Visit canterbury group guide 2016 by Visit Canterbury

Getting Here The Canterbury district has excellent road links with the M20 (M25/M26) and M2 motorways providing easy links from London and its airports. Rail links from St Pancras will whisk you to Canterbury in just under an hour. Other central London stations to Canterbury are Victoria and Charing Cross. Canterbury is also approximately 30 minutes drive from Dover and 20 minutes by rail from Eurostar/Ashford International. Canterbury Coach Park is approximately a 10 minute pleasant riverside walk from the city centre. The coach park is easily accessible from the main routes into the city with parking machines accepting credit cards and cash. Toilets including disabled, baby changing facilities and water point are available.

Canterbury Visitor Information Based in the Beaney we provide a wealth of information ensuring your visit to Canterbury is both successful and fulfilling. It’s also a great place to purchase quality souvenirs, books and local products. Euros are accepted. Contact details below.

Group Guide 2016 www.canterburygroups.co.uk

Our trained staff can assist with: • Information about Canterbury and the surrounding areas • Tickets for top attractions • Guided tours of the city • Provide an extensive range of maps and guides

Canterbury Visitor Information

The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge (ground floor) 18 High Street, Canterbury, Kent CT1 2RA Tel +44 (0) 1227 862 162 E-mail canterburyinformation@canterbury.gov.uk www.canterbury.co.uk www.canterburygroups.co.uk www.conferencecanterbury.co.uk Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/visitcanterbury Follow us on Twitter @enjoycanterbury www.twitter.com/enjoycanterbury

Top attractions

Guided tours

Accommodation

Restaurants

Travel Information

Canterbury Cathedral

Canterbury District Index Welcome to the district of Canterbury, a beautiful corner of Kent that encompasses the city of Canterbury, the coastal towns of Herne Bay and Whitstable and beautiful surrounding countryside. Canterbury is less than an hour’s train journey from London and a 30 minute drive from Dover port and the Eurotunnel so it is perfectly located for a day visit. But with so much to see and do in the area it is worth staying for longer. Canterbury is a popular destination for groups as it is steeped in history and offers a perfect blend of old and new with its enchanting cobbled streets and medieval buildings sitting comfortably with the more modern architecture and shopping centre. Canterbury Cathedral is the highlight of any visit and offers a whole host of options for groups including private tours, workshops and behind the scenes tours. Canterbury Cathedral, along with St Augustine’s Abbey and St Martin’s Church, form the Canterbury World Heritage Site. The city is easily explored on foot; take a guided or audio tour or rest your feet and enjoy a river tour along the River Stour. With other attractions including the very popular Canterbury Tales and four museums, a thriving retail hub and countless pubs, cafes and restaurants, Canterbury is packed with excitement and interesting things to see and do. Much of the surrounding countryside is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Head north of Canterbury to the coast

and discover Reculver Towers, the site of a Roman Fort built to guard the Wantsum Channel that once divided Thanet from the rest of Kent. To the west of Reculver Towers are the seaside towns of Herne Bay and Whitstable. Herne Bay is a hive of activity in the summer months. Visitors can enjoy traditional fish and chips or an ice cream as they soak up the sun while walking along the promenade in this very traditional seaside resort. Whitstable has a distinctive character making it a popular tourist destination. Famous for its oysters, Whitstable’s maritime history is celebrated with the annual Whitstable Oyster Festival which continues to grow in popularity. A lovely working harbour, charming cafés, pubs, great restaurants and many individual quaint shops all serve to make this town so special. This brochure details key attractions that can cater for groups as well as accommodation and places to eat. We look forward to welcoming you to the district of Canterbury.

Canterbury Attractions Tours

3-4

Museums

5-6

Wildlife Parks, Gardens and Vineyards 7-8 Sport & Activities Theatre Accommodation

9-10 11-12 13

Restaurants, Cafés and Pubs

Travel Information

For further information, please visit our website www.canterburygroups.co.uk or contact Canterbury Visitor Information on +44 (0) 1227 862 162 email: canterburyinformation@ canterbury.gov.uk Published January 2014 by the Tourism Team. Canterbury City Council cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this guide and accepts no responsibility for any error or misrepresentation. All liability for loss, disappointment, negligence or other damage caused by the reliance on the information contained in this guide, or in the event of the bankruptcy or liquidation of any company, individual or firm ceasing to trade, is hereby excluded. Please check carefully all prices and other details before making your visit.

