MyCanterbury Summer City Guide 2024

Summer city guide

There’s so much to see and do in Canterbury, but for more adventures further afield you could…

Discover spectacular live music at Dreamland in Margate, hike through the rolling hills of the North Downs from Wye, take in the incredible views from the ancient castle in Rochester, or hop on the highspeed and explore the sights of London.

The earlier you book, the cheaper the fare.

Scan here to download the Southeastern app and buy your Advance tickets. No booking fees apply.

*T&Cs apply. Advance tickets are available as single tickets on selected routes at specific times and are subject to availability. For more information, visit southeasternrailway.co.uk/advance

What’s inside 3

It’s an action-packed season, with Pride lighting up the streets, the Medieval Pageant giving the most fun history lesson ever and the Canterbury City Show shining a proud spotlight on the best of local talent and produce.

It’s easy to enjoy yourself here, whatever the weather decides to do. Canterbury is many cities in one: fun, cultural, historic and endlessly intriguing. This year’s guide celebrates discovery - secret café gardens, tours of streets and surrounds, hidden histories of our oldest buildings and the flora and fauna along our beautiful river.

Canterbury BID, who creates these guides, celebrates ten years of helping the city to be an enjoyable place to shop, live, work and visit, with flower displays, bunting, Christmas lights (ok, no more talk of Christmas), cleaner streets, safer nightlife and more. Read about other big birthdays this year in the city too (clue: meeeow).

Talking of Bagpuss, check out Canterbury’s other cat connections and dog-friendly spots. There’s something fun for everyone in our What’s On listings, a handy city map and brand new travel and parking section, for an easier, enjoyable and exciting summer in the city.

Thank you to our friends at Girlings Solicitors for their support in producing this year’s MyCanterbury Summer Guide.

For lots more ideas about where to go and what to do in Canterbury head to the Visit Canterbury website at canterbury.co.uk

Contents

P6 Take the Tour

P9 Canterbury’s Quarters

P10 Secret Gardens in the City

P14 What’s On

P22 Summer Sports Schedule

P24 The Hilltop Church: St Martin’s

P25 Hidden Histories

P27 The Medieval Pageant & Family Trail

P28 Spotlight On The Stour

P34 City Shopping Map

P36 Dog-Friendly Canterbury

P38 Life’s A Picnic!

P41 Cats of Canterbury

P42 Four-Legged Pilgrims

P44 Canterbury’s Big Birthdays

P49 Canterbury Wordsearch

P50 Pedal Power

P52 Best Foot Forward

P55 Get The Right Gear

P60 Travel & Parking

Plan your visit

Illustration: Greg Stobbs

Take the tour: fun ways

Whether you live or work here, or have come to visit, there’s always something new to find out about the city. A guided tour is a fun and fascinating way to discover the secrets of the city’s streets and the river running through it,, delve deeper into the myths and legends and see the city in a whole new light!

CANTERBURY GUIDED TOURS

Entertaining 90-minute daily walking tours around the city and Cathedral precincts, led by fully qualified Green Badge Guides. Themed guided tours are also available, such as wartime Canterbury or the city’s beautiful gardens.

➜ canterburyguidedtours.com

THE CANTERBURY GHOST TOUR

A spooky and humorous 90 minute tour of Canterbury’s dark side! Award-winning Ghost Hunter, author and local historian, John Hippisley, leads you through the city’s streets for a unique evening out.

➜ thecanterburytours.com

CANTERBURY RUNNING TOURS

Sightseeing and fitness in one exhilarating bundle! A 5km run along the old city walls and around Canterbury’s key historic and cultural sites, starting and ending on Buttermarket. The tour lasts around one hour with frequent stops and is suitable for all running levels.

➜ canterburyrunningtours.com

to explore Canterbury 7

CANTERBURY QUIZ TRAIL

A beautifully made city quiz trail book packed with history and facts, that will take 1-2 hours to complete at your own pace, over 1.1 miles approx. There are adult and junior clues, so families and couples can share the same book. Perfect for school holidays - and screen-free!

➜ quiztrail.co.uk

CANTERBURY HISTORIC RIVER TOURS

A multi-award-winning guided historic tour that shares the secrets of the city from the view of the River Stour. Entertaining, funny and insightful, the tour takes around 45 minutes and is a fresh way to see Canterbury and a brilliant summer holiday activity for the kids.

➜ canterburyrivertours.co.uk

CANTERBURY PUNTING CO

Sit back and learn about the city from a classic, hand-built punt - it’s a fabulous photo op as well as a rich journey into the history and sights of Canterbury! The punting tours are great fun for families, children and groups and last around 40-45 minutes.

➜ canterburypunting.co.uk

WESTGATE PUNTS

Relaxing, chauffeured river punt trips departing from Westgate Bridge, winding through the Westgate Gardens, past Binnanea nature reserve and into the beautiful countryside beyond.

You can also opt to explore the ancient history and architecture of the city centre.

➜ westgatepunts.co.uk

CanterburyGuidedTours

Café St Pierre

Celebrating 29 years in business, this o ers generously-filled, innovative baguettes, quiches, salads, cakes and pastries plus family-owned cafe near Westgate Towers

• To be enjoyed in a friendly atmosphere

• Try the typical French ‘Petit dejeuner’ served till noon

• Open 7 days a week - 8am - 6pm (Sun - 9am - 5.30pm)

• Outdoor seating in the wonderful garden

• Take-away service available

A bientôt! Alan, Maria and the team

CANTERBURY

Discover hidden sights and curious facts as centuries of history and culture are brought to life!

Our entertaining, expert guides will lead you through the medievil lanes and historic Cathedral Precincts, sharing their in-depth knowledge and fascinating stories.

Tours operate daily, whatever the weather! (except Christmas Day). Suitable for all ages. Well-behaved dogs welcome. Private groups are welcome by appointment.

41 St Peter’s Street Canterbury, CT1 2BG.

Canterbury's shopping quarters

Canterbury is made up of diverse, distinctive areas and quarters just a few minutes’ walk from each other, each with their own character and history.

THE CASTLE QUARTER

THE KING’S MILE

Easily spotted by its red banners, a colourful collection of streets alongside the cathedral and King’s School, abundant with handcrafted jewellery, fresh produce, arts, games, clothing, food and drink.

THE CATHEDRAL QUARTER

The historic heart of Canterbury on the doorstep of the Cathedral and the Buttermarket and up to the top of Burgate, home to independent specialist shops, bars and restaurants.

From the castle ruins to the high street, a rich mix of thriving creative businesses, independent makers, bars, restaurants and the city’s own brewery, The Foundry.

CANTERBURY’S WEST END

A buzzing creative and foodie quarter: from Canterbury West Station through St Dunstan's and the Westgate Towers, along the lower high street up to the The Marlowe Theatre and Eastbridge Hospital.

WHITEFRIARS SHOPPING CENTRE

Major brands for serious seasonal shopping here, headed at the top of the town by Fenwick and comprising a huge range of the UK’s leading fashion and lifestyle retailers.

THE RIVERSIDE

The Riverside is a pedestrian-friendly neighbourhood with a five-screen Curzon cinema, cafés, bars and restaurants, and a new public square and 220 undercroft parking spaces.

Secret gardens: cafes, pubs and shops with hidden havens

Cafe No.35, St Margaret’s St

Bask in this leafy suntrap through the doors of the ‘Garden Cafe’.

