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Canterbury, Kent

Travel Information and nearby accommodation

One of the most historic of English cities, Canterbury is famous for its medieval cathedral. There was a settlement here before the Roman invasion, but it was the arrival of St Augustine in 597 AD that was the signal for Canterbury's growth. Augustine built a cathedral within the city walls, and a new monastery outside the walls. The ruins of St Augustine's Abbey can still be seen today.

Initially the abbey was more important than the cathedral, but the murder of St Thomas a Becket in 1170 changed all that. Pilgrims flocked to Canterbury to visit the shrine of the murdered archbishop, and Canterbury Cathedral became the richest in the land. It was expanded and rebuilt to become one of the finest examples of medieval architecture in Britain.

But there is more to Canterbury than the cathedral. The 12th century Eastbridge Hospital was a guesthouse for pilgrims, and features medieval wall paintings and a Pilgrim's Chapel. The old West Gate of the city walls still survives, and the keep of a 11th century castle.

St Dunstan's church holds a rather gruesome relic; the head of Sir Thomas More, executed by Henry VIII. The area around the cathedral is a maze of twisting medieval streets and alleys, full of historic buildings. Taken as a whole, Canterbury is one of the most satisfying historic cities to visit in England.

Related:
Canterbury attractions, historic buildings, and museums
Canterbury Travel Tips

About Canterbury
Attraction Type: Town
Location map
Canterbury Photos
OS TR 1519 5646

Nearest attractions Nearest Towns and Villages Nearest accommodation Nearest Tourist Information Centre

OS map Related Information Photos

Nearest Attractions Canterbury City Walls - 0.6 miles (Historic Property) Dane John Gardens - 0.7 miles (Garden) Dane John Mound - 0.7 miles (Castle) Canterbury Castle - 0.7 miles (Castle) Fyndon Gate - 0.8 miles (Historic Property) Canterbury, St Mildred Church - 0.8 miles (Church) Canterbury Tales - 0.8 miles (Museum) Canterbury, St Mary Magdalene - 0.8 miles (Church)

Nearest Towns and Villages Fordwich - 2.7 miles away Chilham - 5.5 miles away Godmersham - 6.7 miles away Whitstable - 7 miles away Wye - 8.7 miles away Barfreston - 9.8 miles away Lyminge - 10.4 miles away Sandwich - 11.5 miles away

Photos of Canterbury

Canterbury Cathedral

Canterbury Cathedral precinct

Becket's Martyrdom

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Nearest Accommodation to Canterbury

Nearest Self Catering Cottages

13 Green Court - 2.3 miles from Canterbury Bridge, Kent Sleeps: 7 Stay from: £280

Heron Manor - 5.4 miles from Canterbury Chilham, Kent Sleeps: 5 Stay from: £420

Mistletoe - 5.4 miles from Canterbury Chilham, Kent Sleeps: 3 Stay from: £278

More Self Catering near Canterbury

Nearest Hotels

Best Western Abbots Barton Hotel - 0.5 miles from Canterbury Canterbury, Kent Stay from: £55.00

Chaucer Lodge Guest House - 0.5 miles from Canterbury Canterbury, Kent Stay from: £55.00

Ebury Hotel - 0.5 miles from Canterbury Canterbury, Kent Stay from: £85.00

More Hotels near Canterbury

Nearest Bed and Breakfasts

Amanda House - 0.4 miles from Canterbury Canterbury, Kent From: £35.00

The Coach House - 0.9 miles from Canterbury Canterbury, Kent From: £42.50

Anns house - 1.1 miles from Canterbury Canterbury, Kent From: £80.00

More bed and breakfasts near Canterbury

Canterbury
Tourist Information Centre
12-13 Sun Street
The Buttermarket
Canterbury
Kent
England
CT1 2HX
Tel: 01227 378100
Fax: 01227 378101
Email: canterburyinformation@canterbury.gov.uk
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