Towered over by its iconic cathedral, the streets of this city have so many stories to tell

Great British Life: An artist's ipression of the Guildhall Quarter, which will be created from the former Debenhams buildingsAn artist's ipression of the Guildhall Quarter, which will be created from the former Debenhams buildings (Image: Archant)

1. UNESCO site

In such an important, ancient cathedral city, it’s no surprise that most visitors are attracted by its history. The iconic Canterbury Cathedral is the biggest tourist attraction, with people coming from all over the world to view the magnificent medieval ‘Mother Church’ of the Church of England.

Founded in the sixth century and rebuilt in the 11th century, its towers have stood over the cobbled streets of Canterbury’s city centre for centuries.

It’s part of Kent’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the ruins of the nearby St Augustine’s Abbey and ancient St Martin’s Church.

2. Shopping mecca

Canterbury is a modern shopper’s dream. The big brands, including Fenwick, M&S and Primark, can be found in the open-air Whitefriars Shopping Centre, as well as along the bustling High Street.

Head out of town to homeware store Neptune in Wincheap. But at the same time, the city has plenty to offer those looking to browse through small, independent stores.

The narrow lanes nearest the cathedral are known as the King’s Mile Quarter and are home to unique, often quirky stores, cafés, restaurants and businesses.

Don’t miss 925 Silver, The Fudge Kitchen, Ortwin Thyssen jewellery and Siesta. Sadly, the city’s large Debenhams, which was set across several units, has closed, but plans have been given the go-ahead to transform its former buildings into the Guildhall Quarter – with space for 12 shops and 74 apartments.

3. Eat and drink

Two new dining and take-out experiences have joined the Whitefriars line-up this year. The Real Eating Company has taken over the former EAT site in Whitefriars Square, while the former Kent Reliance unit in Rose Lane is now home to the chocolate brownies franchise, Love Brownies Café.

Other favourites include The Refectory Kitchen, The Goods Shed, The Corner House, The Ambrette, Oscar & Bentley’s, Café St Pierre, Café des Amis and the County Restaurant at ABode Hotel.

There are many historic pubs, as well as The Foundry brew pub, the Thomas Tallis Alehouse, Teatros Bar, The Penny Theatre and Houdini’s Magic Bar (winner of the 2019 Outstanding Customer Service award in our Food & Drink Awards).

In nearby villages lookout for the Michelin-starred Fordwich Arms, Kathton House in Sturry and The Pig at Bridge Hotel.

4. World’s a stage

The Marlowe Theatre is a state-of-the-art facility seating 1,200 people and hosting a huge range of drama, comedy, music and family shows.

The University of Kent’s onsite arts centre, the Gulbenkian, includes a theatre, cinema and a café with entertaining space. The Malthouse Theatre is The King’s School’s centre of Drama and also stages professional events.

Great British Life: Chaucer's characters come to life at visitor attraction The Canterbury TalesChaucer's characters come to life at visitor attraction The Canterbury Tales (Image: Archant)

5. Collections

The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge on the High Street is a must-visit. The old museum has been given a stunning internal redesign and has won awards for its museum, art gallery, library and visitor information facilities. Its collections range from Saxon jewellery unearthed nearby to Rupert the Bear and Bagpuss.

To look even further back in time, visit Canterbury Roman Museum in Butchery Lane, built around the remains of a Roman villa that was uncovered in the 19th century.

6. Festival time

To see the already bustling city come alive with even more cultural activities, visit during the Canterbury Festival (17-31 October). The festival brings more than 200 music, art, theatre, comedy and other events to all sorts of venues across the city – and many are held outside on the streets themselves.

Last year’s festival welcomed audiences of more than 60,000 to the mix of ticketed and free events.

7. Chaucer’s finest

Based on the stories from Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, the visitor attraction of the same name has been a feature of the city for more than 30 years.

Using a mix of live actors, audio recordings and waxwork figures, the attraction brings to life the stories of a group of medieval pilgrims on their journey to the shrine of the martyred Thomas Becket during the Middle Ages. A detailed look into the past, it’s as educational as it is entertaining.

8. On the river

If you rush through the streets of Canterbury, you may fail to notice that it’s built on the banks of the tiny but beautiful River Stour. Once a filthy industrial waterway, the shallow river is now known for its crystal clear water and its healthy aquatic plants.

Although not typically known for its river, which winds its way between tightly crammed ancient buildings, look closer and you’ll spot rowing boats and even punts pottering up and down.

For a historical commentary, head to the award-winning Canterbury River Tours, based just under King’s Bridge. The tours offer a seldom-seen view of the city and are always popular with the summer tourists.

9. Wild at heart

There aren’t many cities that can lay claim to two leading wildlife parks within a short drive, but Canterbury has both Howletts and Wingham Wildlife Park on its doorstep.

Started in 1957 as a private zoo by John Aspinall, Howletts has shifted its focus over recent years towards conservation and is home to hundreds of animals – including elephants, tigers and gorillas.

The smaller Wingham Wildlife Park is a great place for families to get up close to reptiles, big cats and even penguins. It’s recently been joined by the exclusive Sandwich Wildlife Park.

10. Kent cricket

Kent Cricket is celebrating the club’s 150th year in style throughout 2020, with a packed programme of events. These start with a Thanksgiving service at Canterbury Cathedral on 4 March, when local dignitaries and guests, including Sir Tim Laurence, the club’s President for 2020, will be in attendance.

June sees a dinner in the Long Room at Lord’s and in July there will be a 150th-anniversary party at a selected Vitality Blast match. October brings a special edition of the annual Spitfire Kent Cricket Awards in a marquee at The Spitfire Ground, St. Lawrence.

A curated display ‘Your 150’ will also be on display in The Lime Tree Café at The Spitfire Ground throughout the year and will be free to view on non-matchdays.