THINGS TO DO IN Canterbury, England: 2-DAY ITINERARY

Canterbury is a beautiful city in Kent, which is in the southeast of England. It has a rich history going back 2,000 years when it was founded by the Romans. Canterbury was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998, and three impressive buildings make up this World Heritage Site: Canterbury Cathedral, St. Augustine’s Abbey, and St. Martin’s Church. Canterbury Cathedral is one of the top attractions in England, with over 1 million tourists visiting annually.

Apart from the UNESCO sites, there are many other places to see in the city, including a wide selection of museums. If you are interested in the Roman occupation of the country, the Canterbury Roman Museum, built on top of an ancient Roman house, is fascinating. Other museums to explore include Westgate Tower Museum and Viewpoint and the Beaney House of Art and Knowledge which displays modern art.

We have prepared a 2-day itinerary for you which will help you make the most of your time in Canterbury. The first takes you around the city and the second gives you the opportunity to visit nearby attractions such as the towns of Herne Bay, Whitstable, and Stodmarsh Nature Reserve.

Day 1

Morning: Canterbury Cathedral

Canterbury Cathedral is the highlight of the city and is the perfect place to start your exploration of Canterbury. Be prepared to stay there for a while as there is a lot to see. If you want in-depth information. take a guided tour of the Cathedral.

The Cathedral was built in the 6th century, making it one of the oldest churches in England. It is famous because it was where Archbishop Saint Thomas Becket was murdered in 1170. Stand in the spot where he was murdered and feel a shiver go down your spine,

The cathedral is an unforgettable building. The architecture is beautiful, fusing Romanesque and Perpendicular Gothic styles. Amongst the highlights are the stained-glass windows which measure 1,200 metres. and the fan-vaulted ceiling in the cloisters, which displays superb carvings. The choir has a beautiful screen, created in 1411, and decorated with six crowned kings and angels. In the crypt, you will find exhibitions about the Cathedral and various artefacts. To get into the cathedral either book your tickets online or buy them at the Visitor Centre.

The Cathedral Precincts

Once you have explored the cathedral, spend a little time in the Cathedral precincts. You will find some lovely gardens, including the 16th Mediaeval Herb Garden which has been recreated with similar herbs grown during the Middle Ages. Go and see the memorial stones in the Memorial Garden which includes a stone dedicated to Wilbur Wilberforce who helped to abolish slavery. The Water Tower was built in 1160 and is where the monks washed their hands before going into the Cathedral.

Mercery Lane

When you have finished your visit to the Cathedral, head into the Old City which is just a minute’s walk away. You will first come to Mercery Lane, which is one of the most photographed streets in the country. It is a typical Mediaeval Street as it is narrow and has timber-framed houses, with the top floors almost touching each other.

The Chequer of Hope

When you reach the end of Mercery Lane, you will see The Chequer of Hope, a building that used to be called Chequers Inn. Pilgrims stayed in the inn on their way to pay their respects to Saint Thomas Becket. The famous writer, Geoffrey Chaucer, mentioned the inn in his ‘Tale of Benin’. Unfortunately, it was partially destroyed by a fire in 1865 and only the facade remains. However, it is still worth taking a photograph.

Canterbury Roman Museum

A short walk takes you to the Canterbury Roman Museum which is built around the ruins of an ancient Roman house. The museum introduces you to what Roman life was like through many interesting artefacts. Jewellery, pottery, and glassware are on show, as well as a reproduction of a Roman water-floor heating system, showing how advanced the Romans were for their time. Other highlights are a 2,000-year-old mosaic pavement and a timeline which tracks time from the present back to the Roman era. It is advisable to pay online before you go so that you know that you will get in.

Day 1, Morning - canterbury Tour Map

Afternoon: The Beaney House Of Art And Knowledge

Start your afternoon tour at The Beaney House Of Art And Knowledge which combines a museum, an art gallery, and a library. It is easy to spend at least a couple of hours here if you have time as there are many different collections to explore. The Explorers and Collectors is one of the most interesting as it houses ancient Egyptian artefacts, as well as ancient Greek art, and even Anglo-Saxon artefacts found in Kent. Another room you should visit is the one that houses 16th-century paintings and reproductions of Old Masters. Learn about animals, birds, and butterflies in Colour and Camouflage. The museum offers workshops to keep both you and your children entertained.

