Your guide to Canterbury in 2022

2022 OFFICIAL VISITOR GUIDE

Discover our

CITY, COAST & COUNTRYSIDE canterbury.co.uk

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Explore the path less travelled through England’s Historic Cities.

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From full-throttle fun to full-colour history, food and drink to forts and castles, take your pick from five wondrous routes exploring 14 of our most surprising historic cities. Simply hop on and off the train, creating your own original journey through England’s Historic Cities.

Book your next adventure here: englandoriginals.com

Hello

and the warmest of welcomes to our wonderful city of Canterbury and coastal towns of Whitstable and Herne Bay.

Stretching along the River Stour, surrounded by rolling hills, Canterbury is home to some of our country’s most fascinating stories. Romans, royalty, saints, playwrights and pilgrims have all made their mark on the history of the city. Now it’s time for us to create #OurCanterburyTales!

If you’re looking for inspiration, our top tips will help you plan an exciting itinerary to explore the city, coast and countryside. You’ll find there’s plenty to discover – and lots of reasons to return.

The charms of our coastal towns will entice you to extend your visit. Whitstable has its oysters, harbour heritage with independent restaurants and shops.

Contents 04-05 REASONS TO CHOOSE CANTERBURY

06-07 A CITY OF HISTORY AND HERITAGE

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This gives the town a unique vibe that is best soaked up with at a leisurely pace. Just up the road is Herne Bay, a traditional English seaside town, complete with pier, helter-skelter and a rapidly growing culture of wild swimming and stand-up paddle boarding.

Laced with scenic cycling and walking trails, our magnificent countryside is home to the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, not to mention boutique vineyards and cosy micropubs.

Let’s not forget the shopping on offer! From big brands to independent shops, fashionistas will be spoilt for choice, as well as those who prefer a more leisurely browse.

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A CITY OF INDULGENCE

WHITSTABLE WELCOMES YOU

SUSTAINABLE TOURISM & SLOW TRAVEL

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EXPLORE HERNE BAY

TOP DOG WALKS IN & AROUND CANTERBURY

14-16 OUR CANTERBURY TALES IN 72 HOURS

18-20 CANTERBURY TALES & LITERARY LINKS

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A CITY TO EXPLORE

EXCITING NEW EXPERIENCES

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A CITY OF CULTURE

EXPERIENCE AWARD WINNING COASTLINE

34-35 48 HOURS IN HERNE BAY

38-39 WATER WELLNESS

41 A SPARKLING PILGRIMAGE

48 SIX REASONS TO BOOK DIRECT

49-51 ACCOMMODATION

52-53 GETTING HERE

Information published correct at time of going to press. Visit Canterbury accepts no liability for the information supplied by, or quality of product or service provided by, the individual businesses which appear in this publication. Front cover: � John Hippisley, Liz Gregg, Ioan Said Photography, Leanne Bracey, @thechoiceofsophie, @thebookboy, Noemi @aroundkent_, Wildwood Trust, English Heritage, Alex Hare Photography, Barnsole Vineyard, The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge, Canterbury Roman Museum, Whitstable Oyster Festival, Gulbenkian Arts Centre, Acorn TV, Julie Wassmer, Kathryn Hearnden, Canterbury Cathedral, The Falstaff Hotel,The Dog at Wingham, The Event Umbrella, Visit Kent, Kent Downs AONB, Canterbury BID, Canterbury Festival, Herne Bay Festival. We apologise to anybody that has inadvertently been omitted.

Reasons

2022 TO CHOOSE CANTERBURY

Check our New Experiences feature on page 22 for more excitin g reasons to put Canterbu ry on your wish list.

What will be the one thing that captures your imagination and invites you to Canterbury? How about 13 ideas to get you started?

We know you’re looking for authentic experiences, and that’s something we can offer by the bucketload! Whether it’s a well-being break close to nature, a hiking adventure in the North Downs, a gastronomic trip sampling delicious Kentish fare or the buzz of a local event.

So round up your friends and family, and spend a few days exploring our lovely city and beyond.

Here’s our top 13 for this year...

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Wilder Blean Bison – In spring 2022, the UK’s first conservation herd of European bison will start roaming the 200 hectares of the ancient Blean Woods, near Canterbury, in an effort to increase the nature reserve’s biodiversity habitats and restore wildlife.

Kent’s Heritage Coast – Kent’s coastline was named one of the world’s best places to visit in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2022 list, it includes the countryside around Canterbury and is part of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

canterbury.co.uk

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North Downs Way Art Trail – Take a walk along the Via Francigena section of the North Downs Way National Trail and discover three new art installations inspired by our ancient heritage. Plus you’ll be walking the beginning of an ancient pilgrimage route from Canterbury to Rome!

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City Sound Project in the Park – This music festival in Dane John Gardens showcases more than 70 upand-coming national and international artists.

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Pride Canterbury – A spectacular celebration of LGBTQ+ identity in the heart of the city and third-largest Pride in the South East.

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Whitstable Oyster Festival - This internationally renowned festival features famous Whitstable oysters, live comedy, music, a parade and fireworks. Stay after dark and join the tradition of building ‘grotters’ on the beach with oyster shells and light them up as the sun goes down.

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Herne Bay Festival & Herne Bay Cartoon Festival – Hit the seaside town for a sizzling line-up of live music, theatre performances and storytelling events, with a fireworks finale. The Cartoon Festival is a distinctive event and sees live cartooning on the pier, plus exhibitions and workshops.

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Canterbury Food & Drink Festival – Sample food from local artisanal producers (alongside UK-wide gastronomic offerings) in the picturesque setting of Dane John Gardens.

Kent Green Hop Beer fortnight – A festival celebrating Kent’s hopping heritage, with a chance to taste newly released beers made from justharvested hops.

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Canterbury Festival – Kent’s International Arts Festival – An annual local favourite, this two-week cultural extravaganza stages a huge variety of events – from music and theatre, to talks and organised walks.

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bOing! Festival – Dubbed ‘Kent’s International Family Festival’, bOing! is free and attracts artists from across the globe. A magical weekend of performance and creativity for all.

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UNESCO World Heritage Tour – The three sites in Canterbury that give us our UNESCO World Heritage status can now be enjoyed with a fully-escorted guided tour.

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Pilgrim Festival – Join the Kent Downs AONB in celebrating all things pilgrimage! With a focus on transformation, this festival will ignite your senses with walks, talks, workshops and more for the whole family.

Please check ahead before travelling due to any further restrictions arising from Covid-19. Events may be subject to change or cancellations.

A CITY OF

history & heritage History and heritage are weaved into Canterbury’s DNA, and we are proud of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Site status, which celebrates Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine’s Abbey and St Martin’s Church.

Tales from Canterbury started long before medieval poet Geoffrey Chaucer penned his Canterbury Tales, and they continue as explorers capture new experiences, share Instagram moments and build their own stories.

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One of our most famous tales is the 1170 murder of Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Becket in Canterbury Cathedral. Becket was in conflict with King Henry II, who famously declared in a furious outburst, ‘Will no one rid me of this turbulent priest?’

The Knights Templar took this as an instruction to travel to the city and assassinate Becket at the cathedral’s altar. History records that, as penance, Henry II took a barefoot pilgrimage to Canterbury and was flogged by monks on his arrival.

canterbury.co.uk

And if you fancy stepping into medieval Canterbury (without the flogging) then take a virtual-reality tour of St Augustine’s, or visit St Martin’s Church. This humble jewel was built in the 6th century as a private chapel for Queen Bertha, a devout Christian and wife to pagan King Ethelbert. It also happens to be the oldest church in continuous use in the Englishspeaking world!

➜ The city’s Roman Museum is home to the UK’s only remaining pavement mosaic in situ. You can also explore the remnants of an original Roman town house, wander around the marketplace and stroll along Roman Canterbury’s streets and city walls.

➜ DON’T MISS...

The Queen Bertha Walk from Canterbury Cathedral to St Martin’s Church follows the route she would have taken for her daily prayers. Why not follow her ancient footsteps?

Westgate Towers is well worth a visit too, for both the fascinating exhibits in the Towers Museum and the expansive city views from the top.

The UK’s largest surviving medieval gateway, it has stood witness to the Peasants’ Revolt, thousands of pilgrimages and WWII. It also has a dark past: between the 15th and 19th centuries, it was the city’s jail, and prisoners would hold out their hands from a grated cage to beg from passers-by.

It’s not hard to conjure up the past as you walk through Canterbury, stepping over cobbles, spotting historic buildings and passing through narrow doorways. Orient yourself by the cathedral towers, which dominate the skyline and embrace the temptation of side streets and lanes to really explore the city.

• T he Medieval witches’ ducking stool over the River 7 Stour, next to 13 the Old Weaver’s House.

