Established in the late s as a place of hospitality the original meaning of the word "hospital" , the facility was said to have been built to house pilgrims visiting the city to pay homage to Thomas Becket.
Although still in use as an almshouse for the elderly, much of this remarkably well-preserved facility can be toured. Highlights include visiting its two chapels and the various exhibits housed in the Undercroft, some of which detail its use as a schoolhouse for a period Christopher Marlowe studied here as a young student.
Be sure to also spend time exploring the old Franciscan Gardens, part of the grounds of the order's original British settlement open spring to fall , along with Greyfriars Chapel , built in the 13th century as a guesthouse for visitors. The delightful village of Chilham, just seven miles southwest of Canterbury, has one of the most picturesque village greens in England.
Known as The Square , it's surrounded by numerous ancient timber-framed houses and is the site of the village's annual May Day celebrations , where you can experience traditional activities such as Morris Dancing. Mary's , the parish church, contains some magnificent tombs. The grounds of 17th-century Chilham Castle — landscaped by Capability Brown — are well worth visiting. Highlights include a visit to the extensive terraces, the Elephant House, the bowling green, and its beautiful gardens.
If time permits, be sure to opt for one of the superb guided tours of the house a garden option is also offered. Along the way, you'll get a chance to brush up on the castle's fascinating history, as well as take a peek into the sumptuously decorated main hall and staircase, study, library, and dining room. We recommend these convenient hotels in Canterbury close to the top sights, like Canterbury Cathedral:.
The attractive former fishing town of Folkestone is just a short drive away, and features a great promenade and plenty of beachfront to enjoy. And in neighboring Sussex, the coastal town of Eastbourne offers plenty of fun things to do, from walking its coastal paths around Beachy Head to its popular pier. London Bound : It's easy to spend a full week or more of your UK travel itinerary in the capital city of London.
Popular areas of London to explore include the historic naval center of Greenwich , and Trafalgar Square , while top attractions include spectacular Kew Gardens and Buckingham Palace. UK Vacation Ideas : If you can visit only one city in northern England, make it York , famous for its cathedral and winding old streets in the city's historic center.
The university town of Cambridge is another great destination, featuring numerous points of interest including its many historic colleges and museums. To the west of London is beautiful Bath , famous for its well-preserved Roman Baths and splendid Georgian architecture.
England Travel Guide. Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Jul 26, We may earn a commission from affiliate links Canterbury, a busy market city, located in the county of Kent, has managed to survive centuries of history with much of its medieval character still intact. See also: Where to Stay in Canterbury Note: Some businesses may be temporarily closed due to recent global health and safety issues.
Address: 11 The Precincts, Canterbury Official site: www. Location: Longport, Canterbury Official site: www. Location: Stour Street, Canterbury. Address: Castle Street, Canterbury. See England's Oldest Church: St. Martin's Church St. Martin's Church Just because you've seen the cathedral, doesn't mean you're through visiting Canterbury's many historic religious sites.
Location: 1 N. Holmes Road, Canterbury, Official site: www. Address: 8 Orange Street, Canterbury Official site: www. Address: 1 Pound Lane, Canterbury Official site: www. Address: 25 High Street, Canterbury Official site: www. Where to Stay in Canterbury for Sightseeing We recommend these convenient hotels in Canterbury close to the top sights, like Canterbury Cathedral: Luxury Hotels : You can't get any closer to the cathedral than Canterbury Cathedral Lodge , a four-star luxury hotel located in the Precincts featuring direct access to the grounds after-hours, quality accommodations, a full-English breakfast, a library and lounge, and a restful sleep.
A high-end stay can also be enjoyed at L'hote , a lovely hotel with great staff, a restaurant, and concierge services. With so much to do you can stay for longer and take your time to explore our glorious countryside and coast, dig deep into our history and heritage, discover our arts and culture, go shopping, enjoy an outdoor adventure, enjoy some family days out, bask on our beaches or bathe in waters that lap more than 14 miles of coastline.
For more inspiration, we have a full range of guides and downloads available. You can find our full price list here. Free entry. The best second-hand bookshops in Kent. Afternoon tea in Kent: 15 of the best tearooms. Yorkshire Life. Cornwall Life Win.
Most Read. View this post on Instagram. Kent Life. Visit Canterbury and discover why this beautiful, ancient city is one of the jewels in Kent's crown. The historic city is less than an hour from London by train, and just 10 minutes from some of Kent's beautiful beaches, and is the perfect city break for anyone in the mood for gorgeous medieval streets, great food and drink, and cultural getaway.
At the heart of the walled city is the iconic Canterbury Cathedral , parts of which date back to the 11th century. The stunning structure welcomes visitors all year round, who come to gaze at the remarkable architecture and visit the very spot where Archbishop Thomas Becket was murdered in The cathedral remains a popular pilgrimage site and is an calm oasis in the bohemian city - though you're never far from bustling bar or great restaurant.
Those looking for more things to do in Canterbury can visit the Norman Canterbury Castle or delve into the past at Canterbury Roman Museum.
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