➜ cafeno35.co.uk

Cafe St Pierre, St Peter’s St

Enjoy your authentic French drinks, baguettes or pastries in their pretty back garden

➜ instagram.co.uk/cafest. pierre

Platform, St Dunstan’s St

The Yard at Platform is a cool events space behind the boutique shop.

➜ platform.co.uk

Moat Tea

Rooms, Burgate

A lovely floral tea garden with heating and shelter for not-sosunny days!

➜ moattearooms.co.uk

The Wilding Eatery, Mercery Lane

A partly covered, cosy little garden right in the heart of the city.

➜ instagram.co.uk/ thewildingeatery

The Dolphin, St Radigund's St

Eat, drink and be merry in the traditional English pub’s spacious garden.

➜ facebook.com/ dolphincanterbury

In the bustling centre of Canterbury you’ll find a surprising number of gorgeous outdoor spots, perfect for a coffee or a cocktail on a sunny day. Here are a few highlights:

The Millers Arms, Mill Lane

Enjoy coffee and breakfast in the early morning sun of The Miller’s lovely secret spot

➜ millerscanterbury.co.uk

The Old Weavers

Restaurant, St Peter’s St

Watch punts and boats bob past as you enjoy hearty British fare in their riverside garden.

➜ weaversrestaurant.co.uk

Tiny Tim’s Tea Room

Tuck into breakfast, lunch, cream tea or glass of wine in their lovely outside space.

➜ tinytimstearoom.com

Wildwood, St Peter’s St

Where better to sample Wildwood’s Italian-infused food on a sunny day than in their atmospheric outdoor seating area.

➜ wildwoodrestaurants.co.uk

Socialite, St Margaret’s St

Enjoy small plates, sharing boards and exquisite cocktails on their rooftop lounge with an amazing view of the city and the Cathedral.

➜ socialitecanterbury.com

The Drapers Arms, Sun St

Asian-inspired street food and a gorgeous roof terrace in the heart of the city: perfect for people-watching!

➜ drapersarmscanterbury.co.uk

What’s 0n in Canterbury Summer 2024

It’sanexcitingsummerinthecity.WestEndshows,classicalconcerts, familyfestivals,exhibitions,masterclassesandtours-allalongside ourmega-popularcityevents:PrideCanterburyandTheMedieval Pageant&FamilyTrail.Browseandbookyoursummerfun!

Museum of Imagined Kent

Jarman Building, University of Kent

Now untill Mon 8 July

Curated by MA Curating students, this innovative free event is packed with little-known, surprising and fascinating information about the Garden of England.

➜ blogs.kent.ac.uk/ museumofimaginedkent

Beyond Limits Photography Exhibition

Front Room, The Beaney

Sat 25 May – 4 August

An inspiring showcase of a day in the life of four residents of Strode Park Foundation, captured by local photographer Harry Brooker.

➜ canterburymuseums.co.uk/the-beaney

Canterbury Record Fair

Westgate Hall

Sat 1 Jun, Sat 3 August, Sat 14

Septemberr | 9.30am 3.30pm

New and used vinyl, CDs, memorabilia and more, from rock to jazz, indie to soul.

➜ westgatehall.org

The London Male Welsh Choir in Concert

Canterbury Cathedral

Sat 1 June | 7pm-9.30pm

Virtuoso entertainment with soloists from Kent College.

➜ canterbury-cathedral.org

Viggo Venn: British Comedian

The Marlowe Theatre

Sat 1 June | 7.30pm

The hilarious hi-vis comic from Norway has his first national tour after winning last year’s Britain’s Got Talent.

➜ marlowetheatre.com

Pilgrims Pre-Loved Kilo Sale

St Peter’s Church Hall Canterbury city centre

Sat 1 June | 10am-2pm

Shop pre-loved and help to support local hospice care. You’ll be provided with a bag –simply fill it with the items you like and pay £5 per kilo.

➜ pilgrimshospices.org/event/kilo-salecanterbury-june-2024

DJ Spoony Summer Launch Party

Socialite

Sat 1-Sun 2 June | 7pm-late

Book a spot at Socialite’s new rooftop terrace bar launch for a night of Garage, Jungle and Ibiza classics courtesy of the Godfather of UK Garage.

➜ socialitecanterbury.com

K-Pop Showcase: ENKORE 2024

Gulbenkian Theatre

Sun 2 June | 8pm

The electric annual showcase of UKC’s K-Pop Dance Society, with dance covers, solos, duos and unit performances.

➜ thegulbenkian.co.uk

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

The Marlowe Theatre

Mon 3-Sat 8 June | 7.30pm

Following a smash West End residency, the critically acclaimed musical returns to Canterbury with an all-star cast.

➜ marlowetheatre.com

Canterbury’s UNESCO Sites Tour: Foundations of Faith

St Martin’s Church, St Augustine’s Abbey & Canterbury Cathedral

Tue 4 - Thu 20 June | 9.30am – 4.30pm

Discover the introduction of Roman Christianity to Britain, with a guided tour at each site.

➜ canterbury-cathedral.org

Summer Song Recitals

The Crypt, Canterbury Cathedral

Wed 5 June, Wed 12 June, Wed 19 June, Wed 3 July | 1.15pm-2pm

Enchanting performances with the Cathedral Choral Scholars.

➜ canterbury-cathedral.org

Summer Song Recitals

Happy & Glorious, Burgate

Thu 6 June | 6.30pm-8.30pm

A celebration of the glorious summer season! Explore the store, enjoy drinks and nibbles and join in a dried flower posy workshop.

➜ happyglorious.co.uk

Evensong marking the 80th Anniversary of D-Day

Canterbury Cathedral

Thu 6 June | 5.30pm

A special service of remembrance and honour, that will be followed by the lighting of a beacon on Tankerton Slopes at 9.15pm.

➜ canterbury-cathedral.org

Thirsty Bstrd Solo Show

Lilford Gallery, Palace St

Fri 7-Sun 23 June

Quirky, satirical art from the Parisian visual artist, using spray paint, stickers and videos and humour.

➜ lilfordgallery.com

Pride screening: My Own Private Idaho Curzon Canterbury Westgate

Fri 7 June | 6pm

A special showing of Gus Van Sant’s haunting tale starring River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves.

➜ curzon.com/venues/canterburywestgate

Pride Lite

Whitefriars Square

Sat 8 June

A fun, mini version of the big event in the heart of Whitefriars

➜ whitefriars.co.uk

Pride Canterbury

Pride Parade: Saturday, 11am: enjoy the unique atmosphere of the Pride Parade from Westgate Towers to Dane John Gardens, with live music, special characters, local groups and more!

Sat 8-Sun 9 June

Pride Festival: a weekend of family-friendly LGBTQ+ celebration in Dane John Gardens: four stages, 70+ stalls, food and drink, children’s rides and more.

➜ pridecanterbury.com

Canterbury’s Aphra Behn (1640-1689): Literature’s Best-Kept Secret

Special Exhibitions Room, The Beaney

Sat 8 June-Sun 18 August

Exhibition and activities celebrating the astonishing life and achievements of a 17th century Canterbury superstar: spy, playwright, poet, translator and fiction-writer..

➜ canterburymuseums.co.uk/the-beaney

Check details and prices with venues before you travel.

Canterbury Postcard & Collectors Fair

Westgate Hall

Sat 8 June &, Sat 24 August | 8am-5pm

Paradise for fans of vintage postcards, stamps, antiques, toys, books, coins and more!

➜ westgatehall.org

Flook at Folk In The Barn Gulbenkian Arts Centre

Sun 9 June | 7.30pm

Flook’s innovative sound takes Irish and English traditions to bold, imaginative places with technical virtuosity and intuitive interaction.