• Our UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine’s Abbey and St Martin’s Church – provide a fascinating view into the city’s past.

• Westgate Towers’ history timeline gives you a great taste of the city through the years.

• Eastbridge, a place of hospitality since 1190, home to three fascinating sites; Eastbridge Hospital, Greyfriars Chapel and The Franciscan Gardens.

canterbury.co.uk

Explore

A CITY TO

Canterbury is ideal to discover on foot. The pretty River Stour loops its way through the city, and you’re never more than five minutes from a green space. So leave the car, dial life down a notch and take the time to explore at your own pace.

Step into...

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Whether you choose a guided tour or download one of the many free walking maps from our website, you’ll find slowing down leads to fascinating discoveries. Take the city step by step for an enhanced experience that will reveal hidden details in architecture and history.

We have heaps of great walking guides, and you will be spoilt for choice on themes, from history and literature to well-being and ghostly apparitions. Take your pick of Canterbury tours with the following companies: CT Tours cttours.co.uk Canterbury Guided Tours canterburyguidedtours.com

Breathe in...

Need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city? Our green spaces offer the perfect chance to recharge your batteries – both physical and mental. Grab a picnic and sit on a grassy lawn, chilling as you watch the boats glide by on the River Stour. Canterbury’s gardens include: ➜ Dane John Gardens Go for: The roman cemetery burial mound, 200 year-old avenue of lime trees and people watching. ➜W estgate Gardens Go for: A riverside stroll and great Instagram shots, the sculpture trail and ancient archway remains! ➜ Franciscan Gardens Go for: Peace and serenity and to soak up the spot where Friars through the centuries have taken quietude.

The Canterbury Tours thecanterburytours.com

Sail along...

Take a punt along the picturesque River Stour for unique views of hidden corners of the city. From the comfort of your boat (and a trusty punter armed with local anecdotes), let the city reveal itself with Franciscan Island, Canterbury Cathedral and the Dominican priories. During the 11th-century construction of the cathedral, the river was also the primary route for transporting building materials from Fordwich to the city centre. canterbury.co.uk

➜ A Pilgrim’s Experience There’s nothing like a tour from a local to really embrace your destination. Book the pilgrims’ experience, led by local art historian Paul. This half day tour includes finding hidden gems in the city, a lunch of Kentish foods in the former guest house of the friars and the creation of a clay pilgrim’s token in the private riverside gardens of the old refectory at the Dominican Friars.

Even better, all the ticket sales go to help preserve the Kent AONB of the city and countryside. Book via AirBnB.

➜ FUN FACTS...

9 • A n ancient port 3km 13 downstream from the city, on the River Stour, Fordwich is Britain’s smallest town. (Also home to the Fordwich Arms Michelin star restaurant!)

• C anterbury Cathedral is largely built of Caen stone, a type of limestone quarried in Northern France and introduced to England by William the Conqueror.

➜ MUST SEE...

Canterbury River Tours canterburyrivertours.co.uk Canterbury Punting canterburypunting.co.uk Canterbury Westgate Punts canterburypunts.uk Canoe Wild canoewild.co.uk

canterbury.co.uk

CANTERBURY THE CITY FOR

Culture

For anyone wanting to soak up Canterbury’s cultural heritage, the city has plenty to offer.

With its permanent displays, temporary exhibitions and hands-on activities, The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge is a fun place for the entire family.

Look for the rook in the red coat, and find out what happened to it in the early 1900s. Exhibition spaces like the Lilford Gallery and the boutique Stark Gallery provide an insight into Canterbury’s lively art scene with original pieces.

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The city’s cultural line-up also includes the Roman Museum, built around the remains of a 1st-century town house with well-preserved floor mosaics, and the Westgate Towers Museum, with cuffs and other items dating from the building’s stint as the city jail.

Masonic glassware and ceramics are on display at the Kent Museum of Freemasonry.

canterbury.co.uk

As you wander through Canterbury’s medieval streets, you’ll find magnificent historic landmarks – from Eastbridge Hospital of St Thomas the Martyr, with its vaulted undercroft, to Christchurch Gate (the main entrance to Canterbury Cathedral), not forgetting the Old Weavers’ House, the Sun Hotel (whose past guests include Charles Dickens) and Dane John Gardens, where a grassy mound offers wide-ranging views of the city

Fancy a themed walk?...

Download the free Canterbury Sculpture or Selfie trails from our website and discover places like the Crooked House Bookshop, Abbots Mill, the Friars’ Bridge and Canterbury Castle.

Try the theatre...

If you’re into the performing arts, The Marlowe, Gulbenkian Arts Centre and the Malthouse Theatre offer varied programmes ranging from West End musicals to ballet and contemporary dance, plus stand-up comedy, live music, Christmas panto and more. ➜ Follow Visit Canterbury on Facebook or Instagram to keep up to date with all cultural events happening in the city this year!

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➜ TIP...

Try wrapping your arms around the 200-year-old Oriental plane tree in Westgate Gardens.

➜ MUST SEE...

• The Marlowe • The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge • The Roman Museum

canterbury.co.uk

Indulgence

THE CITY FOR

Shopping with a difference!

Canterbury city centre has everything a keen shopper might need, from high end designers and big brands to bespoke handmade and locally produced items. Spend time in the city mixing shopping with brunch in a quirky café, dinner in a Michelin recommended restaurant or a cheeky cocktail in an old Gaol cell.

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Canterbury’s Independent quarters are steeped in history - The King’s Mile and Cathedral Quarter are just a step away from the busy high street. You will find independent shops and traditional traders offering handcrafted jewellery, arts, crafts, games and gifts. Walk along the cobbled medieval streets and you will find a huge array of traditional and contemporary shops.

canterbury.co.uk

If you are looking for big brands, then Whitefriars Shopping Centre is the place to go. Flagship store, Fenwick is a beacon for designer names and is surrounded by all of the brands you could want.

But, even in Whitefriars, you can’t escape the city’s fascinating history.

The centre was built on top of Roman, Saxon and medieval remains which are mapped out on the paving.

After your shopping spree, refuel in one of Canterbury’s many award-winning gastro-pubs, including The Draper’s Arms, The Shakespeare Pub or The Foundry Brew Pub, or try contemporary café’s such as The Sandwich Bar in St Margaret’s St, or The Real Eating Company.

Local tip....

“I love the stores which showcase local artists, such as Sowley Gallery (St Peter’s St), Stark Gallery (Castle St) and Walrus and Oyster (Burgate). They have such an eclectic range of things – pottery, clothing, jewellery, candles – all unique and made by artists local to Canterbury. I always find something I love.”

Rachel Jackson

If you want to try delicious Kentish delicacies and artisan produce, head to legendary farmers market and eatery ‘The Goods Shed’ (adjacent to Canterbury West Station). Showcasing local cheeses, Kentish wines, butchery, charcuterie, local fish – plus plenty of baked goodies to enjoy with a locally roasted cup of coffee, it’s a great location to soak up a truly foodie atmosphere. It’s also home to local restaurants Wild Goose and The Goods Shed Restaurant. It’s been winning awards for almost two decades and is a definite highlight of a visit to the city.

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The city centre is also home to award-winning restaurants, including The Ambrette (Indian inspired, high-end dining, included in The Michelin Guide), and The Abode Hotel (classic dining, 3 AA rosette awarded).

Add some intrigue and fun to your evening with a trip to Houdini’s Magic Bar for cocktails. They have 23 resident magicians who will amaze and baffle you in equal measure.

Local tip.....

“I love the bespoke pottery and ceramic stores in Canterbury. Cosmo China in Palace St can paint whatever you want on to a plate, cup or even an eggcup – it’s great for presents ! And Canterbury Pottery in Buttermarket is wonderful – you can actually watch them casting the pots and vases right there in the shop.”

Lucy Percival

canterbury.co.uk

OUR CANTERBURY TALES IN

72 hours

If you want to cram as many sights and experiences as possible into your time in Canterbury, you’ve landed on the right page.

Read on for an action-packed three-day tour of the district (with a few chill-out moments).

Day 1 Canterbury Cathedral 14

Majestic stained-glass windows, the elegant CITY Great Cloister, the dramatic Martyrdom Altar… there’s so much to see in this magnificent medieval building – and in its precincts. For a more focused approach to your visit, join a guided tour.

The Foundry Take a tour of this craft brewery/distillery to learn about their grain-to-glass process, sample a selection of their beers and spirits, and hear the history of the Victorian building they call home. There’s also a restaurant/bar on site.

Lunch at...

No. 35: Choose from a menu of gourmet burgers, filling sandwiches and creative salads in this charming café with a courtyard.

canterbury.co.uk

Canterbury Historic River Tour Sit back and relax as the tour takes you under the King’s Bridge and up towards the serenity of the island of Greyfriars Chapel, once home to a Franciscan settlement.

