England: Canterbury

[bjorn]

One of England's most famous cities, Canterbury offers two thousand years of history. From Roman and early Christian ruins, to a Norman castle and an 11th century cathedral, to quaint Tudor dwellings in a compact and pleasant setting, Canterbury brings out the historian in every visitor. Since the 12th century, pilgrims and tourists have come to Canterbury to ogle its famous Cathedral, including the group immortalized in Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales. Today's visitor might spend the day walking the cobblestone streets and visiting the pubs and shops, perhaps taking in a museum or two, or visiting the 13th-century Hever Castle and its beautiful gardens (once owned by Anne Boelyn's father). The Cathedral, (the Mother Church of the Anglican faith and the place where Sir Thomas Becket was slain) is a must see, as are The Canterbury Tales, a sort of Disney-style attraction where lights, sounds and animated figures bring to Chaucer's immortal tales to life.

When to go:
The shoulder months of April-May and September-October are perhaps the best months to visit. Off season (Nov-March) is preferable if you are more an indoor traveler and are trying to save money. Summer is the most pleasant time, but also the most crowded.

What to Do:
History/Ruins:
The Canterbury Cathedral, St. Augustine's Abbey, St. Martin's Church are perhaps the most famous sites around Canterbury. The Roman Museum lies beneath a shopping center, where the excavated remains of a Roman villa can be viewed. The ruins of the 11th century Norman Castle are worth a look on your way out of town.

Museums:
The Royal Museum and Art Gallery has more Roman antiquities. The West Gate Museum has armor, weaponry and prison relics. Canterbury Heritage Museum has an interactive exhibition spanning local history from Roman time to the present.

Shopping:
Canterbury has plenty of little shops and expensive boutiques to keep shoppers busy.

Food/Culinary Info:
There are bakeries and sweet shops, pubs and restaurants to cater to all types of pilgrims in Canterbury.

Arts:
The Marlowe Theatre (once the haunt of poet and playwright Christopher Marlowe) offers operas, plays, musicals, and special events.

Festivals/Events:
April is the Chaucer Festival Spring Pilgrimage. In June, the Stout Music Festival features Baroque Music. Every autumn, the Marlow Theatre offers an International Arts Festival. The Canterbury Festival showcases international music, theatre, and arts in the middle two weeks of October.

Nightlife/Bars:
Nightlife in Canterbury is low-key. Opposite Canterbury East station there are two nightclubs in the same building: the Works and Bizz. On the other side of town, the university has art films; mainstream cinema can be had at the MGM, a three-screen cinema on the ring road near St George's Place.

Cost:
England is extremely expensive. Canterbury is similar in expense to London. While in Canterbury, you will need to budget about US$40-50, as the selection of hostels and accommodations are fewer than in London. Most people chose to see Canterbury as a daytrip and return by train to London at night. The unit of currency is the pound sterling.

Getting Around:
Canterbury has two train stations, Canterbury East for services from London Victoria or Dover Priory, and Canterbury West for slower services from London Charing Cross or Folkestone - the stations are northwest and south of the center respectively, each a ten-minute walk from the cathedral. National Express coaches and local buses use the bus station just inside the city walls on St George's Lane.

Safety:
You can feel pretty safe in Canterbury.

Language:
English.

Party/Social Scene:
The scene here is pretty low-key, with just a few nightclubs, cinemas, and the local university, you can find friendly faces (both local and visiting) around the city.

Other Info:
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