Franciscan Gardens

Get away from the hustle and bustle of city life in this peaceful garden. It is just a three-minute walk from The Beaney Museum, and it covers one and a half acres. It was established by the Franciscan monks in 1224. You can take a very pleasant walk around the gardens which have been recreated to look as they did centuries ago. The same plants and herbs have been planted and these would have been used to make medicines, dyes, and perfumes.

Greyfriars Chapel

Included in the admission price of the Franciscan Gardens is a visit to Greyfriars Chapel. It was built at the same time as the gardens and was then a guest house at Greyfriars Estate. However, all that remains of the estate is the chapel. It is an attractive building with Mediaeval architecture and a timber roof, and it is often used as a venue for weddings.

Westgate Towers Museum And Viewpoint

An eight-minute walk takes you to Westgate Towers Museum and Viewpoint The building is inside the country’s largest surviving gatehouse, which was used, with six others, to defend Canterbury. The gatehouse stands 18 metres high and if you climb the battlements, you will get fantastic views of the city.

A highlight of the museum is an original prison cell from the 19th century. There are four themes running through the museum which you can explore: City Wars, Crime & Punishment, Westgate Through History, and Magna Carta & the Maquettes. You may be in need to refreshments by this time and there is a restaurant in the museum.

The Crooked House

Another eight-minute walk takes you to the Crooked House which has a slanted front and looks like it might fall over at any minute. However, it has been reinforced with a steel frame, so it is safe. It is thought that because the upper floors were wider than the bottom floor, the building started to slump and then, in 1988, the chimney collapsed, hence the need for a steel frame. It is currently a bookshop so after you have taken some photos of the house, pop in for a browse. You will see that it is just as crooked inside as out.

Day 1, afternoon - canterbury Tour Map

Day 2

Day Trips From Canterbury

For your second day, we suggest taking a day trip outside the city. There are some lovely seaside towns and nature parks to visit close to Canterbury and it would be a pity not to explore one or two of them.

• Chilham: Chillam is a lovely village 11 km south of Canterbury with a pretty Mediaeval Square and narrow streets. Around the square are Tudor houses, a church built in the 16th century, and Chilham Castle, now a luxury retreat and wellness centre. Wander around the village and then indulge in a traditional afternoon tea of sandwiches, cakes, and scones or have a pint of real ale in one of the pubs. Badgers Hill Farm in Chillam is a great place to visit, especially if you have children. Not only do they have a playground, but you can meet animals including goats, miniature donkeys, sheep, chickens, geese, peacocks, and wallabies.

• Whitstable: Whitstable is a seaside town 11.6 km north of Canterbury. It has a long pebble beach and colourful beach huts which brighten up the town. Whitstable is well known for fresh seafood, especially oysters, perhaps the best in England, and there are many oyster bars in town. While you are in Whitstable, take a stroll in the gardens of Whitstable Castle. You can’t go inside the castle, but the grounds are beautiful. The Orangery Tea Rooms offer delicious food including breakfast and a traditional English afternoon tea.

• Herne Bay: Herne Bay is another lovely seaside town which is 14.3 km north of Canterbury. It is a great place to go if you want to soak up the sun on a nice beach. There is a pier which has amusements for children. The Seaside Museum showcases artefacts from the Roman Towers and Fort, Reculver, which is just outside the town. Why not visit the site? Also on the outskirts of Herne Bay is the Wildwood Trust where you can enjoy meeting and feeding animals.

• Faversham: Faversham is a quaint Mediaeval market town with more than 500 listed buildings. It is 16 km west of Canterbury and has a lovely church that you can visit, the Saint Mary of Chany Church. It was consecrated in 1170, but the spire wasn’t built until the 1400s. Inside the church, you will be able to see a collection of tombs and a spectacular pillar with a beautiful fresco from the 19th century. If you would like to taste traditional English ale, visit Shepherd Neame for a tour and a tasting. It has the honour of being the oldest brewery in England.

• Elham: Elham is 19 km south of Canterbury and is a good base if you want to go hiking. There are many trails from the village taking you through grassland, pastures, and woodland. The village itself is very pretty and has 43 listed buildings which are mainly timber-framed Tudor houses. Enjoy a pint of real ale in one of the pubs.

• Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve: The nature reserve is just 9.65 km east of Canterbury and is a great place to go if you are a bird watcher. There are nature trails to follow where you will be able to spot different birds and there are bird hides where you can get a close-up view of the birds. Birds that live here all year include the bittern, kingfisher, the great crested grebe, and the coot. Migratory birds, like the swallow, also visit the nature reserve.