As you journey back downstream, you’ll pass by the 16thcentury Old Weavers’ House and our replica ducking stool, an infamous part of England’s turbulent history.

Dinner at...

Café du Soleil: Wood-fired pizzas are the highlights of the menu at this rustic-chic locale with a walkway across the River Stour.

After dinner…

Option 1: Ghost Tour Follow award-winning ghost hunter, local historian and author John Hippisley through the streets of Canterbury on a spooky and delightfully humorous tour.

Option 2: Cocktail Masterclass Learn how to make your favourite tipple at the luxury Falstaff Hotel. Your mixology guru will share tips, secret handshake techniques and a few historic facts.

Day 2 Coastal cruise Take a trip around the Whitstable coast on The COAST Chieftain. Built in 1948 as an RNLI lifeboat, it boasts an impressive 33 years of service (and 132 lives saved) in Barmouth, Wales. It has been in Whitstable since 2019.

She Rose Gallery

Oyster yawl

Stroll along Herne Bay’s Victorian promenade, then wander up to the pier for artisans’ stalls and vintage amusements like the helter-skelter.

Built in Whitstable in 1907, The Gamecock is the last of the sailing yawls used to dredge for oysters sustainably.

It is being restored using like-for-like materials and traditional techniques.

Lunch at...

JoJo’s: Greek-inspired meze and charcuterie platters await at this airy spot on Tankerton seafront.

Join a crafting workshop at Jo Oakley’s gallery in Herne Bay, from linocutting to candle-making.

There are also seasonal events, where you could be creating Christmas cards or festive wreaths.

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Herne Bay’s seafront

Dinner at…

A La Turka: Enjoy meze, kebabs and heavenly baklava at this lively seafront eatery with stunning sunset views.

canterbury.co.uk

Travelling as a family?

Here are our tips to keep the younger members of your tribe entertained.

Day 3 Kent Outdoor Explorers

COUNTRYSIDE

Join this group on a hike through beautiful countryside, wildflower meadows and apple orchards on routes walked by the pilgrims themselves.

Option 1: Chartham Vineyard Take a guided stroll among the grapes at this family-owned vineyard, then settle down to taste their award-winning wines.

Option 2: Forth and Forage Learn to identify edible herbs and berries on a wildfood tour with Forth and Forage.

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Lunch at…

The Fordwich Arms: Sample refined seasonal dishes in a cosy room with open fires or on a wisteriacovered terrace on the River Stour.

Wilder Kent Safari Discover how animals such as beaver and bison can help restore wildlife habitats on a guided walk with Wilder Kent Safari around Blean Woods National Nature Reserve, an ancient woodland.

Dinner at...

The Dog at Wingham: For modern British cuisine made with local ingredients, head to this awardwinning country pub with rooms. You could even stay the night and slowly (responsibly!) work your way through the huge gin menu.

canterbury.co.uk

➜C ITY: Both The Beaney and The Roman Museum run child-friendly activities, from ‘spot the artefact’-type quizzes to dress-up fun. ➜ COAST: Consider our beaches one gigantic playground! Or cycle the Oyster Bay Trail from Swalecliffe through Herne Bay to the medieval ruins at Reculver. ➜ COUNTRY: The district boasts three wildlife parks – the Wildwood Trust, Wingham and Howletts – where kids can get up close and personal with animals like otters, penguins and lemurs.

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The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge is an Art Gallery, Museum, Library and Visitor Information Centre situated in the heart of historic Canterbury.

This must-visit attraction provides state-of-the-art exhibition galleries, over 5,000 inspiring artefacts, and a varied programme of events for all ages.

Whether you are an inquisitive explorer studying our treasures from the Ancient worlds, a group exploring the city’s heritage, or an art lover soaking up our latest special exhibition; The Beaney is a building for everyone.

W thebeaney.co.uk

@TheBeaney

@The_Beaney

@The_Beaney

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Kent’s ONLY Roman museum Discover one of the UK’s only remaining in situ Roman pavement mosaics and a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

Built within the remains of an original Roman town house, visitors can wander through the marketplace and discover hidden treasures as you step back, and down, to the streets of Roman Canterbury…

Open daily 10am to 5pm Butchery Lane, Canterbury CT1 2JR canterburyromanmuseum.co.uk

CANTERBURY TALES &

literary links With its cobbled lanes, magnificent cathedral and fascinating history, Canterbury has long been both inspiration and setting for many literary works, with the coastal towns of Whitstable and Herne Bay also making notable appearances in print.

Intrigued? Join us on a journey through some of our best bookish links.

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Arguably the most famous work associated with the city is Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, a late 14th-century collection of stories narrated by a band of disparate characters heading to the shrine of Thomas Becket. Before visiting Becket’s shrine, a plain altar crowned by two jagged swords, get your hands on an audio recording of T.S. Eliot’s 1935 play Murder in the Cathedral. The bit where the female chorus laments Becket’s death will give all the feels.

Read about W. Somerset Maugham’s days at The King’s School in his 1915 novel Of Human Bondage, where Canterbury and Whitstable are rebooted – not too subtly! – as Tercanbury and Blackstable. Other pupils at this venerable institution include the 16th-century playwright Christopher Marlowe (Canterbury’s most famous son), 19th-century writer Walter Pater, and a certain fictional Mr Copperfield...

Remember Rupert Bear and his distinctive fashion sense? This kind-hearted, yellow-trousered kids’ favourite was created by Canterbury native Mary Tourtel in 1920 who studied at art school in Canterbury. Mary also came from a family of artists - the Caldwell’s who worked at Canterbury Cathedral on the restoration of the stainedglass windows . Head to The Beaney to get your fix of Rupert Bear paraphernalia in their special collections.

If Charles Dickens had Pinterest then #TheCrookedHouse would have been on his board!

Head to the leaning building at the end of Palace Street. This Instagrammable landmark is believed to have inspired Dickens’ novel David Copperfield, where he describes “a very old house bulging over the road… leaning forward, trying to see who was passing on the narrow pavement below”. canterbury.co.uk

Follow the lead character in Julie Wassmer’s Whitstable Pearl series of novels as she investigates murders in the seaside town. Recently adapted as a TV series, Wassmer writes vivid, affectionate descriptions of local landmarks such as Tankerton’s colourful beach huts, the Old Neptune pub and the bustling harbour, where you can stop for freshly shucked oysters.

Time to explore the district’s picturesque villages – book in hand, of course! Head to Pett Bottom and stop at The Duck Inn for refreshments. It’s hard to believe that this tranquil country pub is where Ian Fleming wrote his spy novel You Only Live Twice. You could even be sitting at the table where one of James Bond’s daring capers first took shape.

Speaking of Whitstable oysters: if you’re on the fence about tasting one and need a bit of a push, read the opening pages of Sarah Waters’s 1998 novel Tipping the Velvet. Her fabulous tribute to this tasty delicacy will have you queueing at the oyster stall and yelling “Down the hatch!” in no time.

Fleming lived in Bekesbourne for a few years, and his children’s book Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang was inspired by Louis Zborowski, an eccentric racing driver who had lived and built cars at nearby Higham Park in the 1920s.

Herne Bay has its own claim to fame thanks to local resident Anthony Coburn, who co-wrote the very first Doctor Who story in 1963. In fact it was Coburn who came up with the idea of making the TARDIS look like a police telephone box and was inspired by Herne Bay’s clock tower door.

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And now for a relaxing stroll around the magnificent gardens at Goodnestone Park.

Here you can imagine yourself in Regency garb in honour of Jane Austen, who was a regular visitor after her brother married into the wealthy family that owned the mansion.

canterbury.co.uk

The Book Boy recommends If all this prose has you in the mood for a spot of book browsing - why not follow in the footsteps of blogger @thebookboy's with his guide to Canterbury bookshops?

So, in no particular order, here are some bookshops when you’re in Canterbury:

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When I first came to Canterbury at 18 I never thought that this wonderful city would become such a home to me - but it's such a gorgeous, historic place that now I can't imagine not living here.

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he Catching Lives Charity Bookshop - not only a great T selection of very affordable titles but the architecture is simply stunning! I call it the wonky bookshop and have picked up lots of bargains here.

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urgate Books - another great bookshop with a fab secondhand B selection - it's a shop that I can never resist as it's always full of treasures.

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he Plantagenet King - is a new and tiny shop that specialises in T first editions - What more could you want?

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aterstones - a massive, three-storey shop that always has the W best new releases. Great events, amazing staff and a fab book club too!

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haucer Books - Another absolute treasure trove of vintage C beauties - the selection here is always very impressive and you're guaranteed to find a lot of stunning collectable and antiquarian books inside its walls.

