Town
Town
Topping poll after poll of ‘best’ places to live, packed to the rafters with outstanding educational
institutions, a lesson in how to do transport links properly, and causing more than a stir
on the country’s culinary scene, diversity and excitement pulse through the very lifeblood
of Kent’s towns and cities, and yet each comes with its very own personality.
T
ake Canterbury, an extraordinary historical
destination first put on the map by Chaucer way
back in the 14th century. The city’s striking Norman-era
cathedral dominates the skyline and is supported by a
fascinating medieval streetscape that you can wander
for hours taking in landmarks such as The Beaney
House of Art & Knowledge, The Old Buttermarket
thoroughfare and the River Stour. There’s an emerging
and much more modish side to the city too though,
characterised by a burgeoning coffee and café scene
that visitors can dip in and out of as they dig deeper
into Canterbury’s intriguing past.
music and arts venue, Revelation. For destination
shopping, the Ashford Designer Outlet is set to expand
its current offering of 80 high-end fashion, food and
homeware brands to over 130 in late 2019, marking the
redevelopment with Europe’s largest living wall – a
must-see attraction in itself.
For folk that prioritise revelry over retail, Kent has
it covered in the form of county town, Maidstone.
A town of two halves, what used to be all cobbled
alleys, coaching inns and yeomen is now incredibly
prosperous and very good fun. Yes, there are historic
nooks – open spaces Penenden Heath, once a tribal
Anglo-Saxon HQ, and Mote Park, designed by
Capability Brown, are both still in full use for recreation,
but its nightlife is its trump card. From quirky Caribbean
to classic French cuisine, all manner of restaurants dot
the town centre, late-night hangouts like Source Bar
are ideal for fine, young things to dance the night away,
and beer and ale connoisseurs will find their happy
place at proper pubs such as The Market House.
On the flipside, since being declared a growth town
some 15 years ago, Ashford’s status has leapt from
that of a small market town to a thriving hub that
means business – literally. With regeneration at its
heart, Ashford has fast become the poster town for
change; the once virtually empty town centre is now
a place to be proud of with the addition of a new
Picturehouse Cinema, Curious Brewery and exciting
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