• Oare Marshes Nature Reserve: Just over 24 km northwest of Canterbury you will find Oare Marshes Nature Reserve. It covers 200 acres, and you will find reedbeds, marshes, and dykes. It is an important area for breeding wetland birds, migratory birds such as the curlew sandpiper, and overwinter birds such as the peregrine falcon. The reserve is open 24 hours so you can go bird watching at any time of the day or night.

• Oare Gunpowder Works Country Park: This was once the site of one of the most important gunpowder factories in England. It is said that Guy Fawkes, who tried to blow up the House of Lords, bought his gunpowder from here. Now it is a Green Flag Park with woodlands, wetlands, and glades. There are different trails through the park, all of which pass the ruins of the factory before going in different directions.

• Kent Downs National Landscapes: The Kent Downs stretch from the Surrey borders to the White Cliffs of Dover. There are hundreds of trails throughout the Kent Downs from easy to challenging. The landscape is filled with hedgerows, orchards, ponds, crops, and wildlife, with three rivers, the Derwent, Medway, and the Stour. It also has the highest point in the southeast, Sevenoaks Greens, at a height of 294 metres.

• Dover: Dover is a port town famous for its white cliffs, 110 metres tall, and stretching for 12.8 km on either side of the town. If it’s a clear day, you will probably be lucky enough to see France. The highlight of the town is Dover Castle, the largest castle in England. There you can visit the mediaeval interiors, climb the Great Tower, and explore the wartime tunnels. Other highlights include the Dover Museum, where you can see a perfectly preserved Bronze Age boat and other local archaeological finds. Also worth visiting are the Dover Transport Museum and the Roman Painted House which has beautiful frescoes.

• Margate: Margate is a seaside town with lovely beaches and a theme park, Dreamland, which has an amazing collection of vintage-style rides, including the oldest roller coaster in the country. Visit the Turner Contemporary Art Gallery, the Shell Grotto, which is decorated with over 4 million shells, and the Margate Museum. The Old Town is lovely with its cobbled streets and the town has a thriving theatre scene.

• Ramsgate: Ramsgate is on the Isle of Thanet and has an attractive stone-built harbour, constructed in the 18th century. It is the only Royal harbour in the UK and is a lovely place to sit with a drink watching the boats coming in and out. Next to the harbour is the main beach, Ramsgate Main Sands. The town has more than 900 listed buildings and there are museums to visit, such as the Spitfire and Hurricane Memorial Museum and the Maritime Museum. Don’t forget to visit the underground tunnels, excavated during WWII.

• Whitstable: Whitstable is a charming seaside town with a harbour built in 1832. There are restaurants here and an open-air market selling arts and crafts, food, and clothes. The highlight of the town is Whitstable House and Gardens, built in the late 1790s. The house is decorated with mock towers and battlements, which were used for decoration, not fortification. The gardens are beautiful and have manicured lawns, a rose garden, ancient oak trees, and many flower beds. Step into the Orangery for a traditional British cream tea.

Other Things To See In Canterbury

• St. Augustine’s Abbey: As part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is worth visiting if you have the time. It is just outside the city walls and was founded in 597 by St. Augustine, although the gates were built in the 13th century. You will be able to see the graves of St. Augustine, King Ethelbert, and Queen Berta as well as the remains of a Saxon Church. There is a museum which relates the history of the abbey and displays artefacts found on the site. Children have the chance to dress up in a monk’s habit and you can all have a picnic here.

• Canterbury Castle And City Walls: William the Conqueror commissioned the building of the castle in 1070 but only a small part of it remains. However, it is still the highlight of the City Walls which stretch for 4. 9 km. Take a walk around the City Walls from where you can see many of the attractions in the city.

• Conquest House Gallery: Although you can’t go inside this building, you can admire it from the outside. It was built in the 12th century although there were additions in the 19th century such as he half-timbered front and the wooden carvings, causing people to call it phoney. However, it has connections with the four knights who came to Canterbury to kill Saint Thomas Beckett, making it historically interesting.

• St. Martin’s Church: The third building in the UNESCO World Heritage Site is just outside the city centre and was built for Queen Bertha as a private chapel around 580. It is the oldest surviving church in England that still holds services. The architecture is part Roman, part Anglo-Saxon, and part Mediaeval. It has stained glass windows and houses many artefacts which have been discovered onsite. The graveyard is also worth visiting as it houses the grave of the writer of the stories about Rupert Bear, Mary Tourtel.

• The Marlowe Theatre: The Marlowe Theatre was built in the 1930s and was renovated in the 1990s. It is named after the great Elizabethan writer, Christopher Marlowe, and hosts a wide variety of performances so if you can. go to one of them. There could be a musical on while you are staying here, and there is often a pantomime here at Christmas.