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he Oxfam book shop - a fantastic charity shop that is T constantly replenishing stock and full of absolute bargains - plus all proceeds go to great causes so, much like some of the other shops on the list, it's guilt-free book-buying.

Which one of these would you want to visit first? #OurCanterburyTales Content use courtesy of @thebookboy (Charlie Edwards-Freshwater ) with thanks.

canterbury.co.uk

A HISTORIC GARDEN ATTRACTION ON THE FIRST FRANCISCAN SETTLEMENT IN BRITAIN

Escape the bustle of Canterbury city centre and relax in the recently replanted Franciscan Gardens. Inspired by the site’s original use as a Franciscan Friary, discover a hidden gem of symbolic planting, peaceful paths and the beautiful Greyfriars Chapel. Walk in the footsteps of the first Franciscans in England and enjoy this place of contemplation and tranquility beside the burbling Great Stour river

DISCOVER MEDIEVAL HORTICULTURE Take a reflective journey through the garden which reinterprets the former monastic way of life and successive horticultural legacies. Take a seat and relax for a moment in the picturesque wildflower meadow, dotted with heritage fruit trees. First planted in 2000, we continue to add new features and planting as the garden begins to grow and mature.

enquiries@franciscangardens.org.uk | www.franciscangardens.org.uk

EXCITING NEW

Experiences FOR 2022

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You’ve heard of Chaucer… and now it’s time to create your own Canterbury tales! We have a raft of fun activities to help you make the most of your visit and get to know our lovely city and beyond.

Rural pursuits Spend time in ancient woodland honing your wilderness survival skills – from tracking wildlife, to foraging and building a fire – with the folks at Natural Pathways.

Continue your country adventures by spotting local wildlife with the Kent Wildlife Trust. With birds, bees and reptiles, there’s an animal for everyone. And we haven’t even mentioned the bison grazing the land at Blean Woods…

Making memories With its majestic architecture, eventful history and stunning gardens, the world-famous Canterbury Cathedral deserves the best part of a day. Don’t miss the stonemasons’ and stainedglass studios to witness the painstaking restoration process.

Capture your trip on canvas (or in verse) with the Creative Pilgrims as they take you through the Kent Downs and North Downs. Scattered with ancient churches and stately homes, our countryside will doubtlessly stir your creative juices!

Find out exactly where your food comes from with Urban Farm It, a Whitstable-based organisation that loves to grow its own.

Their mushroom growing kits are the next big thing, trust us.

If you prefer to make your memories on film, Alex Hare Photography’s Explore and Discover Tours will take you to all the best spots and teach you how to take the perfect picture.

Addicted to crime dramas? Play detective in the new Sherlock Official Live game. Follow the clues around Canterbury’s streets and crack the codes to solve the mystery.

The game is afoot!

canterbury.co.uk

Walk the walk Lace up your shoes and take a 5k or 10k run with Canterbury Running Tours. (Psst… they also offer a Brewery Tour, which ends with a beer or spirit tasting at local pub.)

Bottoms up!

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Craft beer enthusiasts will want to make a pilgrimage to another (less holy) cathedral: Goody Ales’ taproom in Herne. Here you can taste porters and IPAs with names like Goodness Gracious Me, Good Heavens, Good Lord… Get the (good) picture?

Walk (or run) to a sightseeing experience with a difference.

Join Canterbury Historic River Tours as the get off the boat Informative tours and tastings at The Foundry Brew Pub explain exactly what goes into the beers, and onto dry land, with commentary on the city’s sights ciders and spirits produced and served here, as well and sounds from their legendary tour guides. as exploring the history of the industrial Victorian Walk from Whitstable to Canterbury along the Crab and building you’re standing in.

Winkle Way, the world’s first passenger railway line, with the Salt Marsh Walking Company. At the end, you’ll get to eat a yummy picnic made with local produce.

If you prefer a self-guided tour, the 5km Whitstable Coastal Trail will allow you to delve into the town’s fascinating history while admiring its spectacular shoreline.

canterbury.co.uk

£4

&explore ParkandRide &shop&eat&relax

ALL D

AY

Park all day for just £4.00 and discover the city

Monday to Sunday, 7am until late. See timetables at canterbury.gov.uk/parkandride

@ct.tours

@CT.ToursCanter

@CT_ToursCanter

Experience over 2000 years of Canterbury's rich history with our passionate guide, from ancient settlers to the present day!

Our 90 minute walking tours are perfect introductions for those on their first visit and for those returning visitors who want to delve deeper into the fabric of a city they know well.

Canterbury Guided Tours provide entertaining 90-minute walking tours led by expert Green Badge Guides. Explore the charming cobbled streets, dotted with historic buildings and brimming with stories of pilgrimage, famous characters and literary figures. This thriving and celebrated city is a wonderful location for visiting families and groups.

The daily public tour and pre-booking for groups are available to reserve online. Other European languages are also available.

Open: All year, except Christmas Day. For tour information, pricing and booking visit the website for details

For more information or to book your tour, contact us today!

Book online www.canterburytouristguides.co.uk 01227 459779 | guides@canterburytouristguides.co.uk

07517 469 568

CT Tours|Canterbury

info@cttours.co.uk

www.cttours.co.uk

GREAT DAYS OUT! Fun self-guided Quiz Trails for ALL ages enjoy doing with or without children!

Adult questions plus junior questions PLUS each 20 page edition is packed with local history. Explore while you have fun!

Only £4 each - only one copy needed as they’re made for sharing.

www.quiztrail.co.uk

Order online or visit our website to discover your local stockists!

“Such a great time exploring and following the clues. Such amazing value, we’ve learned so much. Highly recommend for all ages.” - Helen

ONLINE OFFER

Order all 3 for £10 Use Discount Code: VC

Shop locally

in Whitstable & Tankerton A treasure trove awaits those who dive through our shop doors. Treat yourself to art, gifts and clothes that you won’t find anywhere else.

Photo:

Alex H a

re Ph otogra phy

#shopbythesea

shop-by-the-sea.co.uk

Experience AWARD WINNINGCoastline In addition to its first-class cultural heritage, Canterbury boasts an award-winning coastline.

The seaside is so close that it makes an easy add-on to your trip, but it’s also well worth a visit in its own right.

Just 20 minutes away, Whitstable is a picturesque coastal town with a working harbour and restaurants serving locally caught seafood.

Delve into local maritime history at the Whitstable Community Museum, take a boat trip to see the iconic World War II Maunsell Seaforts, or explore the many art galleries and independent shops. The main beach, west of the harbour, is a hub for water sports, while Tankerton Beach has a Blue Flag and is popular with both locals and tourists.

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A few miles to the east, Herne Bay draws families and sea lovers alike with its beaches, coastal paths, areas of outstanding natural beauty and wide open vistas. With its pier and Victorian promenade, the town projects an image of traditional seaside fun, but Herne Bay also has a vibrant high street with many independent retailers. Come and say hello!

Travelling further along the coast will take visitors along parts of the famous Saxon Shore Way, with stretches of pebble and shingle beaches, plus the dramatic ruins of a medieval church at Reculver.

Walking trails and cycle routes connect these three areas, making it easy to get around.

canterbury.co.uk

Whitstable WELCOMES YOU!

20 MINS FROM CANTERBURY

A charming coastal town with a storied maritime heritage, Whitstable is renowned for its oysters, the origins of which can be traced back to Roman times. Soak up the ambience at the bustling working harbour, with fresh sea trawls and alfresco dining or dive into Whitstable’s darker side and explore the network of alleyways that served as ideal escape routes for smugglers in the 1700s. Even better, make sure you have time for both!

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The town centre boasts a plethora of independent retailers – from quirky toy stores and vintage clothing boutiques, to artisanal cheeseries and coffee nooks – alongside a vibrant art scene.

Expect to see bijou galleries and artists selling their own work in quaint shops along Harbour Street, Oxford Street, the High Street and at the harbour market.

The Horsebridge Arts and Community Centre organises weekly exhibitions featuring local and international artists.

For a quieter experience of the seaside, take a leisurely stroll to Tankerton, Whitstable’s hidden pearl and finalist in the Great British High Street Awards. Stop for tea at the 18th-century Whitstable Castle and Gardens en route. Admire the colourful beach huts, then climb to the top of the grassy Tankerton Slopes for far-reaching views of the sea and the tidal sandbank known as The Street.

canterbury.co.uk

See the town in all its oyster-loving glory at the Whitstable Oyster Festival, which is held every July and is hosted by local fishermen to celebrate their survival at sea. The event draws thousands of visitors to the town, with plenty of oysters (of course!), live music and a magnificent parade featuring spectacular costumes and floats.

Look for...

