Canterbury Tourist Attractions
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Canterbury, a busy market town still blessed with some of its medieval character, lies picturesquely situated on the River Stour, at the heart of a predominantly agricultural region.
Canterbury Cathedral
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the striking Canterbury Cathedral reflects components of architectural style from different centuries. The Cathedral is a must-visit site when in Canterbury.
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Cathedral Close
The most interesting of the numerous buildings in the Close lie north of Canterbury cathedral, grouped around the Green Court.
Green Court
Green Court is a quiet square with, in the northwest corner, a roofed Norman external staircase leading up to the King's School Hall.
King's School
King's School, situated in the northern corner of the Close, was founded by Henry VIII in 1541 - although, being a center of Anglo Saxon culture from as early as 600, there had been a school at Canterbury for centuries before that. Among the King's School's many famous pupils were the Canterbury-born dramatist Christopher Marlowe (1564-93), William Harvey (1578-1657), discoverer of the circulation of the blood, and William Somerset Maugham (1874-1965) whose novel "Of Human Bondage" includes a portrayal of life in the school.
Norman Water Tower
Of great interest (when open) is the Norman Water Tower, once part of an ingenious water supply and sewage disposal system which ensured that epidemics were virtually unknown in the Close.
St Augustine's Abbey & College
St Augustine's College (1846-48), located not far from the cathedral, outside the city walls, harbors the remains of the abbey founded by St Augustine in 604. St Augustine's Gate and the Cemetery Gate date from the 13th century, but are partly destroyed. The foundations of the old abbey church and the graves of St Augustine, King Ethelbert and his wife Queen Bertha have been revealed by excavation. There are also excavated remains of the early Saxon St Pancras' Church, incorporating much Roman material.The abbey was built in 598 AD, the year after St. Augustine was sent by the Pope to convert the pagan King of Kent. It became the Christian center of Britain, and the burial place of St. Augustine after his death. Much of the abbey was destroyed by Henry VIII.
Conduit House
English Heritage property near St Augustine's Abbey in Canterbury, which was once supplied by these waterworks.
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St Martin's Church
Situated outside the city center, beyond St Augustine's Abbey, St Martin's Church, the "mother church of England", is one of the oldest surviving English churches, believed to have been built originally for Queen Bertha. Numerous Roman bricks are incorporated into the Anglo Saxon choir. Inside there is a Norman font.
Canterbury Festival
This annual festival crams over 200 events into four weeks, from early September to early October.Events include cathedral concerts, operas, theatrical and dance performances, plays, fringe events, art exhibitions, recitals and film screenings. Drama and dance classes are also offered.The repertoire is always varied and includes both classical and contemporary.Impressive venues, such as the Canterbury Cathedral, the Gulbenkian and Marlowe theaters, and Shirley Hall also add to the high quality of the festival.
Canterbury Roman Museum
Canterbury's Roman Museum is a new attraction in the city. Archeologists have been on a quest to uncover the buried Roman town under present day Canterbury. You can now explore some of their findings: an excavated Roman house, military remains and objects employed in daily life, all below the Longmarket Shopping Centre.
Canterbury Royal Museum Art Gallery
Canterbury Royal Museum Art Gallery is located on the first floor of the Beaney Institute. Exhibits at the gallery change frequently and usually feature the work of international and local young artists associated with the Kent Institute of Art and Design.
Stour Music Festival
This annual 10-day festival takes place in mid-June and includes various weekend performances, including operas, choral and chamber concerts and recitals in the Boughton Aluph Church.The festival focuses on early music, although other repertoires are often included.
Iden Croft Herb Garden
Called "The Herb Centre of Kent", the secret gardens of Iden Croft feature aromatic herbs, wildflowers and a butterfly garden. It is of special interest to herb gardeners.
Wingham - Goodnestone Park Gardens
Goodnestone Park Gardens are set in 14 acres of beautiful parkland. Attractions include a small arboretum, woodland area and a walled garden. The novelist Jane Austen visited these gardens many times.
Chaucer Festival
This annual festival takes place in late August in tribute to Geoffrey Chaucer and his work.
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