➜ thegulbenkian.co.uk

Canterbury Cathedral Film Club Canterbury Cathedral Lodge AV Room

Sun 9 June, Sun 14 July, Sun 11 August, Sun 8 September | Films start at 2pm

Visitors to the Cathedral, as well as Cathedral Lodge guests, are all welcome to watch films from Poor Things to Neptune Frost free of charge (donations welcome).

A

Day Exploring The Gardens At Canterbury Cathedral

Mon 10 Jun | 10.15am-5.30pm

Includes a talk by the Cathedral’s gardening team, a fascinating look at Archive and Library items, a hot lunch and afternoon tea

➜ canterbury-cathedral.org

Film Club: A Canterbury Tale

Curzon Canterbury Westgate

Mon 10 June | 6pm

The film is followed by a lively discussion of the 1944 comedy mystery. Can you spot scenes filmed in the High St, Rose Lane and The Buttermarket?

➜ curzon.com/venues/canterburywestgate

The Wind In The Willows

Canterbury Christ Church University

Wed 12-Sun 15

June | 7.30pm-10pm

(also 2pm-4.30pm Sat 15 June)

Based on Kenneth Grahame’s much-loved classic, a fabulous musical comedy for all ages with beautiful songs and a heartwarming message of friendship.

➜ canterbury.ac.uk/events/2024/wind-inthe-willows

Precincts and Gardens Tour

Canterbury Cathedral

Thu 13 June, Thu 20 June & Thu 27

June | 11.15am–12.30pm

Discover traces of the monks who lived here, and explore the beautiful gardens created over centuries.

➜ canterbury-cathedral.org

Cocktail Masterclass with The Midnight Muddler

Happy & Glorious, Burgate

Fri 14 June | 7pm-9pm

Make three delicious cocktails using local produce and spirits, and learn insider tips and tricks along the way from an experienced mixologist

➜ happyglorious.co.uk

Organ Festival Recitals

Canterbury Cathedral

Fri 14 June, Fri 21 June, Fri 5 July | 7.30pm

Enjoy recitals by renowned concert organists.

➜ canterbury-cathedral.org

Annual Summer Party with 3-Course Dinner & 7-Piece Band

Canterbury Cathedral Lodge

Fri 14 June | 6.30pm-11.45pm

Pimms in the Campanile Garden followed by dinner, petit fours, a band, a disco and bar, all against the spectacular backdrop of the Cathedral.

➜ canterbury-cathedral.org

D-Day Commemoration Concert

The Nave, Canterbury Cathedral

Sat 15 June | 6pm

A stirring celebration of the songs of WWII with The Central Band of the Royal British Legion.

➜ canterbury-cathedral.org

Pilgrim’s Way Challenge 2024

Dover – Canterbury - Wye

Sat 15 June | Start times vary Book ahead, choose from three distances, lace up your walking boots and enjoy a challenging but rewarding hike through rolling fields and pretty villages a for a great cause. (See p52).

➜ pilgrimshospices.org/event/pilgrimsway-challenge-2024

Refugee Week 2024: Home

Chapter House, Canterbury Cathedral

Mon 17 – Sun 23 June

An interactive exhibition exploring what ‘home’ means to those who have had to flee theirs.

➜ canterbury-cathedral.org

Britten: Spring Symphony

Canterbury Cathedral

Sat 22 June | 7.30pm

An exciting programme of rarely performed but exhilarating works from the 20th century.

➜ canterbury-cathedral.org

Canterbury Gin Fling

The King’s Mile

Sat 22 June | 12pm-3pm

Sample and learn about some of the finest gins from Kent and further afield in a fun trail along Canterbury’s artisan quarter.

➜ instagram.com/thekingsmilefling

Voodoo Room – A Night of Hendrix, Clapton & Cream

Westgate Hall

Sat 22 June | 7.30pm-11pm

Book your seats for this ‘Power Trio’: Voodoo Room features top-class musicians for a highenergy night.

➜ westgatehall.org

CanterburyCantataTrustCelebratory Event

Colyer-Ferguson Hall, Gulbenkian Arts Centre

Sat 22 June | 7.30pm

The Trust promotes caring through singing, and their inspiring work is celebrated in this uplifting concert that brings all their singing groups together.

➜ thegulbenkian.co.uk

Mystical Market

Westgate Hall

Sat 29 June | 10.30am-4pm

A day of all things other-worldly, including tarot readings, stalls and more with live music and food.

➜ westgatehall.org

Canterbury Orchestra: Mendelssohn & Mendelssohn

Colyer-Ferguson Hall, Gulbenkian Arts Centre

Sun 30 June | 7.30pm

A celebratory concert centred around the Violin Concerto, with Floriane Peycelon on violin and Cora Hewitt, Canterbury Festival Young Musician 2023, on recorder.

➜ thegulbenkian.co.uk

Wimbledon Big Screen Whitefriars Square

Mon 1-Sun 14 July

Watch the thrills and spills of the tennis on a huge screen in Whitefriars, with food and drink stalls at hand.

Summertime Dried Flower Wreath Workshop

Happy & Glorious, Burgate

Mon 1 Jul | 6.30pm-8.30pm

Create a beautiful floral wreath using dried flowers that will last for decades.

➜ happyglorious.co.uk

Here You Come Again

The Marlowe Theatre

Tue 2-Sat 6 July | 2.30pm & 7.30pm

Iconic songs from an iconic woman: enjoy all of Dolly Parton’s biggest hits together in one fabulous new musical comedy.

➜ marlowetheatre.com

Wimbledon Screen

Whitefriars Square

Wed 3-Tue 16 July

Relax and watch the tennis action on comfy deckchairs and bean bags, with a bar and food stall on hand for crucial refreshments.

➜ whitefriars.co.uk

The Canterbury BID Medieval Pageant & Trail 2024

Sat 6 July | 11am-5pm

A raucous day of medieval mayhem for all the family! Watch the knights, musicians, characters and giants make their merry way through the city, then take part in the family trail with a host of fun themed activities around the city in the afternoon.

➜ canterburybid.co.uk/canterburymedieval-pageantk

An Officer And A Gentleman

The Marlowe Theatre

Mon 8-Sat 13 July |

2.20pm & 7.30pm

Based on the award-winning 80s movie with a soundtrack featuring the songs of Madonna, Bon Jovi, Blondie and more.

➜ marlowetheatre.com

101 Dalmatians

The Marlowe Theatre

Tue 16-Sat 20 July | 2pm & 7pm

Faye Tozer from Steps is Cruella de Vil in this new musical that stages Dodie Smith’s classic tale in spectacular style.

➜ marlowetheatre.com

Lipstick On Your Collar Kent College

Fri 19 July | 7.30pm-10.30pm

A rocking evening of back-to-back hits from the 50s and 60s with over 40 classics performed by a full live band with brilliant vocals and harmonies.

➜ canterbury.co.uk/events/lipstickonyour-collar

Check details and prices with venues before you travel.

Canterbury City Show

Dane John Gardens

Sat 20-Sun 21 July

A fun weekend celebrating the city, with jazz in the park, classic cars, workshops, local food and drink and more.

➜ canterburycityshow.co.uk

Botanical Dyeing Workshop

Happy & Glorious, Burgate

Mon 22 July | 6.30pm-8.30pm

Learn to make fabric dyes using petals, leaves and extracts in this fascinating workshop.