One of Whitstable’s most famous oyster yawls, The Favourite for a quick photo opportunity and history lesson on this dry-docked historic ship.

Once used for oyster dredging, during the 19th century when it was the main industry in the town. There was a time when nearly half the oysters in London came from here. (Next to Starboard Light Alley.)

➜ The Fishslab Gallery, founded by

local artists to showcase their own work, is housed in what used to be the local fishmongers, on the High Street. And if you’re into street art, why not take a graffiti tour of the town, spotting works by Catman?

(He’s said to be the new Banksy.)

Why not try?...

See if you can fit through Whitstable’s smallest alley, the appropriately named Squeeze Gut Alley!

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➜ FACT...

In 2019 Whitstable was awarded plastic-free status, the first town in Kent to receive this accolade. Herne Bay followed in 2020.

Whitstable is one of the most dog-friendly destinations in the UK Did you know that the artist J.M.W. Turner loved to paint Whitstable’s spectacular sunsets?

canterbury.co.uk

With an abundance of restaurants and a thriving café culture, in Whitstable you are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining.

At Whitstable Harbour, West Whelks has been family-run for generations.

Pull up a chair and gorge on oysters, whelks, cockles and more with the wind whipping through your hair. It’s simple, rustic and oh so Whitstable.

On a summer’s day, grab some fish and chips and a cold drink at The Old Neptune (or The Neppy, as it’s affectionately known round these parts), right on the pebble beach. The pub dates back to the early 19th century and is the perfect place to rest your feet and to watch the sun go down.

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➜O ther unique experiences and

entertainment include yachting, kitesurfing, seal spotting via a beautiful Vintage Lifeboat and windsurfing, plus the Greta boat tours. The Whitstable Playhouse stages plays, pantomimes, music and comedy.

Pearson’s Arms is renowned for its lazy lunches, while Harbour Street Tapas relies on great local ingredients.

For dinner with a sunset view of the beach, JoJo’s at Tankerton is a good choice, serving cocktails and tapas until late.

Known for its iconic – and very Instagrammable – pink facade, Wheelers Oyster Bar was established in 1856 and is the oldest restaurant in town. Oysters are the specialty, of course, with an entire menu devoted to them. Wheelers is extremely popular, so be sure to book up to three months in advance.

For a special occasion, head to the Michelin-starred Sportsman at Seasalter, widely acknowledged as one of the best gastropubs in the UK. Chef-patron Stephen Harris jokingly refers to it as a ‘grotty boozer by the sea’, but it is anything but.

When it comes to accommodation, consider the Hotel Continental, right on the seafront. It’s owned by the Whitstable Oyster Company, which means ample oyster feasting in the bistro. For sea views out to the horizon (some via balconies), The Marine Hotel in Tankerton offers great boutique accommodation with easy parking and a popular hotel restaurant and bar.

With thanks to content contribution from Malu Lambert (Travel & Wine Writer) malulambert.com

canterbury.co.uk

It’s time to discover...

GREAT FOOD ● INDEPENDENT SHOPS ● MILES OF COASTLINE WATER SPORTS ● SEASIDE FUN AT THE PIER & PROMENADE

Follow us on @HelloHerneBay

to make the most of Herne Bay

Explore

25 MINS FROM CANTERBURY

HERNE BAY

Welcome to the characterful seaside town of Herne Bay, a favourite with visitors since Victorian times, when it was dubbed ‘the healthiest spot in England’ thanks to its fresh sea air, clifftop walks and wide-open spaces.

The Victorian legacy lingers along the promenade, but Herne Bay is also a lively modern town with a plethora of galleries, independent shops, hip restaurants and vibrant café culture.

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If you’re looking for traditional seaside fun, you’ve come to the right place: Herne Bay Pier features a vintage carousel and a helter-skelter, as well as artisanal souvenir shops and stalls selling ice cream, hot drinks and local ales.

There are more fairground rides (plus a bouncy castle) in the play area at the entrance to the pier.

The famous aviator Amy Johnson crashed her plane off this shore in 1941, and she is remembered with a life-size bronze statue on the promenade. Other classic structures here include the 1837 Clock Tower and the elegant, Art Deco-inspired bandstand, plus the fragrant Waltrop Gardens. Relax with a coffee or gelato from Makcari’s while taking in the sea views.

Lined with colourful huts for hire, the beach is a popular spot for crabbing. In the summer, you can enjoy a golden-hour swim, chasing the sun as it sets over the beautiful bay. Look east and in the distance, clinging to sandstone cliffs, you’ll see the imposing remains of Reculver Towers and Roman Fort.

Take some time to experience Herne Bay’s variety of independent and vintage shops. If you need sustenance on your hunt for pre-loved gems, the Green Door Deli prepares mouth-wateringly good bakes.

canterbury.co.uk

Look for...

The collections at the Seaside Museum have a distinctly local flavour, with displays ranging from prehistoric animal bones unearthed at the beach to an original Punch and Judy set. One of the most popular exhibits is a prototype (tested in the sea off Reculver) of the bouncing bomb later famously used by the Dam Busters squadron in World War II. There’s more Kentish history, plus family events, at Herne Mill, a distinctive, eightsided windmill dating from 1789.

Herne Bay also has a rapidly growing artistic community, with some wonderful and eclectic groups.

Keep an eye out for pop-up art around the town and guerrilla knitting, courtesy of The Cosy Crew. An arts centre and exhibition space, Beach Creative also organises classes and workshops, from screen-printing to jewellery making and art journaling. Every October, their artists in residence open their studios as part of the East Kent Open Studios weekend.

At the She Rose Gallery, artist Jo Oakley has created a space where you can do so much more than just buy her art. With an ever-changing display of works by other artists, plus a range of homewares, cards and gifts, She Rose is a beautiful space to browse. And we haven’t even mentioned the workshops, from linocutting to wreath- and candle-making. Behind the gallery, The Little Ship is a small but perfectly formed retreat bursting at the seams with art and quirky features. With breakfast included and a pretty, plant-filled courtyard to relax in, this charming miniature house offers a truly unique accommodation experience.

Along with the classic British seaside experience, visitors to Herne Bay can expect to get active, learn something new or participate in a unique event. The bay offers a huge variety of activities and experiences, ranging from foraging tours to animal encounters.

Feeling peckish?

Eateries are in abundance, including the seafront A La Turka and meze bar Grapevine, plus The Hampton Inn and The Ship Inn for pub lunches.

Enjoy delicious brunches, huge sandwiches and flavoursome curries, plus cake, at The Bay Leaf Coffee House, a Sri Lankan café. Vegan and plastic-free, The Wallflower Café serves plant-based breakfasts, burgers and Buddha bowls, while those in the mood for Neapolitan-style pizza should make a beeline for A Casa Mia. The historic, award-winning Four Fathoms pub serves up fine food and drink (plus live music) just a stone’s throw from the seafront.

Micropubs include Copper Pottle and The Bouncing Barrel, while local brewery Goody Ales is open to the public for tours and tastings.

Why not try ➜ Fancy having a go at paddleboarding? Head to Hampton Pier, at the western end of the beach, where the Herne Bay Paddle Co. offers both group and one-on-one SUP lessons. ➜ Wild walks around Herne Bay take in beaches, cliffs, woodland and nature reserves, as well as covering well-worn and much-loved pilgrims’ paths. Ramble through East Blean Wood (a Site of Special Scientific Interest) looking for wildflowers, butterflies and woodpeckers.

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➜ TIPS..

For a spot of fossil hunting, local Coastal Development Officer Tom Hawkins recommends Bishopstone Beach, which offers ‘shark’s teeth at every turn’.

Traditionally held in August, the Herne Bay Festival is a free family event that attracts thousands of visitors.

The town’s cultural trail takes in smuggling, Victorian history, aviation and even murder!

canterbury.co.uk

Herne Bay

48 HOURS IN

Herne Bay is home to a huge variety of activities and experiences ranging from animal encounters at Wildwood to foraging to paddleboarding to artist’s retreats and makers workshops.

Along with a traditional British seaside experience, you can also expect to get active, hone their skills, learn something new, participate in a unique event or even just experience a different perspective.

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Here’s just a few ideas to get you started and inspire your stay in the Bay...

Stay at the little ship artist’s retreat

Dine at ‘Kent’s Best Pub’ The Four Fathoms

This small but perfectly formed retreat is brand-new and can be found behind local artist (and owner) Jo Oakley’s gallery ‘She Rose.’ A true gem of a getaway, it’s bursting at the seams with art, stunning décor, attention to detail and quirky features.

With breakfast included and a pretty courtyard to relax in, this charming miniature house offers a truly unique experience.

A historic, award-winning pub, the Four Fathoms serves up fine food and drink just a stone’s throw from the sea-front. It sets itself out to offer a unique experience with a team obsessed with fantastic food, fantastic beers, wine and spirits and above all delivering a fabulous experience to its visitors.