Front cover image: Hector Zenil

1 For more details visit www.canterburygroups.co.uk

Opening times

The Precincts, CT1 2EH Tel: +44 (0)1227 762 862 Email: visits@canterbury-cathedral.org Web: www.canterbury-cathedral.org The Cathedral offers a wide variety of facilities for groups, from guided tours, private evening tours, audio tours and audio-visuals in several languages to lectures, choir workshops/recitals and `behind-the-scenes` tours to the Cathedral archives, library, stained glass studio, stone conservation workshop, vestry or organ loft. Programmes can be tailored to meet the group’s

interest, budget and available time. The Cathedral also provides high-calibre resources and support for educational groups from primary schools to universities, enabling them to interpret the building and enhance the quality of their visit. Specialist subject matters range from history and architecture to art, religion and tourism.

St Augustine’s Abbey

explain the abbey’s historical and religious significance enabling you to catch a glimpse of what this glorious building may once have been like.

* Last entry half an hour before closing time. Please note the cathedral is a working, living church and regularly closes for special services and/or events. Always check opening times before travelling.

Group rates Group rates per person (pre-booked) Adults £9 Students aged 18 to 24 years old £8.50 Students / children under 18 £7 Primary schools £4 Secondary School Groups £6 For costs of additional facilities such as guided tours, audio tours and workshops, please contact the Visits or Schools Office.

Please telephone or visit website for opening times and group rates.

Group Rates Groups of 11+ people receive a 15% discount. Free entry for coach driver and tour leader.

The tour lasts approximately 90 minutes. Minimum of 11 people and a maximum of 30 people. Four weeks advance booking required.

The Canterbury Tales

Opening times

St Margaret’s Street, Canterbury CT1 2TG Tel: +44 (0) 1904 261 262 Email: groups@continuumattractions.com Web: www.canterburytales.org.uk The Canterbury Tales brings to life five of Chaucer’s best loved stories with tales of love, romance, jealousy and trickery, vividly re-created with all the fun and excitement of the original tales. Set inside the former St Margaret’s Church, this stunningly accurate reconstruction of 14th century medieval England provides the backdrop for a journey of discovery as you experience

9am to 5.30pm* 9am to 5pm* 12.30pm to 2.30pm*

Opening times

Longport, Canterbury CT1 1PF Tel: 01227 767 345 Email: customers@english-heritage.org.uk Web: www.english-heritage.org.uk/staugustinesabbey Group tours are available to one of the oldest monastic sites in England. Highlights include the grave of St Augustine and four Anglo-Saxon Kings of Kent, beautiful atmospheric remains of the impressive and important monastery that include the crypt, various chapels, the nave and cloister, as well as an impressive view of the city of Canterbury. Your guide will

Weekdays Summer Winter Sunday

the sights, sounds and smells of this bygone era. Costumed characters add lively interaction – who will you meet? Group benefits: Discounted admission prices * Free admission for coach driver and group leader * Free familiarisation visit for group organiser * Packages and joint tickets with other attractions * Workshops and demonstrations (additional fee) * Free Adult ratio

March to June 10am to 5pm July to August 9.30am to 5pm September to October 10am to 5pm November to February 10am to 4.30pm

Group Rates Please telephone or visit website for group rates.

For more details visit www.canterburygroups.co.uk 2

Canterbury Historic River Tours Kings Bridge, High Street, Canterbury CT1 2AT Tel: +44 (0) 7790 534 744 Email: info@canterburyrivertours.co.uk Web: www.canterburyrivertours.co.uk This multi award winning guided tour provides a truly entertaining experience for visiting groups and is perfect for all ages worldwide. From their convenient city centre location, only a short distance from Canterbury’s coach drop off points, their tour combines an enjoyable light hearted commentary on some of Canterbury’s finest architecture with outstanding views of natural scenery. The tour is

Canterbury Tourist Guides Ltd

Opening times

also officially accredited by Visit England, who in 2014 nominated the attraction for their ‘Best Told Story’ accolade. For senior groups, a special ‘Welcome to the City’ service is offered, where River Tour guides will meet senior groups for morning bookings and can offer them a free orientation tour of Canterbury whilst leading them to the tour’s departure point.