➜ happyglorious.co.uk

Sister Act

The Marlowe Theatre

Tue 23-Sat 27 Jul | 2.30pm & 7.30pm

The brand new production comes to Canterbury with a fabulous cast and uplifting songs inspired by Motown, soul and disco.

Top Secret - The Magic of Science

Malthouse Theatre

Sun 11 Aug | 2.30pm

Action-packed, interactive science experiments in a fun family show packed with mystery and mess.

➜ malthousetheatre.co.uk

The Marlowe Sessions

The Studio, The Marlowe Theatre

Fri 16-Sat 24 Aug

Theatre on screen: the plays of Canterbury’s famous son shown in their entirety for the first time in 400 years, with Dominic West, Talulah Riley and more.

➜ marlowetheatre.com

bOing! International Family Festival 2024

Gulbenkian Arts Centre

Sat 24-Sun 25 Aug

Pack up your picnic for the 10th anniversary of the fun family festival and enjoy indoor and outdoor shows, events and activities for all ages including the LuminiMax Luminarium.

➜ thegulbenkian.co.uk

➜ marlowetheatre.com

Worth The Weight Vintage Kilo Sale

Westgate Hall

Sun 28 Jul | 10am-4pm

Buy vintage, retro and branded fashion from the 60s to the 90s by the kilo – as little or as much as you want.

➜ westgatehall.org

Grease The Musical

The Marlowe Theatre

Mon 9-Sat 14 Sep | 2.30pm & 7.30pm

A thrilling new version of the beloved musical, bursting with classic hits, grit and glamour and brought to life by a dynamic young cast.

➜ marlowetheatre.com

Great Stour RiverFest

Westgate Gardens and around the River Stour

Sat 14-Sun 22 Sep

The annual celebration of our beautiful river starts with a fair on Sat 14 Sep, followed by a week of activities including bulb-planting, walks, litter-picks and the Duck Race!

➜ canterburybid.co.uk/great-stourriverfest-2024

Canterbury’s Cooking

Dane John Gardens

Fri 20-Sun 22 Sep

Food-focused family fun, with kitchen theatre, kids’ entertainment, live music, workshops, street foods and craft stalls. Come along and tuck in!

➜ zoomevents.co.uk/canterburyscooking-a-festival-of-food-and-drink

Check details and prices with venues before you travel.

Discover one of the UK’s only remaining in situ Roman pavement mosaics and a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

Built within the remains of an original Roman town house, visitors can wander through the marketplace and discover hidden treasures as you step back, and down, to the streets of Roman Canterbury.

Open daily 10am to 5pm

Butchery Lane, Canterbury CT1 2JR canterburyromanmuseum.co.uk

A summer of sports

Sponsored by Matches Canterbury

It’s an action-packed summer of sport this year! Germany hosts Euro 2024, The Olympics spring to life in Paris and there’s a fantastic feast of major events across the globe in tennis, golf, rugby and more.

Here’s your handy guide to what’s on when, all shown live in Matches Sports Bar & Social

2024 UEFA European Football Championship -

Euro 2024

Fri 14 Jun – Sun 14 Jul

• Germany

➜ uefa.com/euro2024

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup

Sun 2 Jun –Sat 29 Jun

• USA & West Indies

➜ t20worldcup.com

Men’s Test Series v West Indies Men

Wed 10 Jul – Tue 30 Jul

• Lord’s | Trent Bridge | Edgbaston

➜ ecb.co.uk

Men’s Test Series v Sri Lanka Men

Wed 21 Aug – Tue 10 Sep

• Emirates Old Trafford |

Lord’s | The Kia Oval

➜ ecb.co.uk

European Athletics

Championships 2024

Fri 7 Jun – Wed 12 Jun

• Rome

➜ roma2024.eu

Summer Olympic

Games 2024

Wed 24 Jul – Sun 11 Aug

• Paris

➜ olympics.com/en/ paris-2024

Summer Paralympic Games 2024

Wed 28 Aug – Sun 8 Sep

• Paris

➜ olympics.com/en/ paris-2024/paralympic-

games

Rugby League Women's & Men’s Challenge Cup Finals 2024

Sat 8 Jun

• Wembley Stadium ➜ rugby-league.com

Tour de France

Sat 29 Jun – Sun 21 Jul

• Italy & France

➜ letour.fr

Tour de France Femmes (Women’s Race)

Mon 12 Aug – Sun 18 Aug

• Rotterdam & France

➜ letourfemmes.fr

The Championships, Wimbledon

Mon 1 Jul – Sun 14 Jul

➜ wimbledon.com

The Open

Sun 14 Jul – Sun 21 Jul

• Royal Troon

➜ theopen.com

Formula 1 2024 British Grand Prix

Fri 5 Jul – Sun 7 Jul

• Silverstone Circuit

➜ formula1.com

Women’s Open

Wed 21 Aug – Sun 25 Aug

St Andrews

➜ aigwomensopen.com

US Open

Mon 26 Aug – Sun 8 Sep

• New York

➜ usopen.org

SORTED!

CATCH ALL OF THE ACTION ACROSS 3 FLOORS AT MATCHES SPORTS BAR & SOCIAL. FIND US ON BUTCHERY LANE.

The hilltop church that watched Canterbury grow

St Martin’s: The Grandmother Church

Hidden away on a hilltop in Canterbury stands the oldest continuously used church in the English-speaking world. St Martin’s Church dates from 580 AD as the private chapel to Queen Bertha of Kent, however, the original walls could be a lot older.

The city of Canterbury looked far different to how it does now, yet high over the city stood this small church watching quietly throughout history. It had to be expanded in 597 to fit St Augustine and his men and thus predates the Abbey and the Cathedral earning its nickname as the ‘Grandmother’ church.

The history of the church has never stopped. It saw the Norman conquests and managed to survive the clutches of the Reformation. The English Civil War meanwhile saw its windows shot out. The church remains fairly unchanged having undergone just two major renovation periods (1300s and 1800s) and continues to welcome visitors through its ancient doors.

➜ martinpaul.org/stmartin

Did You Know?

• The Norman Font inside the church dates to the 12th century!

• The ‘Squint’ is a small window near the church entrance, it was used because some people were expected to attend church standing outside and looking in.

• A Chrismatory (a tiny container for holy oils) dating from the 14th century was found in the ceiling. It’s thought to be one of two of its age left in the country.

Can You Spot?

• The beams on the ceiling are a mix of Victorian machine-cut wood and leftover medieval beams – the gnarlier the wood the older it is!

• The original Roman walls still have the remains of an old door visible both inside and outside the church.

• On the old Font, pilgrims have etched into the stones. These are often small marks and crosses but hidden amongst them is a small cat face and also a Victorian heart.

You don’t have to go far in Canterbury to explore its rich history. Travel back through the city’s ages by visiting its many significant landmarks:

ST DUNSTAN'S CHURCH, LONDON ROAD

Founded in the 10th century, the church was later rededicated to St Dunstan, Archbishop of Canterbury. Two significant events attract visitors from around the world. In the 12th century Henry II walked barefoot from here to the cathedral in penance for the death of Thomas Becket. After Sir Thomas More’s beheading in the 16th century by order of Henry VIII, More’s daughter brought his head back from London. It lies in a vault beneath the church.

The gardens were gifted to Franciscan Friars on their arrival in Canterbury in the 13th century. Restored in 2000 to reflect the Friary’s practical and spiritual planting, the gardens are a hidden haven, with an organic wildflower meadow, herb garden and cutting flower area. The Gardens are currently closed but you can still visit their lovely shop.

