A Weekend in Canterbury -

If you’ve ever thought of taking a city break over a long weekend, then Canterbury is just one of the many places you’ll find a good walk.

Deep within the heart of Kent, rich in history and surrounded by Roman walls, the Cathedral city is home to all manner of sights, sounds and scents.

So whether you’re walking along the walls or exploring the cobbled streets, there’s plenty to see and do. Best of all, the city centre is completely pedestrianised, making this a historical walker’s paradise.

Derived from the Old English Cantwareburh meaning “Kent people’s stronghold” the city has a long and detailed history as a place of pilgrimage following Thomas Becket’s murder at Canterbury Cathedral in 1170, which in turn provided the theme for Geoffery Chaucer’s 14th-century literary classic The Canterbury Tales. The literary heritage continued in the 16th century with the birth of playwright Christopher Marlowe. A theatre was later built to honour his name.

The Canterbury half-circle walk takes visitors up on to the remains of the old Roman wall, high above the park and past the train station, circling around the remains of a Normal castle before concluding at the West gate.

Meanwhile a stroll down the cobble stone highstreet quickly branches off into backstreets filled with colourful Victorian buildings, antiquities, galleries, cafes, pubs and all manner of eccentric shops. Not forgetting the majestic Canterbury Cathedral, the parks and small churches and chapels hidden within the ancient city.

But wherever your adventure takes you in this historical city, you’ll certainly do a lot of walking!

There is also an abundance of hotels, guest houses and inns around the city centre at surprisingly affordable rates if you go out of season. A beautiful Victorian guest house just off the highstreet costs only £25 each per night and with a cooked breakfast every morning.

While Canterbury tends to be chilly in winter and scorching in summer, the city is perfect during the cool spring and autumn months, although its close proximity to the coast can result in sudden downpours, so be sure to pack a waterproof jacket just in case.

If you have a love for history, architecture, eccentric shops, fantastic food and a good, long walk, then a weekend away spent in Canterbury is highly recommended. Just be sure to visit before the winter arrives!