KENTSTAYCATION
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
48 Hours in ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS CONT .
© Visit Kent
THE BEANEY HOUSE OF ART AND KNOWLEDGE THE PIG AT BRIDGE PLACE
LUNCH Beautifully perched on the banks of the River Stour and occupying a former 18th Century wool store , Café Du Soleil ( www . cafedusoleil . co . uk ) can be accessed by its own bridge over the river and offers mouth-watering modern cuisine which draws influences from Provence in southern France , Italy and the Pacific rim , resulting in delicious creative dishes with a Mediterranean heart . The menu changes with the seasons , and much of the food is cooked in the restaurant ’ s wood burning oven , which is fed with locally sourced wood from managed forests .
AFTERNOON Although Canterbury is a city of tradition and a place which plays a huge part in the history of the United Kingdom , it is also a city which embraces multiculturalism and has welcomed individuals from far-away places for hundreds of years . The best place to discover Canterbury ’ s first beginnings is the Canterbury Roman Museum ( www . canterburymuseums . co . uk / canterbury-roman-museum ) which also houses the extraordinary remains of an original Roman town house , the UK ’ s only remaining in situ Roman pavement , stunning intact mosaics and a Scheduled Ancient Monument all astonishingly revealed during the Blitz . Walk only a short walk down the highstreet and be whisked a few hundred years later in time to the medieval period and discover Escape in the Towers ( www . onepoundlane . co . uk / escape ).
You cannot visit Canterbury without witnessing the imposing landmark of the Westgate Towers . Canterbury prides itself on its historic City Wall which once , long ago , completely surrounded the medieval settlement that sat protected behind it ' s
high flint walls . Still standing with the same imposing glory as ever before , the Westgate Towers are a place which encapsulates much of Canterbury ' s history and remains to be of huge significance to the city . Built in 1380 and once a city jail , the towers are now England ' s largest surviving Medieval gateway and also home to an eerily atmospheric escape room . With a five star rating on TripAdvisor , this is by sure the best way to experience the towers in all their glory whilst at the same time as having the best of fun with friends and family . Escapees will also enjoy free entry to the Towers Museum and Viewpoint as well as 10 % off at The Pound Bar and Kitchen below .
True culture vultures and creatives should also head to The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge . Whether you are a frequent library user , an inquisitive explorer , an art buff , or seeking some educational family time ; The Beaney , which offers an eclectic mix of touring installations and regular events throughout the year , is a building for everyone .
DINNER As Canterbury sits in the centre of Kent ’ s coastal corner and is surrounded by a semi-circle of seaside towns , a trip to this city would not be complete without a taste of the ocean . Chapman ’ s ( www . chapmansofcanterbury . co . uk ) sits at the heart of St Dunstans and has been paying tribute to Kent ’ s finest seafood for over three decades . Renowned for its quality and authentic dishes with a modern twist , Chapman ’ s has been serving up superior quality fish from the day it opened its doors and is the best way to enjoy a perfectly prepared seafood dish . Now under the stewardship of executive chef Byron Hayter , Chapman ’ s of Canterbury continues to offer Kent ’ s finest locally sourced produce . Byron ’ s wealth of experience in the luxury fine dining industry is reflected in his work , the menu is simple , yet exciting and is a true celebration of the ingredients .
A Sneaky Staycation Extra
For a truly memorable trip to Canterbury , The Pig at Bridge Place ( www . thepighotel . com / at-bridge-place ) which sits in the quaintly traditional village of Bridge just ten minutes outside the city centre , offers guests far reaching views across the Kentish countryside , lots of period features , including large fireplaces , secret stairways and panelled rooms , as well as numerous cosy bars and sitting areas . Relaxing spa treatments in the ‘ potting shed ’ are also available and The Coach House is home to a hugely popular restaurant which makes use of produce grown in the hotel ’ s very own kitchen garden . Guests can choose to stay in one of the traditional bedrooms ; ‘ The Barn ’, a rustic romantic two-storey hideaway in the old stables ; or decide on one of the seven Kentish Hop Pickers ’ Huts which sit on stilts alongside the river in the grounds , each made from reclaimed materials complete with double-bedroom , fitted bathroom and wood burning stove .
When back in the city centre be sure to indulge in a signature hot chocolate and Belgian waffle at Chocolate Café ( www . facebook . com / cafeofcanterbury ) or if you are craving something more savoury but as equally delicious , try out City Fish Bar ( www . facebook . com / Cityfishbar ), a favourite with both tourists and locals since 1986 on St Margaret ’ s Street , for a mouth-watering taste of traditional Kent .
In partnership with Kent Staycation and Visit Kent .
For more inspirational ideas for things to do in Kent , visit www . visitkent . co . uk .
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