The Norman Cathedral, the ruins of St Augustine's Abbey and St Martin's Church form the trio of the World Heritage Site in Canterbury.
The Cathedral dates back to 597AD when St Augustine became the first Archbishop establishing his seat in Canterbury. You will see where its most famous Archbishop Thomas Beckett was murdered in 1170 and view the numerous tombs and monuments including those of Edward the Black Prince and King Henry IV. Marvel at one of the cathedral’s greatest glories; the stained glass collection which dates back to the 12th and 13th Century, depicting miracles, royal connections and biblical stories and regarded as the finest in the country.
The cathedral offers a wide range of facilities to ensure that you receive a warm and appropriate welcome. You may wish to wander around with a guidebook or audio tour (available in 7 languages). Alternatively general tours take place throughout the day with a fully trained Guide who will make the Cathedral and its history come to life.
Explore the ruins of St Augustine’s Abbey, a place that marked the rebirth of Christianity in South England. Founded by St Augustine in 597AD and originally used as a monastery it is also the burial place of Kentish Kings and the first Archbishop.
St Martin's Church is the oldest parish church in England and still in use today. It was the site where St Augustine originally brought his monks to worship before he was able to establish his nearby monestary and the Cathedral.
Visit The Canterbury Tales and join English literatures famous author Chaucer and his colourful band of pilgrims on their journey from London to Canterbury. Here you will experience the sights, sounds and smells of the 14th century in this stunning recreation of the Middle Ages.
The Museums are full of artefacts and fun things for all the family to do. The Canterbury Museum is set in the Poor Priests' Hospital, one of the city's finest medieval buildings, where you can discover the story of Canterbury and see some of the city's treasures. While you are here, take a trip round the Rupert Bear Museum which isfull of fun interactive things for the children to do. The Royal Museum and Art Gallery has found a temporary home within the Canterbury Museum while its normal home undergoes major refurbishment. Their numerous displays and collections include many rare works including T.S. Cooper and Van Dyck.
The Roman Museum The West Gate Towers Museum is one of England's finest medieval fortified gatehouses, with defensive features including 'murder holes' and superb panoramic views of the City from the battlements.
These are just a few examples of the many places of interest in this historic city of Canterbury. For more information, see www.canterbury.co.uk.
