Kent Staycation 2021 | Page 13

TOWN

TOWN

Boasting cultural hotspots and world-renowned cities , historic towns to Royal boroughs , Kent is a thriving , yet refined , county with each town ’ s past contributing to its own unique personality . Whether you are in desire of getting lost down cobbled streets in search of independent coffee shops ; passionate in researching ancient buildings and monuments ; looking to treat yourself to a day of shopping or some fine food in an award-winning restaurant , there will be a town in Kent to provide you with your perfect day .
s Kent ’ s only city , Canterbury easily ticks all four of

Athe above desires . Set inside ancient city walls that guard the jewel in Canterbury ’ s crown – Canterbury Cathedral – visitors to the city can choose from a vast selection of things to do when they pay a trip here . Starting with the Cathedral itself , the immense scale and detail in the architecture will have those standing below in breathtaking awe of this English landmark that has played such a huge role in our history . To learn more about the city and its holy past , guests can cruise down the River Stour with Canterbury River Boat Tours and see sights such as the Ducking Stool and Greyfriars Island . Canterbury is also home to Whitefriars Shopping Centre which houses plenty of popular retailers . This is juxtaposed against the old part of the city , in which visitors will find independent shops and restaurants housed in ancient beamed buildings with quirky interiors , such as The Old Weavers Restaurant which sits on the Weavers Bridge and dates back to the 16th-Century , serving homemade pies and traditional roasts .

After spending time in Canterbury , the next stop of the ancient Kings and Queens ’ when on their way to London from France , would have naturally been Rochester . Like Canterbury , this riverside town is bustling with bars , independent shops and restaurants , and both destinations greatly influenced the works of Charles Dickens . Rochester town also sits under the shadow of its glorious Cathedral ; the bells of which can be heard when visitors take a stroll down its picturesque High Street .
Sitting in the reflection of Rochester Cathedral is the beautiful Rochester Castle , where you will be transported back to the medieval times of knights and jousting . To delve a little further into history , a short walk away is Rochester ’ s Eastgate House and Six Poor Travellers House . Both of whom were part of Dickensian world and will reveal some of the intriguing stories of those that have passed through the town .
Just around the river-bend , sits Chatham and its Historic Dockyard . Maritime enthusiasts , families and those just
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