A perfect day trip to explore the charm of Canterbury

Within an hours journey from London, you can explore the charming streets and historical landmarks of Canterbury. The city is conveniently served by two train stations, providing effortless access to various attractions. Visitors often opt for a day trip to both Canterbury and Dover or other coastal towns, easily reachable by bus or train. Our itinerary involved splitting the day between Canterbury and Dover, we chose to rent a car and drive through the countryside to Dover. It was very convenient to rent a car at the train station where we would later depart to head back to London.

Our train was scheduled to arrive at Canterbury West, providing convenient access to the city center. If you arrive at Canterbury West station and want to grab breakfast before starting your day, head to St. George's Street and check out the Canterbury Market. One of the most popular restaurants in Canterbury is The Goods Shed which overlooks the market, the menu changes to reflect local producers and offers a outside garden setting.

When we arrived, we walked from the train station, through the Westgate Towers Museum & Medieval gatehouse. As soon as you enter the gates you will be at the beginning of the High Street which is the main pedestrian only thoroughfare in the city center. Along High street, you will come across numerous shops and restaurants, including a surprising number of American fast food chains. Despite that, there are also plenty of excellent pubs and restaurants often located in unique settings.

Our goal was to make our way to the Canterbury Cathedral while stopping along the way to see some of the shops and also The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge which is a free Art Gallery, Library and Visitor centre.

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When in Canterbury, it is essential to allocate sufficient time to explore the Canterbury Cathedral. You will likely spend one to three hours on your visit. As soon as you round the corner and catch sight of the Cathedral, its beauty will captivate you, leading you to uncover its fascinating history. Purchase tickets just outside the main entrance walls. Adults are £17.00 and your ticket is valid for 12 months, meaning you can re-visit the Cathedral as often as you want during that year. Canterbury students and children 17 and under are free when accompanied by a paying adult.

The Canterbury Cathedral stands as a testament to centuries of architectural brilliance and spiritual significance. Its origins date back to 597 AD when Augustine, a Roman monk, established his seat in Canterbury, marking the beginning of the cathedral's captivating legacy. Over the years, the cathedral has witnessed a myriad of historical events, making it a pivotal landmark in English history and is one of the UK's most visited historic sites.

Upon entering the cathedral, you will be mesmerized by a stunning presentation of Gothic architecture. The elaborate stained-glass windows, majestic spires, and intricate details highlight the expertise and artistry of craftsmen from the past. The cathedral's nave, choir, and crypt provide insight into the changing architectural styles throughout various epochs, each narrating a distinct tale of ingenuity and originality. It is truly breathtaking.

It was fortunate that we arrived just in time for the beginning of a brief prayer session. Walking into such a magnificent space and participating in the prayer time was a truly beautiful experience.

Beyond its architectural marvels, the Canterbury Cathedral holds deep spiritual significance as the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the leader of the Church of England. It was also the site of the murder of its most famous Archbishop, Thomas Becket in 1170. King Henry ll had him murdered in his own cathedral. Soon after many healing miracles were attributed to Thomas and he was made a saint by the Pope three years after his death.

As we wandered through the cathedral's halls, we found it fascinating to discover the treasure trove of historical artifacts form ancient manuscripts to intricate tapestries. The Cathedral Archives preserve a wealth of documents that offer insights into the past.

After touring the cathedral, walk around the beautiful public gardens.

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After touring the cathedral we headed over to the West Gate Gardens which was a nice escape from the busy High Street area. Nestled along the River Stour, this picturesque area is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll along the riverbank, or have a picnic on the lush green lawns, even better yet, enjoy a punting tour on one of the classic hand-built punts which offer beautiful views and history of the city. The chauffeurs are fun, educational and full of information about the city. West Gate Gardens and the River Stour are beautiful.

We planned to spend more time in Canterbury, but we were running out of time to get to Dover, so we headed over to rent our car and left the city. If you have more time or maybe even decided to stay in this hidden gem of England, you might also enjoy these other two attractions.

• St. Augustine's Abbey was once a burial place for Anglo-Saxon kings and it exudes a sense of serenity and mystique. You can explore the ruins, wander through the cloisters and think about the lives of the monks who once walked the grounds.

• Canterbury Roman Museum is another popular place to explore. Here you will find artifacts, mosaics and interactive displays of the Roman life that was part of the fascinating origins of Canterbury

Travelling to Canterbury is an easy day trip and worth exploring. Visitors are guaranteed an extraordinary experience brimming with history, culture, and architectural marvels. The focal point of this enchanting city is undoubtedly the awe-inspiring Canterbury Cathedral, a symbol of centuries-old craftsmanship and religious significance that draws visitors from across the globe. The Cathedral was by far my favorite part of our visit to Canterbury, but I also loved the picturesque cobbled streets, quaint shops and the beautiful walk along the River Stour.