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The Charm of Canterbury

26.03.20

The charming city of Canterbury is found nestled away in the countryside of the North Downs. With several sleepy villages close by, it offers a small urban centre that maintains excellent transport links to the wider world, including a one-hour journey into Central London and high-speed train services to the continent.

A quirky character is derived from the Kent city’s unique heritage. The cathedral remains the focal point of the centre to this day, having been first established when St Augustine arrived in 597 on a mission to develop Christianity in England. Cobbled roads on the High Street and the King’s Mile reflect the strong heritage and give a flavour of the Middle Ages when Canterbury was a major destination for European pilgrims. It’s a place that breathes history, with other major landmarks including the Roman city walls and the 14th-century Westgate Towers which still gate the entrance to the High Street.

Alongside that deep-routed heritage comes a wide variety of modern amenities. The 1,200-capacity Marlowe Theatre hosts entertainment ranging from touring West End shows to nationally renowned comedians. The city is known for being home to many popular pubs, including The Canterbury Tales which is, of course, named after the stories written by one of the city’s most famous former residents, Geoffery Chaucer. A host of chain and independent restaurants can be found on the High Street, while the Whitefriars Shopping Centre provides a wide retail range. Quality sport is also offered by rugby and hockey clubs that compete in national leagues as well as one of the country’s most historic cricket clubs, Kent CCC, which finds its home at the Victorian St Lawrence Ground.

The city is set for further investment and growth in the near future too. In particular, the £115 million development known as The Riverside, which is due to be completed in 2023, will be a major addition to the area. The Riverside will have a new public square at its heart and hold a five-screen Curzon cinema, a host of cafes and restaurants, and 189 new homes. It will overlook the River Stour that runs through the city centre, and will also boast a canoe house and pontoon.

That imminent growth, along with the unique character and excellent transport links, makes Canterbury an ideal location for a family looking for a safe and thriving place to call home.

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