Canterbury and the Cathedral

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Canterbury Cathedral

Canterbury Cathedral is at the epicenter of this important ancient city of Canterbury, just 60 miles southeast of London, in the county of Kent is the center of Christianity in England. As a matter of interest, it was here that St. Augustine arrived in 597 ready to convert the locals to Christianity
where he was welcomed by King Ethelbert. As it happens, the Kings wife Bertha was already a Christian.

The compact little town is close to the River Stour and still has substantial medieval stone walls around it, and has a walkway that allows visitors to stroll along the top. There are plenty of shops and restaurants here, and the picturesque streets display a wealth of thatched roofs and half timbered buildings. Of course in the summer the streets can get quite busy.

The town is particularly close to Ramsgate, Dover and Folkestone, and the ferry ports for the Continent. Folkestone is also where the Eurostar goes under the Channel Tunnel enroute to Brussels and Paris.

This city can be reached direct by trains from Victoria, Charing Cross Stations in one and a half hours, or by bus from Victoria Coach Station in two and a half hours. You can easily drive too, it only takes about an hour by car taking the A2 and connecting to the Motorway M2. Taking the car affords a picturesque drive which takes you through the prestine Garden of England.

Canterbury England still retains its medieval character with narrow streets and ancient buildings, despite the ravages of World War II.

Dominating them all is the incomparable Canterbury Cathedral England, storehouse of priceless treasures and the setting for many dramatic events in past centuries. The present day has brought the city a modern shopping centre, a new university on the hill
to the north and a wealth of local businesses and crafts which make it as varied and colourful as it has ever been.

The ancient city famous for its cathedral, the Mother Church of the Anglican Communion and a fantastic tourist location, and medieval streets set in the hop fields of Kent, one of the most beautiful and historic cities in Europe.

The cathedral is loaded with history. Details of building the cathedral as well as archives are available at the visitor information centre, which include the crypt, Gothic architecture, Medieval manuscript illumination, stained glass, and designs by William of Sens.

The Bell Harry Tower is 500 years old, and soars over one of the world's great cathedrals, the mother church of the Anglican faith. St Augustine re-established Christianity here in the 6th century, and of course the murder of Thomas Becket made it an important shine.

The wartime bombs destroyed one third of the old city center, but plenty of it survives; along with medieval streets, stretches of the city wall, ruins of the Norman castle and St. Augustine's Abbey.

The Heritage Museum offers an interesting audiovisual look at the past too. Pilgrims Way follows the footsteps of the wife of Bath and others, in a re-creation of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales; most interesting.

This London Day Trips Guide details the world heritage site of Canterbury and the surrounding countryside near the Cathedral. Leeds Castle and Dover Castle are a must see, as are the White Cliffs of Dover and other towns in Kent.
Every county town and city in England has its fair share of chain pubs. The city is no exception to this rule. Rumour has it theres 365 pubs in the city, that's one for every day of the year. I recommend you try some of these pubs when staying in Southeastern England.

Getting there by train:

For a great London day trip to Canterbury I would suggest taking the Express Train from Charing Cross Mainline Station in central London. It's fast, comfortable and a very convenient way to travel. Click Here for the direct link for fares and timetables and special deals.

Click here to Leave Canterbury for London short trips

SBI!

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Leeds Castle in Kent

Bournemouth Beach in Dorset

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Beachy Head Cliffs in Sussex

Bourton on the water

Canterbury Cathedral in Kent

Hampton Court Gardens

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David Stone
Contributing writer
London-Day-Trips.com