Canterbury Tourist Attractions

Cathedral City, Thomas Becket, St Augustin'es Abbey, River Stour

Mar 12, 2009

Head of the Anglican Church and claiming three World Heritage sites, the cathedral city of Canterbury in Kent is one of the most visited places in Britain.

The city of Canterbury in Kent is an easy day trip from London by road or rail (89 km), convenient to explore on foot as Canterbury tourist attractions are within walking distance of the town centre. After the Cathedral and St Augustine’s Abbey, the historic river Stour tour is a relaxing way to discover the hidden gems of the medieval cathedral city.

Canterbury Cathedral is a UNESCO site, owing much of its fame to Archbishop Thomas Becket murdered on the spot in 1170 by royal order. For almost 400 years, pilgrims came in their droves, as recalled in Chaucers’ Canterbury Tales, and modern visitors still flock to the martyrdom scene.

Rebuilt and extended over time, the Cathedral is in perpendicular Gothic style with buttressed walls and lofty towers. The magnificent 14th century nave leads up to the high altar and St Augustine’s chair where archbishops are enthroned. Medieval stained glass, chapels and funerary monuments line the aisles, among them those of Henry IV and the Black Prince.

The Romanesque crypt is the largest in England, the Great Cloister displays arms of English monarchs and the Chapter House witnessed the signing of the Channel tunnel agreement.

The small UNESCO listed St Martin’s Church is the oldest parish church in the country in continuous use. Queen Bertha of Kent used it for private prayers, her devotion easing the conversion of King Ethelbert when St Augustine arrived in the late 6th century.

The Pope’s envoy set up a monastery and church and despite a turbulent past, the remains of St Augustine’s Abbey are impressive. The outline of original churches is clearly indicated, as are the graves of Saxon Kings and early abbots. Best preserved are the Anglo-Saxon St Pancras chapel and Rotunda and the Norman nave north wall.

Relatively few visitors discover St Augustine’s Abbey but tucked behind high walls, it is one of the most atmospheric places in Canterbury, beautifully rounding up the city’s trio of World Heritage sites.

Canterbury is a busy place and in season, it is lovely to take a break on the river Stour. Boats glide along quiet waterways, past the Franciscan island with its 13th century chapel, the old hospital and bridges and medieval buildings such as the king’s mill, the alchemist tower, the Cromwellian forge or the weavers’ house. There are great views of the cathedral, the ducking stool, once feared by unfaithful wives, the former Dominican priory and the Abbot’s mill garden.

Tours last around 40 minutes on small boats rowed by a guide and can be booked as single or return journeys. Groups can also book evening tours to enjoy the cathedral’s illuminations and options may be extended to include pub stop, Italian cuisine or fine wine and dine.

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