➜ franciscangardens.org.uk

ST THOMAS' CHURCH, BURGATE

St Thomas of Canterbury, also known as St Thomas Becket, is the patron saint of this 19th century Roman Catholic church. After the destruction of his shrine in Canterbury Cathedral under Henry VIII, some relics survived and can be seen today in St Thomas’ Martyrs’ Chapel.

➜ stthomasofcanterbury.com

➜ dunstanmildredpeter.org.uk

ST MILDRED'S CHURCH, CHURCH LANE

The only surviving pre-Norman church inside the city walls and one of only a few Anglo-Saxon churches in Kent, St Mildred’s was dedicated to Mildred, Anglo-Saxon Abbess and daughter of Ermenburga, a Princess of Kent. Mildred was declared a saint after her death, around 732. Like St Martin’s, the church has been visibly built up through the ages.

➜ dunstanmildredpeter.org.uk

ST PETER’S CHURCH, ST PETER’S STREET

Thought to have been rebuilt by St Augustine and his men on the original Roman site, St Peter’s is considered one of only six remaining medieval churches in Canterbury. In 1448, Henry VI established the Mayoralty of Canterbury and the mayormaking service was held at St Peter’s. The mayoral mace and sword rest have been at the church since 1660 and many of the city's past mayors are buried here. ➜ dunstanmildredpeter.org.uk

FRANCISCAN GARDENS, ST PETER’S STREET

With the sun coming out and the weather heating up, now is the perfect time to get outside and explore the wilder side of Canterbury! As the River Stour flows through the heart of the city and the lush nature surrounding it, why not learn a little about who takes care of it?

Emily Davies works for the Kentish Stour Countryside Partnership. Her main role is creating and restoring ponds with landowners for Great Crested newts along with the follow up survey work. She also surveys rare chalk streams for our native Crayfish, delivers outdoor education, advises on school nature areas and assists landowners with planting and maintaining trees. We caught up with Emily to find out more about her work.

What initially drew you to become a river expert and advocate for its wildlife and health?

With a background in wildlife conservation through university, I was mostly interested in wildlife ponds and health. Freshwater is one of the most threatened resources in the world so it's important to keep it healthy, it allows for an abundance of species with loads of wildlife value.

With summer just around the corner, what are some exciting wildlife sightings or experiences people can look forward to along the riverbanks?

From May to July, mayflies will emerge, looking a bit like fairies on the water. Photographers really look forward to Mayfly Day. Beavers will be busy building their homes. If you are looking for some, keep an eye out for willow trees or wait for dusk time when they might swim by.

Tell us about a memorable encounter you've had while monitoring the river's health. Any surprising discoveries?

There have been special moments, like my first time finding something in person. We call them chocolate buttons, but they are river bugs and have only ever found them in two places in Kent.

As temperatures rise, many folks are itching to get out on the water. What tips do you have for ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for both humans and wildlife?

If people are going to use the river recreationally, they should always check that it is safe for human health, especially in low water level zones. Please also take all your litter home with you after. Make sure not to disturb the river banks and vegetation.

Do you have any fun facts about the River Stour?

The River Stour is one of about 200 chalk streams in the world. Anything you see in the stream is likely very rare nationally and we should be very thankful to get to see that.

Cadice (caddisfly) fly are little animals that build their own shell and they have glass or pottery to themselves.

For those interested in getting involved with river conservation efforts, what are some ways they can contribute or volunteer their time this summer?

We have quite a lot of river cleans where we do litter picking – email kentishstour@kent.gov.uk They can also get in touch to be part of our river fly monitoring programme which helps tell if the water quality monitoring - citizen science programs. Learn more from kentishstour.org.uk

Lastly, if the river could speak, what secrets or stories do you think it would share about summers past?

I went to a really cool seminar last autumn all about eels. Quite a lot of towns have the word ‘eels’ in the name, and it was based on the amount of eels people ate. Eel numbers have declined globally but there’s still an eel population in the Stour.

Activities by the River

CYCLE DOWN GREAT STOUR WAY!

Join the cycle route from Whitehall Road and enjoy the view.

TRY KAYAKING, CANOEING OR STAND UP PADDLE BOARDING

Canoe Wild offers a variety of fun experiences that get you up close and personal with the River Stour with locations in both Fordwich and Grove Ferry Picnic sites. And no need for a car! There are both train and bus options to get to their sites. ➜ canoewild.co.uk

BECOME A WILDLIFE EXPERT

Head to The Beaney to collect the guide to the Stour’s ecosystem including plants, insects, fish, mammals and birds. Spot all the featured flora and fauna in the guide while learning fun facts about the surrounding area as you explore.

ENJOY A TOUR OF CANTERBURY FROM THE WATER

Canterbury is known for its amazing collection of river tours from rowboats to punting! Hop on a boat at Westgate Punts next to Westgate Towers for a tour full of blooming flowers and greenery. Or if you fancy learning more about the city’s medieval past, venture to the King’s Bridge to sign up for Canterbury Historic River Tours And if you are in the mood for enjoying a drink while cruising down The Stour, The Canterbury Punting Co offers a lively atmosphere while exploring local wildlife on their punts.

Did you know?

• The River Stour flows 51 miles from its source near Lenham (9 miles East of Maidstone to its mouth in Pegwell Bay National Nature Reserve near Sandwich).

• The beaver population in the area has been slowly growing since the early 2000s, after going extinct in the 1600s! Otters are also making their way back and are occasionally sighted near Canterbury..

GREAT STOUR RIVERFEST

Get involved in the annual celebration of our beautiful river this September! It’s a fun, fascinating event, starting with a fair in Westgate Gardens on the opening Saturday, followed by lots of community activities including bulb-planting, walks, litter-picks and of course the legendary Duck Race!

Sat 14-Sun 22 Sep Westgate Gardens and around the River Stour

➜ canterburybid.co.uk/great-stourriverfest-2024

Based in the heart of Canterbury, Tiny Tim’s Tearoom is a characterful building with an olde-worlde feel. A popular spot where you can while away an afternoon and sample a range of delicious sweet treats, pastries and cooked meals, and a brewed-to-perfection pot of your tea of choice .

Offering a quintessentially British ambience, Tiny Tim's is great for intimate lunch gatherings with friends and family. The tearoom suits all tastes with savoury treats like a full English breakfast, fishcakes, soups and the chef’s signature quiche served alongside handmade cakes, scones and other baked goods. Tiny Tim’s highly popular afternoon tea is served all day, comprising sweet and savoury delights including finger sandwiches, as well as freshly baked scones and a choice of tea or coffee from the extensive range.

Marlowe Kit

The Cathedral Quarter

The Castle Quarter

Curzon Cinema

Guided Tours

West End

Canterbury city centre has free Wi-Fi access Riverside

Dog friendly Canterbury

Ann Walker-Parry, Owner of Glory Dogs Grooming and Petcare, Canterbury

➜ glorydogs.co.uk

If you’re a dog-owner like me, you aren’t keen on going out for the day without your furry friend! Canterbury is a beautiful city that happily is becoming more and more dog-friendly. And as dog lovers we can help to make it even better.

If you’re thinking of visiting Canterbury with your dog, here are some tips for making it an enjoyable and stress-free trip for everyone.

PLAN AHEAD

If there’s a particular attraction you want to visit, check out their website or call ahead and ask if they’re dog-friendly.

Bring a Doggie Survival Bag tailored to your dog. Contents: enough food for 2-3 meals per dog, a couple of bottles of water, portable dog bowl, poop bags, cleaning wipes. calming wipes, 1 or 2 favourite toys and treats. Towels and a mat with blankets are also a great idea. You’ll see why you might need these things in the next section!

