The Canterbury Tales by Stagecoach

Make a public transport pilgrimage to the world famous Canterbury and there’s no better way than by Stagecoach’s bus services which stop in the epicentre of this truly incredible city. Fast, frequent and great value buses from across Kent converge on Canterbury and are part of the landscape, alongside wondrous architecture and in the setting where poet Geoffrey Chaucer paced the streets with his entourage. Check out the link here for their fab routes, led by their slick, customer-centric Managing Director, Joel Mitchell. Canterbury Bus Routes, Tickets & Times | Stagecoach (stagecoachbus.com)

Hop on the bus for a world class masterpiece!

Canterbury, nestled in the heart of Kent – the ‘garden of England’ is a captivating city renowned for its rich history, medieval charm, and cultural significance. At the heart of the city lies the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 6th century. This architectural masterpiece boasts stunning stained glass windows, intricate carvings, and a sense of spiritual tranquility. Visitors can explore the cathedral precincts, including the serene Cloister and the impressive Chapter House.

A beano at the Beaney 

For a taste of local life, the vibrant Canterbury High Street is lined with shops, cafes, and traditional pubs. The Westgate Gardens, located along the River Stour, provide a picturesque setting for a leisurely stroll or a riverside picnic. The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge is a cultural hub, housing a diverse collection of art, artifacts, and interactive exhibits. Check out this fun-filled fascinating celebration of life at  The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge, Canterbury (canterburymuseums.co.uk)

Cobbles, Chaucer and costumes

Wandering through the cobbled streets of the city, one encounters a wealth of historic sites. The Canterbury Tales is a unique visitor attraction and brings Geoffrey Chaucer’s timeless stories to life through interactive exhibits and costumed characters.

Punting for perfection

For those seeking a touch of nature, the Canterbury River Tours offers a relaxing boat ride along the serene waterways, providing a unique perspective of the city’s historic architecture, from an alternative, ‘hidden gem’ type backdrop! It’s relaxing also to watch folk punting down the river too, enjoying picnics too in the hotter months! Meanwhile, Canterbury’s calendar is crammed with exhilarating events, including the annual Canterbury Festival, which celebrates the arts through performances, exhibitions, and workshops.

Abbey’s artifacts amazingly uncovered

St. Augustine’s Abbey, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, holds profound historical significance as one of the oldest Christian monastic sites in England. Founded by St. Augustine in AD 598, the Abbey played a pivotal role in the spread of Christianity throughout Anglo-Saxon England. The extensive ruins that remain today offer a poignant glimpse into the abbey’s former grandeur.

The site features the remains of the Abbey Church, once a magnificent structure adorned with intricate stonework and towering arches. The Abbey’s layout reflects a cruciform design, and visitors can explore the hauntingly beautiful ruins of the nave, transepts, and apse.

The Abbey Museum, adjacent to the ruins, houses a remarkable collection of artifacts unearthed during archaeological excavations. These artifacts provide insight into the daily lives of the monks who resided at St. Augustine’s, offering a tangible connection to the past.

Hit for six in Canterbury

Canterbury Cricket Ground, located in St. Lawrence, is under 10 minutes walk from the bus station. It’s an historic and picturesque cricket venue with a legacy dating back to 1847. Home to Kent County Cricket Club, the ground exudes a traditional charm with its intimate setting and iconic lime tree-lined perimeter. Kent cricketing legends Colin Cowdrey, Frank Woolly, Alan Knott, Derek Underwood and Rob Key have all plied their trade here and are synonymous with the history of this world-famous ground and cricket in general!  Keep an eye out for next season’s fixtures which will be announced any day now on Home | Kent Cricket

Weaving away 

The Old Weavers House in Canterbury is an historic building that resonates with the city’s medieval charm. Nestled alongside the River Stour, this picturesque structure stands as a testament to Canterbury’s rich textile history. Dating back to the 16th century, the Old Weavers House is a timber-framed building with distinctive architectural features.

Its overhanging upper stories and exposed wooden beams showcase the traditional craftsmanship of the time. The building’s name reflects its association with the textile industry, as it was once inhabited by weavers engaged in the cloth trade.

Tales of transport in Canterbury and beyond

Canterbury is one of the UK’s greatest gems – a city combining almost unrivalled architectural and cultural magnificence with splendid rural beauty, sporting prowess and an eclectic nightlife. At the heart of this incredible, world-renowned, is Stagecoach with its network of bus services across Kent, all for only £2 a journey! You can find out more about them on  Canterbury Bus Routes, Tickets & Times | Stagecoach (stagecoachbus.com)

There’s also some fab scenic journeys of which Canterbury provides a gateway to them. Pretty stunning routes with scintillating destinations and lots of opportunities for days-out and staycation adventures. Ramsgate, Folkestone, Dover and Dover Castle (pictured below) and plenty more, Canterbury is perfectly positioned to provide experiences on its doorstop that make a pilgrimage to this blissful corner of the UK an absolute ‘must’.

Check out the incredible Kentish scenic routes here on our Great Scenic Journeys website Kent – Great Scenic Journeys