see Canterbury is to fly over it in a hot air balloon, or to cycle through, walk across it, or sail around it. There's no shortage of trails and guided tours available in the city. Whether you're interested in kite surfing, golfing, hiking, or horseback riding, the outdoors people of Canterbury are equipped to accommodate you.
The best part of Canterbury is it offers fun for the whole family. Those travelling with little ones might enjoy Herne Bay's seafront. During summer months kids can entertain themselves on the trampolines are playing a round of mini-golf. The city also has a number of indoor centres that have swimming pools, bowling alleys, and cinemas, should the weather prevent you from spending time outdoors.