ETIQUETTE

Out and about: keep your dog on a lead. It’s safer for everyone and it also prevents any unexpected incidents between dogs.

Not all dogs are good with crowds of people so if it looks like your dog is not enjoying it, head off and find somewhere bit quieter.

INSIDE BUSINESSES

Exercise first: take your dog for a long walk beforehand and ensure that your dog has done all the necessaries.

In shops: always look for a ‘DogFriendly’ sign or sticker. If there isn’t one just pop your head in and ask if your bestie can accompany you.

IN PUBS AND RESTAURANTS:

• Don’t allow your dog on the furniture (chairs, benches and especially the tables).

• Keep them entertained – this is where their favourite toys, food and treats come in.

• Use the blanket or mat for your dog to sit on so they are comfy on the floor.

• If your dog is barking excessively, head out and have a picnic in one of Canterbury’s lovely parks or try one of the many venues with outdoor seating.

• Strolling the city: if you see some friendly-looking dogs, make sure you check with their owners before your pooch goes bounding over. Ask: “are they ok to say hello?”

IT’S THE LAW!

Remember dogs need to have two forms of identification when in a public place: microchipping and a collar with a tag.

Allowing your dog to be ‘dangerously out of control’ is against the law on private property, as well as in public.

SHOPS

The Chinashop, Burgate ➜ thechinashop.co.uk

Mountain Warehouse, The Parade ➜ mountainwarehouse.com

Trespass, High Street ➜ trespass.co.uk

Metro Bank, St George’s Street ➜ metrobankonline.co.uk

Edinburgh Woollen Mill ➜ ewm.co.uk

PUBS

The Thomas Becket, Best Lane ➜ thomas-becket.com

CAFES

The Wilding Eatery, Mercery Lane ➜ instagram.com/ thewildingeatery

No.35 Cafe, St Margaret’s Street ➜ cafeno35.co.uk

Lost Sheep Coffee ➜ lostsheepcoffee.com

Eleto Chocolate Cafe ➜ eleto.co.uk

The Dolphin, St Radigund’s ➜ facebook.com/dolphincanterbury

The White Hart ➜ whitehart-canterbury.co.uk

The Unicorn Inn, St Dunstan’s Street ➜ unicorninn.com

The Thomas Tallis ➜ thethomastallisalehouse.co.uk

The City Arms Inn, Butchery Lane ➜ thecityarmsinnpub.co.uk

Cosy Club (bar areas), St Margaret’s Street ➜ cosyclub.co.uk

The Drapers Arms ➜ drapersarmscanterbury.co.uk

EXPERIENCES

Canterbury Guided Tours ➜ canterburyguidedtours.com

Canoe Wild ➜ canoewild.co.uk

Curzon Westgate has Dog Day Afternoons: weekly screenings to bring your good boy or girl to, with lowered sound and tasty treats. ➜ curzon.com/dogdays

Canterbury Cathedral & Shop ➜ canterbury-cathedral.org

RESTAURANTS

Pho, Burgate - they allow dogs up to the first floor too! ➜ phocafe.co.uk

Bill’s, Rose Lane - they have a special doggo menu and tasty treats ➜ bills.co.uk

Wildwood, St Peter's St - allowed in the outside area ➜ wildwoodrestaurants.co.uk

Life's a picnic

A picnic can be whatever you want it to be - lavish or simple, full of music and mayhem or a peaceful getaway. Shopping for your perfect picnic is a piece of cake in Canterbury, with a huge choice of local food, drink and alfresco essentials.

To prepare for National Picnic Week from Saturday 15 to Friday 21 June we’ve put together some ideas to show how this timeless tradition can rise to any occasion:

nationalpicnicweek.co.uk

Special Occasion Picnic

Anniversary coming up? Big birthday? Treat yourselves and order a filled hamper from M&S in Rose Square. Add sumptuous slices of cake from Tiny Tim’s in St Margaret’s St, served on an exquisite cake stand from The Chinashop in Burgate for a luxury dessert. Lay it all on a gorgeous Harris Tweed picnic blanket from Sowley in St Peter’s St and set the scene with ‘Congratulations’ bunting from Happy & Glorious in Burgate.

Kids’ Birthday Picnic

Pizza is a picnic party pleaser - fussfree and a fun way to share food. Call ahead to Franco Manca in the High St and they’ll whip up a multiple order to go; head around the corner to Sumo Donuts in Palace St to collect super-cool donut desserts (they do big birthday donuts to order too) and then on to T4 in the High Street to pick up a tasty bubble tea for each guest. Work off the sugar hit with a game of Flying Disc from Whirligig Toys in Sun St.

Sustainable Picnic

Enjoy a planet-friendly picnic: go preloved, plastic-free and locally sourced. The Refillery in Sun St sells Kentish food and drink from honey to cider. Corkk in Burgate specialises in fine English wines, many from local vineyards, and Paxton & Whitfield in Sun St offers a delicious variety of Kent cheeses. Check Canterbury’s brilliant charity shops such as Age UK in St Peter’s St for picnic-friendly plates, mugs and rugs.

Painting Picnic

Painting and picnics pair up perfectly. You’ll find compact art sets, pocket pads and fold-up easels in Cowling & Wilcox. Pre-order sushi from Mister Miyagi in Orange St and pair it with a light beer from The Foundry BrewPub in Stour Stthey’ll pour it in your own container for you (Chilly’s Bottles from Wrapped! in Burgate are great for this). Mountain Warehouse in The Parade has folding chairs, mats and cool bags to pack everything in.

Old-fashioned Picnic

Transport yourself in time and create a glorious vintage picnic! Select hot pasties and filled rolls from The Cornish Bakery in The Parade, then hop over to Bird & Blend in The Parade for delicious Rose Lemonade iced teas to go. For a classic sweet treat, choose a scrumptious selection of crumbly fudge from Roly’s Fudge in Mercery Lane. Lay it out on a gorgeous tartan fleece from Edinburgh Woollen Mill in Burgate to complete the scene!

Teddy Bear’s Picnic

Pretend picnics are just as much fun as real ones, especially when you have hungry teddies and dolls to feed. Little ones will love the beautiful tin tea set from The Elves & The Shoemaker in Burgate, perfect for hosting Benji Bear and his friends from Moo like A Monkey in Palace St. Kids can make superrealistic food for the picnic at Smile Labo in Palace St, or dish out the lovely tactile play food available in Fenwick’s toy section.

PERFECT PLACES TO PICNIC

Take your moveable feast to Westgate Gardens or Solly’s Orchard in the city, or venture further afield to the coast. In Herne Bay, Memorial Park, Waltrop Gardens and Reculver Towers are lovely spots. In Whitstable, Tankerton Slopes and Duncan Down offer fabulous views. ➜ Find out more at canterbury.co.uk/see-and-do

Cats of Canterbury 41

Get Cosy at the Canterbury Tails Cat Cafe

Venture into the heart of Canterbury for this paws-itively adorable experience! Meet furry feline friends rehomed from situations where they could no longer stay into a cosy life of cuddles, toys and public adoration. Enjoy plant-based cakes and bakes with seasonally-themed drinks while you’re there. 8yrs+. Booking required. ➜ canterburytails.co.uk.