• Dane John Gardens: A large mound was built here in the 1st century, but the gardens weren’t opened until the 18th century. It is a pleasant place to take a stroll and climb the mound for fantastic views of Canterbury. The gardens have a bandstand where concerts are regularly staged, and there is a maze for children to explore and a snack kiosk.

• Boat Or Punt On The River Stour: Westgate Punts offers relaxing chauffeured punts on the River Stour. There are different punting experiences on offer such as one which concentrates on ancient history and architecture and another which focuses on the countryside. Canterbury River Tours offers guided rowing boat trips. You will be told interesting historical facts about Canterbury as you float along the river.

• Kent Museum Of Freemasonry: This museum was opened in 1933 and is close to Westgate Towers. Here you will learn about the history of Freemasonry through a series of artefacts, such as intricately designed costumes, porcelain, paintings, glassware, and documents. Pre Book a tour to discover more about the Freemasons.

• The Canterbury Ghost Tour: Learn about the dark side of Canterbury on this evening ghost tour. It lasts for 90 minutes and is conducted by a costumed guide who tells stories about ghosts and strange happenings in the city.

• Christ Church Gate: Christ Church Gate is the main entrance to Canterbury Cathedral. It was built between 1504 - 1521 and was designed in the Tudor Gothic architectural style. It is worth spending some time at the gate as it is decorated with beautiful carvings, statues, and coats of arms. The colour scheme is vibrant, so it stands out and offers great photographic opportunities.

• The Buttermarket Square: The Buttermarket Square, which is in front of Canterbury Cathedral, is over 800 years old. It was known as the Bull Stake until the 17th century as bulls were tied up in the square to be baited by dogs. This was believed to make the meat tender. There is a magnificent war memorial in the square dedicated in 1921 to commemorate those who died in WWI.

• The King’s Mile: The King’s Mile is a cluster of streets close to Canterbury Cathedral and the King’s School. It is a place where you can submerge yourself in the real Canterbury. You will find independent shops selling handmade jewellery and other crafts, games, second-hand books, and new and original clothing. There are plenty of restaurants and bars so grab a coffee or have a leisurely meal.

• Lady Wooton’s Green: Lady Wooton’s Green, which houses Lady Wooton’s home from the 17th century, is a large open space between Canterbury Cathedral and St. Augustine’s Abbey. The highlights of the green are two spectacular statues of the 6th century Queen Bertha and King Ethelbert, who helped to bring Christianity to the area.

• Godmersham House: Godmersham House is a heritage centre that used to be the home of Edward Knight, Jane Austen’s brother. The house is open on Mondays and Thursdays subject to staff availability and has an exhibition about Jane Austen. Even if the house isn’t open, the gardens are worth exploring as they are beautiful. They cover 9.7 hectares and are a mix of formal gardens and restored wilderness. Highlights include a walled kitchen garden, an Italian garden, a rose garden, a topiary, and a swimming pool garden.

• St. George’s Tower: St. George’s Tower dates to the 15th century. It is all that is left of the Church of St. George the Martyr, best known for being the church where the playwright, Christopher Marlowe, was baptised on 26/2/1564. It stands alone at the top of the High Street amongst modern shops, making it prominent and eye-catching.

Things To Do With Kids In Canterbury

• Victoria Memorial Recreation Ground: Children will be able to let off steam at the Victoria Memorial Recreation Ground. There are fields for various sports including cricket, football, and mini football, a playground, and walking trails.

• Toddlers Cove Playground: Toddlers Cove Playground is in Westgate Gardens and has a fantastic adventure park with a Roman theme. There are slides, climbing frames and a zip wire. It stays open all year and there are picnic tables for better weather.

• Escape Kent: Escape Kent is fun for the whole family. It offers a range of games where you have to escape from a room within a set period of time by finding clues and solving puzzles. There is a wide range of options on offer such as being kidnapped by a serial killer, escaping from jail, and escaping from Count Dracula’s castle.

• Wildwood Trust: The Wildwood Trust is 8 km north of Canterbury, close to Herne Bay. It aims to conserve and rewild native UK species and has around 200 species, including badgers, wolves, foxes, wild boar, deer, wildcats, owls, and storks. It is set in 40 acres of woodland and there are nature trails to follow with a prize at the end. The trust offers animal experiences where you can learn about and meet some of the animals. There is a playground, a picnic area, and catering outlets.

