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Canterbury Cathedral

The Cathedral, with St Augustine's Abbey and St Martin's Church, form part of the UNESCO world heritage site. The Cathedral Church was founded in 597 AD by St Augustine whose original cathedral lies beneath the floor of the nave. The original Saxon church was destroyed by fire in 1067 and rebuilt again by the Normans in 1070. Although, sucessive generations have made additions to the fabric of the building parts of the quire and some of the ancient stained glass windows date from the 12th century.

The cathedral became a place of pilgrimage in the middle ages and Geoffrey Chaucer set his famous Canterbury Tales about pilgrims on their way to the shrine of the murdered Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket. The north-west transept is the site of the martydom and here, in 1982, Pope John Paul II and the Archbishop of Canterbury Robert Runcie prayed together. A plaque commemorates this historic occasion.

Originally the tomb of King Henry IV and his wife Joan of Navarre flanked one side of the shrine of the murdered archbishop; whilst the tomb of Edward, the Black Prince flanked the other. Both of these tombs may still be seen today although the shrine of St Thomas was dismantled in King Henry VIII's reign. Behind this is the corona chapel which is dedicated to modern martyrs.

Facilities for the disabled are available at the Cathedral, these include toilets, ramps, wheelchairs, a touch and hearing system, hearing loop and a lift. A leaflet giving full details is available at the Welcome Centre or can be downloaded from the Cathedral website.

Canterbury Tales

A visit to The Canterbury Tales, one of Kent’s most popular attractions, with its stunning reconstruction of 14th century England, is just like stepping into the Middle Ages. Inside the historic building of St. Margaret’s Church you can step back over 500 years to join Geoffrey Chaucer (England’s finest poet) and his colourful characters as they journey from London towards the shrine of St. Thomas Becket at Canterbury Cathedral and enjoy their medieval adventure stories.

Canterbury Castle

The remains of a Norman castle with interpretation panels, an elevated viewing area and some seating is a main focus
of interest on the city wall trail. Leaflets on the trail are available at the information centre in Sun street opposite the cathedral's main gateway.

Canterbury Castle was established in the 1080s by the Normans and replaced an earlier motte and bailey fortification built at the nearby Dane John. The stone keep was largely constructed in the reign of Henry I (1100 - 1135) as one of three Royal castles in Kent. By the 13th century the castle had become the county gaol.

The castle enclosure re-used the Roman town wall as its southern boundary. Some reused Roman material may still be seen in the far corner close to the Wincheap pedestrian subway.

	Hotels Near The Cathedral
	The Miller's Arms Cathedral Gate Hotel The White House The Pilgrims Hotel Abode Canterbury Hotel

	Hotels Near Canterbury Tales
	The Miller's Arms Cathedral Gate Hotel The White House The Pilgrims Hotel Abode Canterbury Hotel

	Hotels Near Canterbury Castle
	The Miller's Arms Cathedral Gate Hotel The White House The Pilgrims Hotel Abode Canterbury Hotel

	Wimpole Hall, Garden and Park Wimpole Hall, set in rolling parkland and woodland, is part of the 2,500 acre Wimpole Estate. The Hall is a magnificent country house, mainly eighteenth century in style. Newmarket Racecourses There is no place like Newmarket - it is the ancestral home of racing, where the racehorse reigns supreme and the Sport of Kings belongs to all. Houghton Mill An impressive 17th century water mill in working order on the River Ouse in the village of Houghton. Find accommodation near these attraction here.