insideKENT Magazine Issue 93 - December 2019 | Page 71

IN ASSOCIATION WITH
TOWNSPOTLIGHT
SPOTLIGHT ON
CANTERBURY
WRAP UP WARM AND DISCOVER THE DELIGHTS OF CANTERBURY THIS CHRISTMAS. UNDER THE TWINKLING
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS, EXPLORE CANTERBURY’S FANTASTIC RANGE OF SHOPS AND WOODEN SHUTTERED
CHRISTMAS MARKET, VISIT SANTA’S GROTTO AND ICE SKATE UNDER THE STARS. LEAVE YOUR CAR AT HOME
AND LET STAGECOACH BUSES WHISK YOU TO YOUR CHRISTMAS REVELS, WITH ROUTES THAT CONNECT THE
CITY FROM FAR AND WIDE. CELEBRATE WITH FESTIVE FOOD AND PLENTY OF FAMILY FUN - THE BEST PLACE
TO BE IS CANTERBURY! #CANTERBURYISCHRISTMAS
Effortlessly combining history and culture,
Canterbury is one of the most visited places in the
South East, and it’s easy to see why! Christmas lends
itself to its stunning historic backdrop; creating the
perfect place to get that festive feeling underway. So
wrap up, get out and have fun enjoying what the
beautiful city of Canterbury has to offer.
This world-famous cathedral city has welcomed
visitors for centuries and this year is no exception.
Dating back to 597AD, the cathedral is the iconic
centre of the city, which became one of Medieval
Europe’s great places of pilgrimage and knowledge
following the murder and martyrdom of archbishop
Thomas Becket in 1170.
Wandering through the city, visitors can feel its
ambiance and historical relevance through its
architecture alone. The museums, galleries and
ancient buildings tell its tales and you’re never a
stone’s throw away from an instagrammable image!
From Roman routes in agriculture and fisheries, to
the crooked house book shop, featured in Dickens’
David Copperfield, there’s something to discover each
time you visit. Better still, book a 90-minute walking
trip with Canterbury City Tour Guides and
discover those intricate facts and hilarious finds that
make up the tapestry of its rich heritage.
Canterbury effortlessly showcases its history alongside
a cosmopolitan culture. The location for two top
universities, there’s also a great vibe from the presence
of students who enjoy the town as their temporary
home. It has more than enough to offer every variety
of visitor. From foodie fans, day-trippers, overnighters,
culture vultures and cocktail lovers, there’s a place
for everyone to enjoy within these medieval walls.
Did you know?
• Canterbury is a World UNESCO heritage site
which is made up of Canterbury Cathedral,
St Augustine’s and St Martin’s Church, which
is the oldest English-speaking church in the United
Kingdom.
• The Canterbury district includes the coastal towns
of both Whitstable and Herne Bay, just 20
minutes away.
• Canterbury has its own Instagram trail to guide
visitors to the best social-sharing shots of the city.
Christmas Shopping in the City
Canterbury shopping offers the perfect mix of unique
independent shops and luxury high street brands.
Shoppers can immerse themselves in the city to find
that perfect gift in a side street boutique, or keep
their party wardrobe up to the minute with top high
street brands.
Whitefriars shopping centre offers more than 60
top fashion and lifestyle stores and really does dress
up for December. Fenwicks is the largest shop
within the Whitefriars centre and offers leading
brands such as; Hugo Boss, Ralph Lauren, Mulberry,
and Weekend Max Mara. It also features its own
Beauty Hall, where you can treat yourself with
Clarins Skin Spa treatments and shop amongst top
names in beauty including Jo Malone, Bobbi Brown
and Dior.
The King’s Mile and the Cathedral Quarter
are favourite spots for those already in the know.
Steeped in history and just a step away from the
busy high street, here you can browse at a slower
pace along some of Canterbury’s oldest cobbled
streets. As you wander you are surrounded by the
stunning architecture of the King’s School and the
cathedral, and can imagine the trade of old in the
city, especially in the Old Butter Market. Here
you will find an eclectic mix of independent shops
and traditional traders offering handcrafted jewellery,
arts and crafts, games and gifts, as well as places to
eat and drink. Don’t miss out on seeing the 17th
Century Crooked House, also known as Sir John
71