Art and Culture in Canterbury
Canterbury is a beautiful medieval city, brimming with historical charm and full of cultural delights. Whether you wish to delve into the history of the city or enjoy the arts and culture, Canterbury has a whole host of opportunities for you.
The Roman Museum can be found on Butchery Lane and is open Monday to Sunday (10am to 5pm). This fantastic museum, which includes the remains of an original Roman townhouse and one of the UK’s only in situ Roman pavement mosaics, allows visitors to immerse themselves in over 2000 years of history. With real Roman artefacts to handle, dressing up clothes for the children, and an audio guided tour, the Roman history of the city is really brought to life. One of our favourite views of the city is just outside this museum. Turn right onto the cobbled streets as you step out of the museum and marvel at the beautiful cathedral which rises majestically above the shops and houses.
The Canterbury Guided Tours are perfect for discovering all the hidden gems of the city, whilst learning about its fascinating historical background. The 90-minute tour includes the stunning cathedral precincts as well as all the main streets of the city, and is full of fascinating facts delivered in an entertaining and engaging way. It’s the perfect way to soak up the history of the city on foot and our guests all benefit from 10% off the price too!
Theatres: The Marlowe; The Gulbenkian; The Malthouse
We are so lucky in Canterbury to have not one but three amazing theatres which bring a huge range of shows and theatrical delights to the city. Whether you wish to take in a West End touring show, ballet, live comedy or a family friendly performance, there is a huge choice for any theatre lover.
The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge
The Beaney is a superb museum, art gallery, library and visitor information centre which lies in the centre of Canterbury on the High Street. Marvel at the showcase of animals, birds, butterflies and rocks and minerals arranged in perfect rainbow order in the Colour and Camouflage room; take in the work of Canterbury born artist Thomas Sidney Cooper in the Garden room; or visit the various changing exhibitions that are featured in the museum each month. To add to this, The Beaney houses a wonderful library including a children’s section with its regular Baby Rhyme Time group for 0-2 year olds.
Of course, a cultural trip to Canterbury would not be complete without a visit to its Cathedral which is a majestic blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Founded in 597 AD by Augustine, it became a place of pilgrimage following the murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket in 1170 AD, and today it welcomes one million visitors each year. This World Heritage Site is exquisite in its structure and the intricate stone carvings in the Crypt and Great Cloister and the beautiful stained-glass windows are breath taking. The Cathedral is of course a centre of Christian worship and there are daily services of Morning Prayer, Eucharist and Evensong for visitors to enjoy.
Canterbury is the perfect place for any culture or history lover and there is such a wide choice of things to do see and do. Just by strolling down the cobbled streets and looking at the beautiful architecture of the houses and independent shops, one can be transported back in time and feel the presence of the pilgrims who visited the city thousands of years ago.
To book up your perfect cultural trip to Canterbury, head to www.propertybypolygon.co.uk.