Go Cat Spotting in the Cathedral Gardens

In 2022, The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral, the Cathedral’s fan club since 1927, commissioned Benn Swinfield, Cathedral mason, to model and carve a gift for the Very Reverend Dr Robert Willis on the occasion of his retirement. Dean Robert had been the chairman of The Friends throughout his time in Canterbury. Taking inspiration from the Dean’s love of cats, the Dean’s cat Monkey was the subject chosen for the carving. The maquette of the cat was gifted to the Dean and the original carving is in the Friends’ Garden in The Precincts - can you spot him?

Happy Birthday Bagpuss!

Did you know that the iconic British television star, Bagpuss, was born in Canterbury and has just turned 50? This fuzzy little guy provides joyful nostalgia for many generations of British children and can be visited at The Beaney Museum of Art and Knowledge. ➜ canterburymuseums.co.uk/the-beaney

Meet Griffin, Canterbury’s Roaming Cat

Did you know that Canterbury has its kitty icon? Griffin has become infamous as an adventurous little friend who loves exploring all that Canterbury has to offer. With over 4000 followers online, the Galivanting Griffin group on Facebook allows the kitty’s owner to keep track of him through daily posts. Group members capture his mischievous escapades including trips to the university library, joining strangers for drinks at the pub and even taking himself to the vet!

Four-legged Pilgrims

With pilgrims flocking to the Cathedral since the murder of Thomas Becket in 1170, Canterbury has long been the epicentre of many historic paths, tracks and trails. And now that most visitors travel to Canterbury by road or rail, these lesser-known rural routes provide a wealth of opportunities for cyclists, hikers, and dog walkers.

For those of us with four-legged friends in particular, these paths represent the chance to escape the monotony of our daily walk, experience some new scenery, and enjoy some of the sensations that ancient travellers must have felt as they approached Canterbury.

Certainly we don’t have to delve too deeply into history to realise that pilgrims on these same paths included archbishops, kings, and queens, alongside more modest folk. Nor is it too great a leap to imagine their thrill at glimpsing the Cathedral after what may have been weeks or even months of precarious travel.

Naturally the major pilgrimage routes flow from ports like Dover and Folkestone; as well as from British centres like London and Winchester. But there are three particular walks that you and your four-legged friends may enjoy a little closer to the city.

Chilham – Harbledown: The first route covers the latter stages of the Pilgrims Way, travelling through Chilham and Chartham Hatch, before dropping down into Canterbury from Harbledown.

Patrixbourne – St Augustine’s Abbey: The second suggested trail is a section of the North Downs Way, walking from the direction of Patrixbourne and entering Canterbury from the south-west by the ruins of St Augustine’s Abbey.

Crab and Winkle: And finally, the much-loved paths incorporating Clowes Wood and the old Crab and Winkle Railway Line provide the chance to approach Canterbury from the direction of Whitstable, including a fine view of the Cathedral from the University of Kent campus.

There are many canine lovers among our own staff at Girlings Solicitors. Like other devoted dog owners, we also value these paths as a way to explore some of Kent’s fabled countryside without wandering too far from the city.

Our keen understanding of the local landscape and history, together with a sense of being rooted in the business community, is reflected in the way we understand and respond to the needs of our clients across East Kent.

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Canterbury’s big birthdays

Canterbury Festival: 40th anniversary

From its classical roots, back in 1984, The Canterbury Festival has grown to become an essential part of our cultural calendar, bringing in big international performers, nurturing local talent and supporting some of today’s top TV names before they were famous, including Sarah Millican, Tom Allen and Michael McIntyre.

For 2024, the festival celebrates its 40th birthday in spectacular style, with a diverse programme of classical concerts and eclectic gigs, theatre, circus, talks, family events, science and more, from Saturday 19 October to Saturday 2 November.

This year’s highlights include Tenebrae, The Shires and the BBC Big Band’s 100th anniversary celebration of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue.

Canterbury Festival’s community activities reflect its commitment to engaging and supporting local young people in the arts, such as the Young Musicians’ Bursary Competition, Schools’ Poetry Competition and The Clayground Collective - this year at bOing! in August (see What’s On pXX). Check their website to see what’s coming up!

➜ canterburyfestival.co.uk

bOing!: 10 years old

Gulbenkian Art Centre’s bOing! festival is celebrating ten years of summer bank holiday fun! The freeto-enter family festival takes place over Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 August with shows and activities from talented UK and international artists for all ages.

Take a picnic, a blanket, family and friends and enjoy live music, circus shows, fun workshops, Cool Science, puppets and much more - including the ever-popular Luminarium. Some events are free, others are ticketed: check the website to plan ahead!

bOing! is passionate about creating a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere. There are specific performances and film screenings for neurodiverse audiences, venues are wheelchair accessible and audiences are encouraged to respond to performances and enjoy the festival in their own way.

➜ boingfestival.com

Images from left to right: Tom Allen at Canterbury Festival, BBC Big Band at Canterbury Festival, bOing! Luminarium.

Bagpuss: 50

‘The most important, the most beautiful, the most magical, saggy old cloth cat in the whole, wide world’ celebrates his big 50 this year. Created by Peter Firmin and Oliver Postgate in their studio just outside Canterbury, the classic TV show ran for just 13 episodes in 1974 but gained huge popularity, was beloved by generations and topping a BBC poll as the favourite British children's programme of the 20th century.

You can visit Bagpuss at The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge in the High Street, along with his friends Professor Yaffle, Madeleine the Ragdoll, Gabriel the Toad and the mice from the Mouse Organ. Head to ➜ canterburymuseums.co.uk/thebeaney

Westgate Hall: 10 years old

This year marks ten years since the beautiful refurbishment and reopening of Westgate Hall, ‘Canterbury’s village hall’. The building itself has been at the heart of Canterbury’s community for over 100 years, built by public subscription as a Drill Hall for the Territorial Army in 1912. This community ethos continues today, as a welcoming, inclusive space to hire for events such as the much-loved Westgate Hall Market, showcasing Kent’s makers and artists; Canterbury Wine Festival, Canterbury Festival performances, local business networking, live gigs, Bemix Discovery Catering pop-up cafes and more.

2024 highlights at Westgate Hall include a fabulous Mystical Market, Vintage Kilo Sale, Local Makers’ Market, Salsa-Asi classes and Canterbury Record Fair. Do you have an event coming up? A special birthday, a fundraiser, an awards ceremony or wedding reception? The friendly Westgate Hall team are always happy to chat! Visit their website for more details.

➜ westgatehall.org

One Pound Lane

First built as an extension to the Westgate Towers gaol in the 19th century, The Pound’s has served as the city’s police station and music school. Today the iconic building sees the 10th anniversary of its remarkable transformation into the buzzing heritage complex enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.

Its refurbishment, begun in 2014, revealed many original features and finishes and introduced contemporary British design to the interior. The Pound now houses an uber-cool bar complete with atmospherically restored cells, a gastropub, museum and tower-top viewpoint, escape room, posh karaoke and cocktail masterclasses. Visit The Pound’s website for more details and booking.

➜ onepoundlane.co.uk

Westgate Hall

Weddings

Let's celebrate

Accessible facilities Westgate

Carlos Dominguez | Tekaani Media

Photography:

SAY HELLO TO BETTER HEARING

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Pedal power

Get on your bike in and around Canterbury

It’s fun, it’s planet-friendly and the only fuel required is your energy! Whether you’re already a committed bike fan or thinking of cranking your cycling up a gear this year, there are lots of ways to get out and about around Canterbury on two wheels this summer.