Make your own herbal drink mini foraging experience with Forth & Forage

Enjoy a Screen Printing workshop and learn a new skill while discovering the wonderful world of Beach Creative.

You will make a simple paper stencil image and print it, demonstrating the basic principles of the media. There will be ready-made stencils available for you to try, or you can create your own, so you may wish to bring an image to work from. Relax, create and enjoy!

A mini-tour of wild food on the downs starting from the King’s Hall roof. Explore the magic and history of the abundant herb ‘mugwort’ and discover medicinal plants such as yarrow and Alexanders. canterbury.co.uk

Get arty with a screening printing workshop at Beach Creative

Take time to explore Take some time to experience Herne Bay town and its incredible variety of independent shops, café’s and restaurants. Don’t miss Herne Bay Pier and village, home to a whole host of indie shops and makers. Head to the Seaside Museum for local exhibitions or to Herne Mill for Kentish history and family events.

Stroll along the promenade for a glimpse of Herne Bay’s famous Clock Tower and classic Victorian Bandstand.

Grab a coffee or gelato from Mackaris and enjoy the seafront gardens and beach views. For a delicious afternoon treat, head to the Green Door Deli for one of their unique (and mouthwateringly good!) bakes.

Refuel for a freshly cooked lunch at The Bay Leaf Coffee House (Mortimer Street), cooking up Sri Lanken based dishes. Don’t miss out on their sweet and savoury hopper pancakes and popular cinnabuns.

Unique animal experience at Wildwood Head to The Wildwood Trust for animal encounters and the chance to feed wolves and bears. The guided night tour by the light of the moon allows you to witness the natural after-dark behaviour of nocturnal wildlife.

Reflexology by the sea Enjoy a gentle reflexology treatment from Louise at Head to Toe Therapy in her seaside treatment rooms and feel any tensions and stresses slip away.

With benefits including improved mood, sleep and a general sense of well being, reflexology is the perfect accompaniment to a day of general well-being.

Swim right into golden hour Following your reflex treatment, take a golden hour sea swim from Herne Bay beach, talking through the mental and physical health benefits. Chase the sun as it sets over the beautiful bay!

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Paddle Board Perfection - a 1:1 SUP lesson with the Herne Bay Paddle Company The world’s fastest growing water sport, stand up paddleboarding is both active and relaxing, giving you the opportunity to get fit, keep healthy and also relax on the waves.

canterbury.co.uk

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Support your local businesses

Experience the difference in Herne Bay

& Buy in the Bay

Explore quirky boutiques, vintage finds, arts and crafts shops and indulge in the cosy cafés and delicatessens.

Wish you were here?

Find out why Kent's coast is 4th in Lonely Planet's list...

www.kentdowns.org.uk/bemoreoutdoor

Water wellness Water-based activities such as wild swimming, paddleboarding or simply gazing out to sea can do wonders for our well-being. With more than 3km of waterways in the city and 22km of coastline, there’s no better place than Canterbury to set off on a watery adventure!

Take a Greta day trip 38

Launched in 1892, the Thames sailing barge Greta was one of the Little Ships used to rescue troops from Dunkirk during Operation Dynamo. Become part of its history on a day trip from Whitstable harbour to the waters around the Thames Estuary.

Stand-up paddleboarding at Herne Bay Stand-up paddleboarding is the world’s fastest-growing water sport – and once you’ve had a go, it’s easy to see why: it’s accessible, relaxing and lots of fun! The Herne Bay Paddle Co offers both lessons and rental boards.

Go wild for canoes Experience the spectacular countryside along the River Stour with Canoe Wild. Whether on a kayak, canoe or paddleboard, you’re guaranteed Insta-worthy views and wildlife sightings. You can also book their wildlife sunrise or (for non-morning people) sunset guided tour.

Go fossil hunting at Reculver After exploring the ruined Reculver Towers and Roman Fort, head down to the beach and get looking for sharks’ teeth and other fossilised treasures. Just be sure to check the tide times first!

Respect the water and stay safe

It’s important to sta y safe in and arou nd the water. While the Kent coast offers generally calm seas and sh eltered swimming spots, it can still be dangerous.

You should always take the advice of lifeguar ds and keep in m ind the RNLI’s #RespectTheWat er campaign

canterbury.co.uk

Take in stunning sunsets The sunsets at Whitstable and Herne Bay are so stunning, they were immortalised by artist JMW Turner.

Follow in his footsteps and take a few oil paints down to the Canterbury coast or, if art isn’t your thing, simply enjoy the view from one of the many seafront pubs and restaurants.

Wildlife and well-being at Stodmarsh At Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve, you might be greeted by everything from a chorus of marsh frogs to a cloud of starlings. This haven of tranquillity is a birdwatcher’s paradise – keep very quiet, and you may spot something special!

Discover our river history Canterbury’s award-winning Historic River Tours bring the city’s rich history to life in a fun, informative way.

If you don’t fancy getting in a boat, they also offer walking tours along the banks of the Stour and into the walled city.

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Peaceful punting Go wild swimming Fancy a dip in the briny? There’s accessible wild swimming at the lifeguarded beaches of Herne Bay, Tankerton and Whitstable. Experienced swimmers can also take to the water along the River Stour, although currents and no lifeguards mean this isn’t recommended for newbies or youngsters.

We really can’t think of a better way to spend a lazy afternoon than floating through the city with the Canterbury Punting Co and Canterbury Westgate Punts. Relax ➜ TIP... as their knowledgeable guides give you interesting insights into the city, Delve into the and point out the things you can rich history of only see by the river.

Canterbury and boost your mood with a CT Tours Wellbeing Walk.

This walk is taken at a slower pace and focuses on connecting with others and being mindful of the present moment. canterbury.co.uk

No.35 is a unique and trendy restaurant, located in Canterbury, St Margaret’s Street.

Our talented chefs have created a fusion menu with a twist, bringing you different tastes from around the world in every dish and for those with a sweet tooth, we bring you delicious desserts including cakes, sundaes and milkshakes.

No.35 Café – Restaurant 35 St Margaret’s Street, CT1 2TG no.35canterbury@gmail.com | no35canterbury.co.uk | 01227 637300

A farm animal attraction devoted entirely to micro and miniature animals.

Micro pigs, miniature donkeys, Teddy Bear sheep, miniature chickens and alpacas.

Mingle with animals free-ranging around the orchard. You can even arrange to take them for a walk.

Based in Faversham in Kent, we’re a small, rustic and peaceful venue.

BOOKING ESSENTIAL

huckleberrywoods.co.uk Tel: 07929 871465 email: belinda@huckleberrywoods.co.uk

Mount Ephraim commands a fabulous vantage point across stunning Kent countryside and orchards. Home to the Dawes family for over 300 years, the ten-acre terraced Edwardian garden with its tearoom overlooking the topiary is open to the public on Wednesdays to Sundays between April and September.

The garden boasts an arboretum, lake, Japanese rock garden and mizmaze. It's a haven to wildlife – and with its delightful scented roses makes this garden a must-visit.

Cream Teas - Afternoon Tea - Lunches available from the West Wing Tearoom info@mountephraimgardens.co.uk

01227 751496

A

sparkling PILGRIMAGE

Boasting climate and soil similar to those found in the Champagne region of France, our little corner of Kent is fast becoming a top wine-producing area, especially when it comes to fizz. Canterbury is even twinned with Reims, headquarters of many important Champagne houses!

During your stay in our district, don’t miss the chance to visit our boutique wineries. And if you find just the right tipple for you, you can stock up at their cellar doors.

Chartham Vineyard This family-run vineyard just outside Canterbury grows grapes suited to sparkling wines like the medal-winning Blanc de Blancs. Tour the property, enjoy a tutored wine tasting and pop into the former cow barn, now a bright space hosting art exhibitions and craft fairs. Well-behaved dogs are welcome.

Annual events ➜C anterbury Wine Festival (summer) Held at Westgate Hall, this celebration of Kent’s award-winning wines features tastings and masterclasses.

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➜ Volunteer for the grape harvest (early October) Experience a different side of winemaking by joining Chartham Vineyard’s grape harvest as a volunteer picker.

Barnsole Vineyard Visit this dog-friendly vineyard and winery located between Canterbury and Sandwich for free tastings of sparkling and still wines made by a small group of dedicated artisans.

Simpsons Wine Estate Guided tours at this estate run by a husband-and-wife team take in a beautiful vineyard in the Elham Valley, in the North Downs, and a state-of-theart winery. Sample sparkling wines and an award-winning Chardonnay in the elegant Glasshouse Tasting Room, concluding the experience with a slide down a stainless-steel helter-skelter! canterbury.co.uk

tourism

SUSTAINABLE & SLOW TRAVEL

With a compact city centre, Blue Flag beaches and a countryside buzzing with biodiversity, our beautiful corner of Kent offers all the ingredients for a sustainable visit.

