Canterbury

Canterbury is a UNESCO World Heritage city whose three core sites -- the Cathedral, St Augustine's Abbey, and St Martin's Church -- can all be reached on foot from the city centre within 20 minutes. The Cathedral has been a place of Christian worship since 597 AD and contains over a thousand years of accumulated architecture: the crypt dates from the 1070s, the nave from the 14th century and the Bell Harry tower from the late 15th. Allow at least two to three hours for the Cathedral alone; timed entry applies and booking in advance is strongly recommended between May and September.

Beyond the Cathedral precinct, the medieval city walls are largely intact and walkable, providing elevated views over the street pattern and the roofline of the old town. The Westgate Towers at the end of St Peter's Street are the largest surviving city gate in England. The narrow lanes of the Buttermarket and Mercery Lane still follow their medieval alignments, and the River Stour runs through the centre in open channels with punt hire available in summer.

Canterbury West station receives direct services from London St Pancras on the high-speed line in under an hour; Canterbury East serves London Victoria. The city has two stations partly because the medieval centre sits between two railway approaches -- both are within a 10-minute walk of the Cathedral gate. Driving is not recommended; the New Dover Road Park and Ride at £4 per car is the standard approach for those arriving by vehicle.