• Howletts Wild Animal Park: Howletts is 8 km. east of Canterbury and is a sanctuary for endangered animals, such as gorillas, elephants, and leopards. They have more than 390 animals, including a large herd of African elephants. The park covers 90 acres, and the animals all have plenty of space. The park offers free talks about the animals and you can watch them being fed.

• Druidstone Park, Blean: The park is 6 km. north of Canterbury and is a magical place, especially for younger children. They can go into The Enchanted Wood where they will see sleeping dragons and other mythical creatures. There is a herd of live fallow deer in the Enchanted Wood which you may see. The park also offers an adventure playground, walks, and an opportunity to meet friendly animals such as pigs, donkeys, goats, cows, alpacas, sheep, and chickens.

• Gulbenkian Theatre: The Gulbenkian Theatre is on the University of Kent campus. It has a 340-seat theatre, a 300-seat cinema and a cafe. It offers art classes for children and teenagers such as The Creative Club, a workshop offering such activities as crafts and dance for under 12s, and a week-long summer project for 13 - 19-year-olds.

• Beaney House Of Art And Knowledge: There are plenty of activities here for children to enjoy. In the Smallfilms Gallery, find out how you can learn how they make children’s programmes, watch episodes of Bagpuss, and look behind the scenes. Drawing is offered in the Garden Room, while children can dress up in historical costumes in the People and Places Gallery, and in the Material and Masters Gallery, they can try mummification and use a scientific microscope.

• Canterbury Roman Museum: Children will have fun at the Canterbury Roman Museum. They can dress up in Roman costumes such as a toga and a soldier’s uniform, create a mosaic, and handle Roman artefacts. In addition, they can play Roman board games in the Roman dining room.

   Where To Eat In Canterbury

Breakfast and Brunch

There are many restaurants where you can enjoy breakfast or brunch if your hotel doesn’t offer a breakfast option Nd these are some of the best.

• Bills: Bills, on Rose Lane, is a comfortable and cosy restaurant. It opens early so you can come for either breakfast or brunch. It offers both a full English breakfast and a garden plate for vegetarians which includes halloumi, charred red peppers, smoked avocado, mushrooms, potato rosti, baked beans, pea shoots, mixed seeds, a hollandaise sauce, and toast.

• The Penny Theatre: The Penny Theatre along Northgate offers great value for money as it has a bottomless brunch. You can eat as much as you like within a two-hour period. What can be better than that? In addition, you can order beer, cocktails, or prosecco to accompany your brunch.

• Patisserie Valley: Located on the High Street, Patisserie Valley offers a great deal of a hot drink and brunch for around 20 pounds for two. Brunch can be ordered all day and they offer a good selection including the Farmhouse full English breakfast, eggs benedict, and brioche French toast with different toppings.

• Cafe Brasserie: Cafe Brasserie on Longmarket serves breakfast and brunch from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Mondays to Fridays and from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at weekends. They have a set menu which includes a choice of cooked breakfasts with a hot drink and juice. They offer a gluten-free full English breakfast.

Pubs

When visiting England, you should go to a pub as they are traditionally British and a focal point of city, town, and village life. Canterbury has plenty of pub and these are a few of them.

• The Parrot: The Parrot is a cosy pub on Church Lane in the centre of Canterbury. As much as they can, they use locally sourced ingredients and seasonal products. They offer traditional British dishes such as haddock and chips and roast ham and eggs. There are vegan and vegetarian options. On Sundays, they have a Sunday roast with a choice of beef, chicken, pork, or cranberry, butternut squash, and nut roast.

• The Miller’s Arms: The Miller’s Arms on Mill Lane was built in 1826 and served food to the workers from a nearby mill. They have rooms and serve food from breakfast until dinner. They do a full English breakfast with a vegan option and on Sundays, they serve a traditional Sunday roast. There is a fireplace inside for the winter and a courtyard garden for the summer.

• BIshop’s Finger: The Bishop’s Finger on Dunstan Street was built in the 16th century and presents a classic British menu with dishes such as steak shin and Bishop’s Finger ale pie. However, there are also a couple of Italian dishes on the menu. On Sundays, they offer a Sunday roast. Accompany your meal with a traditional cask ale, such as Shepherd Neam’s Bishop’s Finger.

• The Three Tuns Pub: The Three Tuns Pub is in the centre of Canterbury and was built in the 15th century. It offers both British classics like fish and chips and foreign dishes such as Louisiana-style chicken wings and beef lasagne. They have a big gluten-free menu. Enjoy a traditional roast dinner on Sundays.

