What
will you do? Even more importantly why should you visit us here and
not go somewhere else? Well we can help answer that for you as we
have a list of the 10 top attractions to visit whilst you are here,
all perfectly suitable for couples, individuals, groups and families!
(This
list I should point out has been voted for by you the public... the
visitors who come to Canterbury and post their comments on
Trip Advisor.)
Attraction
Number 10 – Westgate Towers Museum. Already written about in a
previous blog, myself and our general manager Christine Cooper went
for a visit to this fabulous museum. Now open in the Summer months,
it is certainly worth a visit. Find out about the lives of the
jailers and the prisoners from way back when. Make sure you head to
the top of the towers to take in the roof top view of Canterbury!
Attraction
Number 9 – St Martins Church. This is the oldest church in the
English speaking world and still has its doors open for worship. It
was at this very church that St Augustine set up his mission to
convert the English when he arrived from Rome in 597 AD.
Attraction
Number 8 – Greyfriars Chapel and Franciscan Gardens. This chapel is
the only building now remaining of the first English Franciscan
Friary built in 1224. Entry to this attraction is free, however
donations are appreciated to help with the up-keep of the building.
Attraction
Number 7 – RSPB Reserve Blean Woods. This is a fabulous place to go
for quiet walks in ancient woodland, with 5 trails up to eight miles
long. In the summer keep your eyes peeled for damselflies,
dragonflies and butterflies. If you are lucky you might spot the
fritillary butterfly and perhaps some nightjars, woodpeckers and
nightingales.
Attraction
Number 6 – Gulbenkian Cinema. Located up at the University of Kent,
this cinema offers a unique viewing experience. With a whole
selection of films showing regularly, some in 3D, you can be sure
there will be something on for everyone. We at the hotel can even
offer you a reduced ticket price for certain films if you are staying
with us, simply enquire at reception when you are checking in :)
Attraction
Number 5 – Westgate Gardens. The gardens can be found close to the
City centre, next to West Gate Tower. These 11 acres of public
gardens provide an ideal setting for a stroll along the banks of the
River Stour. If you would rather sit back and relax, there are plenty
of places to sit and watch the world go by as well as take in the
beauty of the garden and its wildlife. Look out for swans, ducks and
the moorhens!
Attraction
Number 4 – Canterbury Heritage Museum. This is a must visit
attraction especially for the families! The museum has over 30 hands
on activities including being able to write your name in Viking
Ruins, sniff medieval poo, investigate like an archaeologist, try on
Elizabethan costume and listen to wartime memories!
Attraction
Number 3 – Howletts Wild Animal Park – Howletts is a 90 acre
adventure located in ancient parkland, perfect for great days out
with the whole family. Keep your eyes peeled for the Siberian Tiger,
Snow Leopard, Sumatran Tiger, Elephants, Gorillas, Black Rhino,
Brazilian tapir and much much more. (I can't possibly list them all,
this blog will be far too long!)
Attraction
Number 2 – Eastbridge Hospital. A hospital in the old sense of the
word, a place of hospitality. Since its foundation in the 12th
Century, the Archbishop of Canterbury has been the patron. The
Eastbridge Hospital welcomes visitors and offers tours of the Chantry
Chapel, the Undercroft with Gothic Arches, the Refectory with an
early 13th Century mural and the Pilgrims Chapel.
Attraction
Number 1 – It was only ever going to be Canterbury Cathedral!
Pilgrims and visitors have made their way to the Cathedral since the
Middle Ages and is still one of the most visited places in the
country. Visitors are always welcome and a trip to this famous
Cathedral is highly recommended!
