Canterbury Hotel
RECOMMENDED HOTELS
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Like so many towns in England, the city has a very long and distinguished history. It was here, in 598 AD, that the Benedictine monk, Augustine, founded the English church and became the first Archbishop of Canterbury, a position that to this day, heads the Church of England and the worldwide Anglican community. The following centuries saw many invasions and much warfare resulting in the rise and fall of the cities fortunes but it was only after the murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket at the city’s Cathedral in 1170, that pilgrims from all over the Christian world came to visit his shrine and the city became one of the most notable in Europe. It was this pilgrimage that provided the framework for Geoffrey Chaucer's most famous 14th-century collection of stories, The Canterbury Tales, about pilgrims passing the time by telling stories. With its long and fascinating history, the city has many landmarks and tourist attractions, the most notable being the Cathedral. This, together with St Martin's church and the ruins of St Augustine's Abbey form a world heritage site which attracts more than one million visitors per year. The Cathedral is one of the oldest and most famous Christian structures in England. Originally built by Augustine in 602 AD, the Saxon cathedral underwent many architectural changes over the years, including Norman designs and English Gothic architecture, the perpendicular towers of which remain today. It is now the burial place of many Archbishops and other significant historical figures including The 'Black Prince' and King Henry IV. Another landmark not to be missed is the medieval St Margaret's Church. With its stained glass windows, roman bricks and life-sized character models reconstructing Geoffrey Chaucer's stories, visitors are transported back to medieval times with all their intrigue and mystery. The ruins of the castle, first built in 1066 by William the Conqueror and later during the reign of Henry I as well as the Queningate, a structure dating back to Roman times and the many museums and galleries will keep visitors enthralled from sun rise to sun set. The city has an interesting mix of architectural styles, from genuine Tudor buildings to modern style office buildings. Likewise each of the Canterbury hotels reflects some period of the cities unique history from a 15th century inn in its own park-like surrounds to modern hotels in the centre of the pedestrianised city centre. The century's old heritage is reflected in the twisting corridors, ancient tiled rooftops, massive beams, sloping floors and low doorways. Other Kent hotels dating back to the 1600's feature Victorian oak bars and huge fireplaces. Reading rooms offering tranquillity and dining rooms with superb views overlooking the bustling city are some of the features to be found in such establishments. For those wishing to explore the areas surrounding their Kent accommodation, the Coach Hotel is situated half way between the city and Dover where a warm welcome and a light and friendly atmosphere, typical of this part of the world, await guests. Be they old or be they new, each hotel exudes English country charm while at the same time offering accommodation of the highest quality and friendly country service as well as delightful cuisine. While much of the character of the past has been retained in the architecture, Many hotels in Canterbury offer modern amenities with spacious en suite bathrooms, large double beds and beautiful furnishings with all the creature comforts of home. Facilities include in-room telephones complete with modem point, TV, beverage tray, radio alarm clock and desk and work areas. Also available are private function rooms and reception bars where tea, coffee or drinks can be enjoyed by guests between forays into the city. Corporate guests have also been catered for with conference centres and high tech facilities. Tourists and pilgrims wishing to maximize their stay will certainly find an accommodation option with stunning views of the cathedral or the castle while those wishing to indulge their shopping passion are well catered for by the convenient location of many in the city centre. Shops and stores abound in the city and the new Whitefriars development has resulted in many new shops opening, making it a great shopping destination. Many smaller shops also offer a plethora of souvenirs, postcards and memorabilia. Given the city's proximity to Dover and the ferries to France, many French people come to enjoy the shopping and sightseeing experience thereby adding an international flavour to the city. Canterbury is a wonderful place to visit in the summer where visitors can make the most of the long summer evenings and head for one of the many entertainment venues. Theatrical performances take place in the Cathedral and St Augustine's Abbey. The oldest surviving Tudor theatre in the city is now Casey's Bar, formerly known as The Shakespeare Pub where many a play has been performed to standing ovations. Church services in the Cathedral are awe inspiring and attended by thousands of visitors daily. In winter visitors enjoy the festive Christmas lights that brighten up the medieval streets adding to the mystery and delight of Christmas. Patrons of the arts will find a hotel in close proximity to any of these venues. Each Canterbury hotel offers its own blend of cuisine from traditional English fare to expensive restaurants offering delicious, innovative home cooked meals. Wonderful tasty bar meals are also available throughout the day while the Dane John Gardens, near the City Walls, host events most weekends during the summer months including French and farmer’s markets that provide all types of cuisine. The coastal towns of Herne Bay, Whitstable and Faversham with their rich maritime history are a short trip away and provide opportunities to sample oysters and fresh seafood from the working harbours. These cities were awash with illegal trade and here history can be traced in the rich alleyway networks which were used by smugglers as convenient escape routes. The accommodation industry in the area provides easy access to the popular holiday beach resorts along the coast line of Kent. Apart from the many sightseeing possibilities a break in the city also offers great opportunities to play golf in stunning surrounds, fish in calm, tranquil streams and hike in breathtaking countryside. Beautiful gardens are waiting to be explored and visitors are sure to see some of the great variety of wildlife that roams the area. Whether it is a business trip, just passing through, a family holiday or enjoying a romantic weekend away, friendly staff with local knowledge and comfortable surroundings will provide all the comforts of a home away from home. The medieval city of Canterbury is one filled with religious and historical significance and as such attracts many thousands of visitors and pilgrims every year. The Canterbury hotel industry caters for this market by provided top class luxury hotel accommodation, from 2 star to 5 star hotels, Bed and Breakfast accommodation, inns and stately country homes, where all visitors will find something to suit both their pockets and requirements. |
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