International Restaurants

England is a multicultural society and there are many international restaurants in the country. Here are a few in Canterbury.

• Pinocchio’s: Pinocchio’s on Castle Street is a traditional Italian restaurant. The owner, Massimo Fierro, is from Naples and he offers a rustic menu. The specials menu changes daily, but he always serves pizza and pasta.

• Cafe des Amis: Orlando Bloom used to live in Canterbury, and this is one of his favourite restaurants. It is on Dunstan’s Street and offers traditional Mexican cuisine with Mediterranean freshness. Mexican staples are served such as fajitas, tacos, enchiladas and burritos, as well as paella, salads, and a changing menu of meat and seafood.

• Cafe du Soleil: Cafe du Soleil on Pound Lane serves food from Provence and Italy using locally sourced ingredients. They serve delicious pizzas cooked in a wood-burning oven.

Fine Dining

Perhaps you want to celebrate a special occasion? These two restaurants are excellent venues for a fine dining experience.

• Citi Terrace: Citi Terrace is on the High Street and has a fusion menu combining tastes from all around the world. They also serve innovative cocktails such as Strawberry Southside which is a blend of strawberry gin, strawberries, lemon, sugar, and mint.

• Firepit Restaurant At The Cave: This restaurant, which is in the Cave Hotel and Golf Resort, has been awarded 2 AA rosettes and the AA breakfast award. It concentrates on sharing plates using flavours from all over the world.

Where To Stay In Canterbury

• Canterbury Cathedral Lodge: This four-star hotel is located in the private grounds of Canterbury Cathedral and is a two-minute walk from Canterbury’s historic centre. It offers free Wi-Fi, a lounge bar, and a garden to relax in. The modern ensuite rooms have a TV and a tea and coffee maker. A traditional Full English Breakfast is offered with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
  

• The Corner House Canterbury: The Corner House Canterbury is a four-star hotel 400 metres from the cathedral. There is a restaurant and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. The ensuite bedrooms have a TV and a kettle. A complimentary breakfast tray is delivered to your room, comprising fresh orange juice, fresh fruit, yoghourt, granola, and berry compote.

• Hampton by Hilton Canterbury: This three-star hotel is 400 metres from Canterbury Cathedral. It offers a fitness centre, a shared lounge, free Wi-Fi, and a bar. The rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a safety deposit box, TV, and a tea and coffee maker. A breakfast buffet is on offer with both full English and continental items included. Vegetarians, vegans, and those with an allergy to gluten can be catered for.
  

• ABode Canterbury: This 4-star hotel is in a prime position, just 300 metres from Canterbury Cathedral along the High Street. The rooms are luxurious with ensuite bathrooms and monsoon showers.

Best time to visit Canterbury

England has unpredictable weather, and it can rain at any time and even be cold in the summer. However, because Canterbury is in the south of the country, there is a better chance of enjoying good weather there than if you were in the north. The best weather is between June and September though it can be busy for the last 2 weeks of July and August when the school children are on holiday. However, the attractions are open all year so if you don’t mind unpredictable weather, you can even visit in the winter. You can always pop into a pub if it rains too hard.

Festivals In Canterbury

There are many festivals held in Canterbury and these are a few of the best ones.

• Canterbury Shakespeare Festival: This festival lasts for three weeks in July and August. It celebrates Shakespeare's plays and a selection of them are performed in the open air at different venues throughout Canterbury. Anyone who wants to get involved in the productions is welcome.

• The Boing International Family Festival: This festival is fun for the whole family and is held in August at the Gulbenkian Arts Centre. The great thing is that it’s free to enter. There are performances from worldwide artists with anything from live music to puppets. Films are shown and workshops are on offer including a Lego robotics workshop, dance classes, and 3D creative drawing sessions. In total, there are 37 activities on offer.

• Canterbury Festival: The Canterbury Festival lasts for 2 weeks in October and showcases contemporary music, theatre, comedy, family events, and talks. The events are held in different locations such as Canterbury Cathedral and Kent College’s Great Hall.

• Switching On Of The Christmas Lights: The switching on of the Christmas lights is a big event in Canterbury and takes place at the end of November. There is plenty of food and drink on offer. Try the hog roast rolls or German bratwurst. Kentish ales and gins can be tried, as can mulled wine. Enjoy roast chestnuts and gingerbread and then look at the stalls selling local arts and crafts, gourmet food, and Christmas decorations. The festivities continue throughout December with a Christmas market.