Besides great sights, an interesting history and many exciting destinations, Canterbury has a lot more to offer. Here you will find many helpful tips to enjoy your vacation in Canterbury.
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Sights in Canterbury
Canterbury is a historic English city located in the southeast of the country. The city is home to a number of significant tourist attractions, most notably the Canterbury Cathedral, which is the principal church of the Anglican Communion and the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury. Other notable sights in Canterbury include the ruins of St. Augustine’s Abbey, the Norman castle of Canterbury Castle, and the medieval streets and buildings of the city’s historic centre.
Canterbury Cathedral is one of the most renowned Gothic buildings in England and is a major tourist attraction in the city. The cathedral is the burial place of a number of important figures, including Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury who was assassinated in the cathedral in 1170. The building itself is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, with its ornate façade, ribvaulted ceilings and stained glass windows.
The ruins of St. Augustine’s Abbey are another popular tourist destination in Canterbury. The abbey was founded in 597 AD by St. Augustine, the first Archbishop of Canterbury, and was once one of the largest and most powerful monasteries in England. Today, the ruins of the abbey church and other buildings are open to the public, and the site also houses a museum with exhibits on the history of the abbey and the city of Canterbury.
Canterbury Castle is a Norman castle located in the centre of Canterbury. The castle was built in the 11th century by William the Conqueror and served as a royal residence and a prison. Today, the castle is open to the public and provides stunning views of the city.
The historic centre of Canterbury is a pedestrianised zone full of medieval streets and buildings. The area is home to a number of shops, restaurants and cafes, as well as the Canterbury Tales Museum, which tells the story of the city’s most famous literary work, The Canterbury Tales.
Canterbury is a beautiful and historic city with a lot to offer tourists. Whether you’re interested in religious history, architecture, or just exploring a charming English city, Canterbury is definitely worth a visit.
History of Canterbury
Canterbury is a historic English cathedral city and UNESCO World Heritage Site, which lies at the heart of the City of Canterbury, a local government district of Kent in South East England. The city has been a major settlement for two millennia, during which time it has grown to become one of the most important cities in England.
The first recorded mention of Canterbury is from the late first century AD, when the Roman historian Tacitus described it as a flourishing town. It was one of the first places in Britain to be converted to Christianity, and became the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the leader of the Church of England, in the early seventh century. The Cathedral of Canterbury, founded in 597 AD and rebuilt between 1070 and 1077, is one of the oldest and most famous Christian structures in the world. It was designated a World Heritage Site in 1988.
Canterbury was an important town in medieval England, due to its strategic location on the Pilgrims’ Way, a route that pilgrims from all over Europe used to travel to the shrine of Thomas Becket at the Cathedral. Many of the pilgrims were nobles or royalty, and Canterbury became a popular destination for royal and noble visits. In 1170, Becket was murdered in the Cathedral, and his shrine became one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Europe. Thousands of pilgrims flocked to Canterbury each year, and the town became wealthy from the pilgrimage trade.
Canterbury was sacked by the French in 1347 during the Hundred Years’ War, and was occupied by them for several months. It was during this time that Geoffrey Chaucer, who lived in Canterbury, wrote The Canterbury Tales. The tales are set in a fictionalized version of the town, and describe the various characters and their tales as they travel to Becket’s shrine. The Canterbury Tales are one of the most important works of English literature, and are a key part of the town’s history.
Canterbury today is a vibrant and thriving city, with a rich history and heritage. It is home to the University of Kent and a number of other educational institutions, as well as a variety of cultural and historical attractions. The city continues to be an important pilgrimage site, and is also a popular tourist destination.
Vacation in Canterbury
Canterbury is a historic city in southeastern England’s County Kent. The city is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Canterbury Cathedral, founded in 597 AD and the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, leader of the Church of England. It’s also where you’ll find ruins of a 12thcentury castle, as well as cobbled streets lined with medieval halftimbered houses.
Canterbury makes for an excellent short break or day trip destination from London – it’s just over an hour away by train. And once you’re here, there’s plenty to keep you occupied. Here are just a few ideas of things to see and do on a vacation in Canterbury.
Visit Canterbury Cathedral – One of the oldest and most famous Christian structures in the world, Canterbury Cathedral was founded in 597 AD by St Augustine. It’s since been the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury and a place of pilgrimage for centuries. Today, it’s a mustsee for any visitor to the city.
Explore the historic city center – With its quaint cobbled streets and medieval halftimbered houses, the city center of Canterbury has a real oldworld charm about it. Be sure to explore the ancient city walls, which date back to Roman times, and take a stroll through the pretty Westgate Gardens.
Learn about Canterbury’s past at the Canterbury Heritage Museum – This museum is housed in a beautiful 15thcentury building and is dedicated to telling the story of the city and its people. From Roman artifacts to interactive displays about the city’s literary history, there’s something here for everyone.
Take a day trip to nearby Leeds Castle – Just a short drive from Canterbury, Leeds Castle is one of the most iconic castles in England. Set on 500 acres of parkland, the castle dates back to the 12th century and is well worth a visit.
Discover Canterbury’s literary heritage – The city has a strong literary tradition and was the home of authors such as Geoffrey Chaucer and Jane Austen. Today, you can learn all about this history at the Canterbury Tales Visitor Centre, which is located in an old monastery near the cathedral.
Enjoy a spot of shopping – Canterbury is home to a number of great independent shops, as well as all the big high street names. For something truly unique, head to the Buttermarket, where you’ll find a range of local artisanal food and drink vendors.
These are just a few of the many great things to see and do on a vacation in Canterbury. Whether you’re interested in history, literature, or just want to enjoy some good oldfashioned English charm, this city is sure to impress.
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