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canterbury.co.uk

There are heaps of great walking and cycling routes in the district, so leave the car at home, embrace the area’s heritage as a pilgrimage site and embark on your own environmentally friendly expedition. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of activities with an eco-conscious spin, alongside farm-to-table restaurants and interesting folks who’ll be happy to show you ways to minimise your carbon footprint.

In the meantime, here are our top tips for a sustainable visit to Canterbury...

1 Plan ahead Our website has oodles of easy-to-find information to help you limit the environmental impact of your trip, whether it’s using public transport at off-peak times or getting around on foot or by bike.

2 Stay a while Extending your trip means doing everything at a more leisurely pace. This has advantages in terms of practicalities, for example, you can visit attractions outside of peak times, avoiding the crowds and reducing pressure on local transport and infrastructure. By staying a while and slowing down, you can really get to know the area’s history, people, culture, food and music.

3 Choose public transport Southeastern offers easy train access from London to Canterbury, Herne Bay and Whitstable. If you’re driving, Canterbury’s Park and Ride service lets you park up outside the city centre and get the bus in, reducing congestion and improving air quality. If you own an electric car, Canterbury has plenty of charging stations.

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A relatively small city packed with fantastic attractions, Canterbury is easy to explore on foot. You are only a walk or cycle away from the coast, and the countryside is even closer. Or you can get around by train or bus – the Stagecoach app has live bus times, local maps and mobile tickets.

canterbury.co.uk

4 Consider green accommodation Check out the green credentials of where you plan to stay – lots of hotels, B&Bs and self-catering accommodation providers are taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint.

Our top tips ➜G reat Field Farm offers luxury, eco-friendly barns and lodges in a rural location close to the North Downs Way National Trail. ➜ P alace Farm Hostel and Campsite provides eco-friendly facilities in a beautiful setting near a quiet village in the North Downs.

5 Respect, protect and enjoy 44

Keep waterways, coastline, countryside and city streets clean. Remember the ‘leave no trace’ mantra: pick up your rubbish and respect the local wildlife by leaving natural features as you found them.

6 Experience something different with eco-tourism

Walking, cycling, canoeing or foraging courses…

Whatever activities you choose for your Canterbury trip, give them an eco spin!

Our top tips ➜T ake a country walk with Kent Outdoor Explorers, a friendly groups that also arranges exclusive activities with local farmers and producers. ➜N atural Pathways can teach you foraging, wild cooking and bushcraft skills, plus a thing or two about the culture, myth and folklore of the Kent Downs. ➜ S ee what creatures lurk in our wildlife reserves on a nature-spotting safari led by a Kent Wildlife Trust guide. ➜A dmire the landscape around the River Stour in a relaxing, low-impact way with Canoe Wild. (They also have kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.) ➜ E xplore city, coast and countryside by bike.

Kent Cycle Hire has hubs in both Whitstable and Canterbury, so you can pick up and drop off your bike at the most convenient location. ➜W ander along the coast and through the ancient woodland between Whitstable and Canterbury with the Salt Marsh Walking Company. A picnic full of locally sourced produce will supply the energy you need on your walk.

canterbury.co.uk

7 Eat local produce When it’s time for dinner, choose a restaurant that relies on area-sourced ingredients, home-grown produce, in-house bakers and local wineries. Making your trip more sustainable (and supporting local businesses) can be pretty tasty too! ➜O ne of the easiest ways to live in a more ecofriendly way is to reduce meat consumption, and with places like The Veg Box Café around, this needn’t feel like a sacrifice!

Based in Canterbury, it offers a vegetarian menu based on seasonal, local and organic ingredients. ➜A farmers’ market, food hall and restaurant just outside Canterbury West railway station, The Goods Shed is a Canterbury institution.

With stalls bursting with local veg, artisanal cheeses, bread baked on-site, fresh pasta and charcuterie, it’s a treasure trove of fantastic food – without hefty food miles.

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➜ S et in the leafy countryside around Chartham, The Wonky Parsnip is a small farm that also hosts supper clubs and popup kitchens. ➜A long-standing champion of Plastic Free Whitstable, the Whitstable Produce Store sells free-range eggs and locally roasted coffee, plus Kent-made bread, biscuits, honey, jams, oils, wines and ales. Grab their generous hampers for a reminder of Kent when you return home. ➜T he Wallflower Café serves locally produced vegan soul food – toasties, Buddha bowls, burgers, curries and cakes (to mention a few) – on Herne Bay’s High Street. ➜A nother great destination for vegan food (and great coffee), Herne Bay’s Raw Bar is also a good spot for refills, bamboo toothbrushes, eco-friendly washing powder and more.

canterbury.co.uk

Dog walks

TOP IN & AROUND

CANTERBURY

After working from home during the pandemic, many of us have developed an even stronger bond with our canine companions. Happily, Canterbury is as dog-friendly as you like, so pack your hound’s ball launcher and let’s go walkies!

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of our coast As much as 98% with dogs is dog-friendly, und. On a welcome year-ro however, s, he couple of beac d from we lo al ly they're on April 1 October to 30

canterbury.co.uk

Image courtesy of lizgregg.com

Coastal capers

➜ Looking

for wide open spaces? You can’t go wrong by heading to the seaside.

At Herne Bay, Fido can explore the expansive pebble beach (1 Oct–30 Apr) or tire himself out by hopping on and off the seawall.

Enjoy a clifftop walk at Reculver Country Park, stopping at the dog-friendly HatHats café for restorative espresso-based drinks and homemade cakes.

If the tide is out (and you have a dog towel with you!), let your pooch off the leash to investigate the rock pools on Beltinge beach.

Bundles of energy?

➜ If your dog never seems to tire, there are plenty of routes to give them a good run.

Chartham to Canterbury (5km) Look out for kingfishers and other wildlife (plus heritage sites like Milton Manor church) on this picturesque traffic-free route along the River Stour.

Whitstable to Herne Bay (8km) This is an easy walk with stunning views out to sea. Go past Tankerton’s colourful beach huts and cross the Long Rock wetlands. Rare birds nest here, so keep your pooch on a lead.

On the edge of Herne Bay, the dog-friendly Hampton Inn offers sumptuous meals to sustain you on the walk back.

Old dog, new tricks?

➜ If you’re looking for gentler walks for your dog or yourself, these might do the trick!

Older, arthritic paws will appreciate the soft ground in leafy woodlands. Part of Blean Woods National Nature Reserve, Clowes Wood boasts excellent paths and is a good place to hear the song of the nightjar.

Take a leisurely stroll through Canterbury on Queen Bertha’s Walk. Start at the cathedral and follow the 14 bronze plaques mapping the route the Christian queen would have taken to reach St Martin’s Church for her daily prayers.

Pub lunch anyone?

Here are some of the pooch-friendliest pubs in the district.

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Anchoring Herne Bay’s seafront at either end, Hampton Inn and The Ship Inn allow plenty of excuses for a walk and refuel.

Whitstable’s Old Neptune, right on the beach, is a popular doggy stopoff point, as are Pearson’s Arms and Birdies Restaurant.

There are plenty of dog-friendly pubs in Canterbury city, too, including The Millers Arms, Oscar & Bentleys and Two Sawyers.

A (dog) bed for the night

➜ The city’s newest hotel, Hampton by Hilton welcomes four-legged guests, as does (unsurprisingly!) The Dog at Wingham. canterbury.co.uk

Six reasons TO BOOK DIRECT

Time to ditch the booking websites! A bit of googling is all it takes to find your ideal accommodation – and get a great deal in the process.

1

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Lower costs

Booking directly means fewer fees, plus you’ll be able to tailor your booking to your needs and negotiate the best deal.

2 Great advice You’ll be able to contact the hotel directly for more details on your booking, whether it’s how to check in quicker or buying extras such as breakfast.

3 Better flexibiity Hotels can handle any changes or delays to your journey much better than if you went through a booking site.

canterbury.co.uk

4 Local knowledge You’ll get insider information on the best places to visit, eat and explore improving your holiday experience.

5 Helping small businesses It’s been a challenging time for accommodation providers. They’ll benefit more from direct bookings, and your money goes into the local economy.

6 Extra incentives Many hotels are making some services exclusive to direct bookings only. On top of better prices, you might get extra perks.

CANTERBURY CATHEDRAL LODGE

canterburycathedrallodge.org

The best-located accommodation in the city!

Go to bed and wake up to the breathtaking views of Canterbury Cathedral from your window.

