Canterbury Area Guide
Canterbury is a wonderful historic city and is one of the most famous and culturally significant cities in the country! It is also home to the most famous building in Kent, Canterbury Cathedral.
This historic town also has a vibrant nightlife and is packed with events throughout the year, making it suitable and fun for all ages and communities!
EXPLORE OUR HOMES IN CANTERBURY
History of Canterbury
Canterbury Cathedral is one of the most iconic landmarks in England and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Britain’s oldest Cathedral which has over 1 million visitors a year and remains an important destination for both visitors and pilgrims alike! The cathedral’s stunning architecture, intricate stained glass windows, and rich history make it a must-visit attraction for tourists and a place of worship for Christians.
Canterbury also holds immense historical importance as it was the site of the assassination of Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, in Canterbury Cathedral in 1170. This event led to the cathedral becoming a major pilgrimage destination during the Middle Ages.
Wine Country
Canterbury is home to incredible award winning vineyards producing some of the best wines in England! Many of the vineyards offer cellar door experiences to visitors so you can enjoy a really lovely experience. Some of our favourites include Chartham and Simpsons Wine Estate. The first UK vineyard from Champagne Taittinger is also open at Domaine Evremond with their first bottles of sparkling wine due to be released this year!
Canterbury also hosts an annual wine festival in May where all of the vineyards come together so if you enjoy wine, it’s definitely worth a visit! Held at Westgate Hall, the two day tasting event has over 45 different wines on offer.
Canterbury Festival
Canterbury Festival is an annual two-week festival which offers a spectacular of music, contemporary dance, comedy, theatre, lectures, and much more! This festival is a fun and cultural experience, attracting audiences of up to 70,000 people. You will experience unique opportunities that are only available as part of Canterbury Festival.
Attractions
Tourism is a significant part of Canterbury’s economy. Besides the cathedral, visitors can explore attractions such as St. Augustine’s Abbey, a burial place for the Anglo-Saxon kings of Kent and is part of the Canterbury World Heritage Site. The Abbey is also an ideal location for strolling with your canine companion or indulging in a family picnic.
You can also visit The Westgate Towers Museum & Viewpoint. Here you can enjoy spectacular views of the city from the top of the largest surviving medieval gateway in England and learn all about the city, including interesting Crime & Punishment stories.
The city’s vibrant arts scene, theaters, and cultural events also draw tourists to this wonderful city.