THE CANTERBURY BIKE RIDE 2024: SUNDAY 21 JULY

A fabulous opportunity to hop on your bike and explore one of three beautiful routes (short, medium and long) between Canterbury and Dover; as well as support charity partners Kent MS Therapy Centre and Canterbury Hellfire Wheelchair Rugby. Entry includes a medal and hot meal. Route fees are: under 16s £20, short route £30, medium and long routes £40. ➜ canterburybikeride.co.uk

THE CRAB AND WINKLE WAY

A popular cycling route, suitable for most abilities, The Crab and Winkle Way follows the old 19th-century railway line between Canterbury West station and Whitstable. It’s a mostly traffic-free trail, seven miles long, that takes you on a journey through some of East Kent’s loveliest spots, including Blean and Clowes Woods.

➜ explorekent.org/actvities/crab-and-winkle-way

Bicycle outlets

CYCLES UK, ST GEORGE’S LANE

Right by the bus station next to Whitefriars, Cycles UK is your one-stop shop when it comes to branded electric and non-electric bikes. With popular cycle workshops run by their professional mechanics, they’ll help with all types of bike issues from punctures to full services.

➜ cyclesuk.com/canterbury-store

THE CANTERBURY BIKE PROJECT

Set up to promote and support cycling in the community, particularly amongst young people, The Canterbury Bike Project is a notfor-profit organisation in Kingsmead. They offer maintenance workshops, subsidised services and repairs and training courses, along with a small supply of bikes for loan or sale.

➜ thecanterburybikeproject.co.uk

The Canterbury Bike Ride weekend features a brand new walking event for 2024: ‘Walk Canterbury’, with a choice of routes through the city and surrounding countryside. See p53 for details.

Best foot forward

Long walks to lift body and spirit

A good walk is mood-lifting, energising and can reveal lots of hidden gems along the way. Make a day of it with these hearty treks around Canterbury via villages, countryside and coasts.

THE PILGRIMS WAY CHALLENGE:

SATURDAY 15 JUNE

£50 entry (£40 before 27 May)

Enjoy the rural beauty of one of England’s oldest and least-trodden national trails in support of Pilgrims Hospices. It starts from Dover, via the North Downs Way through rolling fields and charming villages to Canterbury. Then, onward via the Pilgrims Way and scenic Stour Valley to the picturesque village of Wye.

Along the way, you’ll pass through ancient woodland, orchards, and fields, as well as a few challenging climbs. Choose Canterbury to Wye (25km); Dover to Canterbury (35km), or Dover to Canterbury and on to Wye (55km). Visit the link below for full details. ➜ pilgrimshospices.org/event/pilgrimsway-challenge-2024

WALK CANTERBURY: SUNDAY 21 JULY

Adults £25 | U16s £15

A brand new part of the Canterbury Bike Ride 2024 weekend (see p50), Walk Canterbury is a choice of short, medium and long routes that take in the Cathedral, the city; the Stour Valley Way; Wickhambreaux and Elham Valley, depending on your adventure levels!

All routes begin at Canterbury Rugby Club and are approx 8km, 19.5km and 26km long. Walkers get a route map with local historic information and a medal and food at the end of the walk. Visit the link below for full details.

➜ canterburybikeride.co.uk

VIA FRANCIGENA

Self-guided walk

The Via Francigena is the medieval pilgrimage from Canterbury to Rome, as travelled in the 10th century by the city’s Archbishop Sigeric. It attracts thousands of people of all faiths every year.

The first stage, between Canterbury and Dover, is a very popular route in itself, taking about eight hours or so to walk the 31km. It begins at the ‘zero milestone’ in Canterbury Cathedral’s south precincts and passes through Christchurch Gate into the city and along Burgate. Look out for the brass markers embedded into the pavements which lead pilgrims out of Canterbury. The route takes in St Augustine’s Abbey and St Martin’s Church and the beautiful North Downs Way, onto the road to Shepherdswell and finally Dover.

You can purchase ‘Pilgrim’s

Passports’ at The Beaney and the Cathedral shop, and have them stamped along the way. Canterbury Cathedral’s website is a rich source of information about this and many other pilgrim routes: visit canterburycathedral.org to delve further.

➜ british-pilgrimage.org

➜ viefrancigene.org

Canterbury Cathedral Lodge is a unique hotel situated in the city centre of Canterbury. The Lodge is renowned for its stylish and comfortable accommodation, that boasts the best views in Canterbury, overlooking the idyllic Canterbury Cathedral.

Rates start from £105 per night for a double or twin room, with breakfast and complementary Cathedral entry included. Dine on a

or pop in for a

Get into the right gear

There are plenty of places in Canterbury to get kitted out before you set off on a trail, whether it’s on bike or foot:

The Running Outlet, Burgate Specialists in personalised fitting: book a gait analysis for your perfect shoe.

➜ runningoutlet.co.uk

JD Sports, Whitefriars

Trending styles and exclusive brand releases for the seriously stylish sportsperson.

➜ jdsports.co.uk

Skechers, Whitefriars

Super-comfortable

athletic footwear, with innovations like Hands Free Slip-ins™.

➜ skechers.co.uk

Trespass, High St

Premium gear and knowledgeable advice for humans and dogs alike!

➜ trespass.co.uk

Golding Surplus, Palace St

Military surplus and new military-quality goods, for trekking and morekids’ sizes too.

➜ goldingsurplus.co.uk

Rohan, Palace St

Protective, light, packable and versatile fabrics for everyday and expeditions.

➜ rohan.co.uk

Sports Direct, Whitefriars

Big names and budget brands: a huge range of clothing, footwear and equipment.

➜ sportsdirect.com

Blacks, Burgate

From sturdy boots to performance outerwear, clothing for every trail and terrain.

➜ blacks.co.uk

Mountain Warehouse, The Parade

In-house and branded products that are practical, funky and great value.

➜ mountainwarehouse.com

We are thrilled to unveil the launch of our new Brasserie Abode sharing menu!

To celebrate, please enjoy 10% off your total food bill when you present this voucher. Available 7 days a week between 12pm - 9.30pm this voucher is valid until 31st October 2024

Travel in the city

Local bus services

Canterbury district is served by Stagecoach South East buses, based at Canterbury City Centre in St George’s Lane CT1 2SY.

Check times, fares and more at stagecoachbus.com or download the Stagecoach Bus App.

Park & Ride

Park all day for just £4 per car with up to six passengers, then hop on one of our frequent, low emission buses direct to Canterbury city centre. Plus, by registering online, Canterbury district residents can now save 20% across our Park & Ride services and enjoy all day parking for only £3.20. Our three Park & Ride sites are:

• New Dover Rd CT1 3EL

• Wincheap, Ten Perch Rd, CT1 3TQ

• Sturry Rd, CT1 1AD

For more details visit canterbury.gov.uk/parkandride

Parking

With Canterbury’s new colour-coded car park bands, you can easily plan your journey to avoid congestion and pay less. Plus residents can now save 10% in all ANPR car parks in bands 2 and 3 with a parking permit account.

Here are a few insider tips to help you find cheaper parking spots:

If you plan to visit Canterbury through its original mediaeval gateway in the St Dunstan’s area, park at Station Road West for £1.90 per hour (band 3) and walk through the Westgate Towers like visitors have done for centuries.

For those wishing to start their visit with a trip to the Creative Quarter, or The King’s Mile, you will find parking at £2.70 per hour at Northgate Car Park (band 2) and a lovely walk past some of our finest independent retailers.

And finally, why not park right next to Canterbury Castle and enjoy a walk through the Castle Quarter with plenty of shops to visit and quick access to some of our premium retailers – Castle Street multi-storey charges £1.90 per hour (band 3).

For further details visit canterbury.gov.uk/parking

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