A unique and contemporary hotel in the private grounds of Canterbury Cathedral, part of a UNESCO designated World Heritage site. In a peaceful environment but only a few minutes’ from Canterbury’s many attractions, the Lodge boasts stylish en-suite bedrooms, overlooking beautiful gardens. All rooms benefit from luxury furnishings, with complementary Wi-Fi. Guests enjoy free entry to Canterbury Cathedral and a Full Kentish English Breakfast is served in the Refectory Restaurant, with alfresco terrace seating during the summer. The Library and Campanile garden offers a unique and relaxed atmosphere in which to unwind.

The ideal base to explore Canterbury’s picturesque cobbled streets, eateries and shops.

Canterbury Cathedral, The Precincts, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2EH TELEPHONE: +44 (0) 1227 865350 EMAIL: stay@canterburycathedrallodge.org 49 13

UNIVERSITY OF KENT

www.kent.ac.uk/holidays

Conveniently located just a 30 minute walk from the heart of Canterbury, our beautiful 300 acre parkland campus overlooks this historic city and its famous Cathedral.

Great for any spring or summer getaway, we have single and double en-suite B&B rooms rated 4-5 star campus accommodation by Visit England.

All rooms include free Wi-Fi, tea making facilities, cycle storage and parking with lots of on-site leisure facilities including a gym, cinema, catering outlets and bars.

Self-catering options are also available.

5 minute drive to Canterbury, 40 minute drive to Dover, the Channel Tunnel or Ashford. London 1 hour away by train.

University Of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NZ TELEPHONE: +44 (0) 1227 828000 EMAIL: stay@kent.ac.uk

canterbury.co.uk

GREAT FIELD FARM B&B

great-field-farm.co.uk

We offer Bed & Breakfast and Self Catering in 4 Eco Barns and Cottage Suite, offering 1 -23 bed spaces.

Bumble Barn - a detached eco-barn, all on the ground floor, with a large open plan sitting room/dining/kitchen.

3 bedrooms - a king double with en-suite shower and 2 twin bedrooms with a shared bathroom/shower. With infra-red underfloor heating and triple glazing.

Sunset Lodge - 2 ground floor bedrooms, a double with wetroom and a twin with bathroom, with 2 more beds in the upstairs snug. Open plan sitting/dining/kitchen.

Apple and Hazel Barns - again all on the ground floor, each has 2 en-suite bedrooms, each with a king double, Apple Barn with a triple and Hazel Barn with a twin room, and large open plan sitting/dining/kitchen areas.

The Cottage - twin bedroom, bathroom and sitting room with private entrance. Plus sole use of garden room, with fridge, microwave etc.

10 minutes drive to Canterbury, Folkestone, Ashford, Channel Tunnel.

Lewana and Malcolm Castle.

Great Field Farm, Misling Lane, Stelling Minnis, Canterbury CT4 6DE TELEPHONE: +44 (0) 1227 709223 EMAIL: greatfieldfarm@aol.com

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ABBOTS BARTON

MOUNT EPHRAIM

Abbots Barton hotel, located just outside the city walls, in a peaceful location, but only a 10 min walk to the city centre, in its own grounds and with a car park!

Locally sourced, home cooked menus, well stocked bar, classic or contemporary rooms to suit your budget. We also know a lot about the area so please ask.

Our beautiful family home in the village of Hernhill outside Canterbury, offers accommodation in our West Wing B&B with five double en-suite bedrooms and our self-catering Garden Wing sleeping 12. Both are situated in the Victorian manor house and offer our guests glorious views and unlimited access to our ten-acre garden outside of normal visiting hours and are available to hire all year round.

TELEPHONE: +44 (0) 1227 760341 EMAIL: reservations@abbotsbartonhotel.com

TELEPHONE: +44 (0) 1227 751496 EMAIL: stay@mountephraimgardens.co.uk

canterbury.co.uk

HOWFIELD MANOR Dating from the 12th Century a warm welcome and relaxing stay awaits you.

Ideal for exploring Canterbury, the Garden of England and the Kent Coast, by day.

After which you can unwind and enjoy our five acres of gardens.

Free Parking | 16 En-suite bedroom Breakfast Included | Onsite Restaurant | Easy Access to the Eurotunnel & the Port of Dover.

WITH SO MUCH TO DO WHY NOT STAY OVERNIGHT?

Find your perfect place at CANTERBURY.CO.UK

COUNTRYSIDE Broome Park Hotel and Golf Resort broomepark.co.uk

Great Field Farm B&B great-field-farm.co.uk TELEPHONE: +44 (0) 1227 733892 EMAIL: hotel@howfield.net

Howfield Manor howfieldcanterbury.co.uk

CANTERBURY 7 Longport B&B 7longport.co.uk

Canterbury Cottages canterbury-cottages.co.uk

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Kent and Sussex Cottages kentandsussexcottages.co.uk

Palace Farm Hostel palacefarm.com

The Dog at Wingham thedog.co.uk

Canterbury Cathedral Lodge canterburycathedrallodge.org

WAYS TO KEEP IN TOUCH

Falstaff Hotel and Cocktail Bar thefalstaffincanterbury.com

Hampton by Hilton hilton.com/en/hotels/rcshxhx-hamptoncanterbury

Inspired Canterbury airbnb.co.uk/p/inspiredcanterbury

Canterbury Visitor Information Centre 18 High St, CT1 2RA facebook.com/visitcanterbury instagram.com/visitcanterbury twitter.com/visitCanterbury

University of Kent kent.ac.uk/holidays canterbury.co.uk

HOW TO

Get here

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BY TRAIN...

BY ROAD…

PARK & RIDE...

With direct connections to and from London Charing Cross and London Victoria, both Canterbury East and Canterbury West stations offer flexible travel to and from London with the high speed 1 through Canterbury West only taking 59 minutes from London. Canterbury East connects to Dover Prior station in just 17 minutes. From Canterbury to Whitstable or Herne Bay trains travel via one simple change at Faversham. The close proximity to Ashford International, Eurostar and the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle at Folkestone make visits from the continent an easy option too.

Plan your train travel through nationalrail.co.uk

Close to all major south east motorways (M20/M2/M25/M26) Canterbury is well connected to and from London and Dover. Travelling the short distance to the coast from Canterbury, take the direct 7 mile route on the A290 all the way to Whitstable and on to Herne Bay following the coast. For direct to Herne Bay from Canterbury, take the Thornden Wood Road for an 8 mile trip.

For an easy parking option use Canterbury’s Park and Ride loop.

Buses run approx. every 10 minutes, have free WiFi and costs just £4 per car with up to six passengers. You can hop on and off as much as you want. There are three park and ride sites; New Dover Road, Sturry Road and Wincheap. The New Dover Road site offers motorhome parking and all sites offer spaces for the disabled and motorbikes.

For details visit canterbury.gov.uk/parkandride

BY BUS… National Express runs from London Victoria Coach Station and the Stagecoach M2 Express links Canterbury to the O2 Greenwich.

Stagecoach East Kent local buses service the district well with the triangle route covering Canterbury, Whitstable and Herne Bay. For details visit stagecoachbus.com and nationalexpress.com canterbury.co.uk

BY BOAT… The ferry ports of Dover are within a

BY BIKE… 30 minute drive time to Canterbury Cyclists are well catered for with regular sailings. throughout the district with cycle routes crisscrossing the city and stretching down the coast to Whitstable and Herne Bay. There is

BY AIR… cycle hire aplenty and cycle lockers and parking available.

All the major London airports are For details go to explorekent.org less than two hours drive from Canterbury (London Gatwick Airport is 1 hour 25 minutes, London Heathrow Airport 1 hour 55 minutes, London Stansted Airport 1 hour 45 minutes and London Luton Airport 2 hours). Maypole Airfield is the closest private airstrip.

CANTERBURY

Folkestone

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CANTERBURY

Folkestone

Kent Museum of Freemasonry OPEN

FROM EASTER 2022 Check website for details Masonic Ceremonies Degrees and Aprons

Open to everyone – we take you and your family on an interesting and informative journey through the history and symbolism of Freemasonry in Kent and beyond.

Learn about Royal Arch Chapter and the other Masonic Orders.

See our collection of portraits, antiques and masonic ornaments.

www.kentmuseumoffreemasonry.org.uk @kentmuseumoffreemasonry 66 St Peter's Place, Canterbury CT1 2DA

Map

Discover Canterbury Cathedral

Kids Go

FREE* until 31 October 2022 *Visitor entry.T&Cs apply

Enjoy a visit 1,400 years in the making www.canterbury-cathedral.org

Herne Bay

nterbury Boating in Ca

Pier

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Swimming

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Discover Canterbury, Herne Bay and Whitstable with Southeastern trains Travel off-peak for great value fares For no booking fees, book direct at southeasternrailway.co.uk

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