Punting Company

March 1 to November 10 (subject to weather and river conditions)

Daily

9.30am to 5.00pm

Advanced bookings accepted outside these hours.

Email for a range of special group rates. Free for group leaders/coach drivers. Free familiarisation trips for group organisers.

The scene is set from the moment you step into our authentic Edwardian waiting room. You will be guided by staff in full period uniform. Our river tours last approximately 45 minutes; whilst you pass several medieval buildings the punter tells you the exciting stories about Canterbury’s history.

will be told a series of short ghost stories which, when possible, seek to explain these supernatural manifestations. Sit comfortably on our spacious, cushioned seats and wrap up warm in our cozy tartan blankets.

1 March to 31 October Daily

special National Curriculumreferenced tours and can also guide pupils around the Roman and Canterbury Heritage Museums. We offer a variety of themes including the Romans, Medieval Life, Canterbury in World War II and famous local writers. We would be very pleased to discuss your specific needs, working with you to devise tours to suit your requirements.

The Westgate Towers Museum & Viewpoint

Opening times Water Lane, Canterbury CT1 2NQ Contact: Andrew Whitely Tel: +44 (0) 7770 893 850 Email: info@canterburypunting.co.uk Web: www.canterburypunting.co.uk

Christchurch Gate, The Precincts, Canterbury CT1 2EE Tel: + 44 (0) 1227 459 779 Email: guides@canterburytouristguides.co.uk Web: www.canterburyguidedtours.com Group tours led by qualified guides are available throughout the year if booked in advance. The route and theme of your tour can be arranged to suit your specific requirements and special interests. We can normally arrange tours in English, French, German, Dutch, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Swedish, and also clear English for non-native speakers. For UK schools we present

Group rates

Opening times

10am to 5pm

(For advanced bookings only) Daily 5pm to 8pm

1 Pound Lane, Canterbury, CT1 2BZ Tel: 01227 458 629 Email: westgatetowers@onepoundlane.co.uk Web: www.onepoundlane.co.uk

Group Rates Per person Per person for tours after 5pm

£5 £7

Free for group leaders.

Pre-booked guided tours available for the group’s requirements every day except Christmas Day.

Group rates Per person (pre-booked) Adults Senior Concessions Students Children under 12 yrs Minimum charge for groups

£7 £7 £7 £5.50 £70

Opening times Each day 11am to 4pm (Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day) Occasionally closed for special events.

For more information check our twitter @onepoundlane Open for over 100 years and set within the 600 year old iconic Westgate Towers, the museum houses a collection of exhibits from its rich history as a city gaol and offers the most stunning views of Canterbury in all directions from the battlements viewpoint.

Group Rates Groups of 15+ People on museum entrance 10% Discount (Please contact us for group bookings & educational visits)

We can accommodate up to 48 passengers over four boats.

Alternatively the haunted tour takes place after dark. You

Westgate Punts

Opening times Westgate Grove, Canterbury CT2 8AA Tel: +44 (0) 7816 760 869 Email: punting@hotmail.co.uk Web: www.crnc.co.uk Escape the crowds on your own traditional, chauffeured punt and experience the tranquility and beauty of Canterbury’s Great Stour River.

unspoilt countryside.

Boats depart from Westgate Bridge, winding through the delightful Westgate Gardens, past Whitehall Meadows and Bingley Island (previously known as `binnan ea’ which is a 9th century Saxon word meaning `island in the river’) into the

Groups welcome, we can take 24 maximum at any time, larger groups can be accommodated prior notice required. ‘Simply the best!’

Alternatively, explore the ancient history and architecture of the city centre as you drift along the Roman-built canal.

3 For more details visit www.canterburygroups.co.uk

Mid-March to Mid-October every day. 10am till 6pm every day - later in summer.

Group Rates Per person Adults (15 years and over), Child (5 years to 14 years), under five years free. Trips available: Short - 35min (£9 adult £4 child) Long - 50min (£12 adult £6 child) Long city - 65min (£15 adult £6 child) Group discounts based on these rates are available, please enquire.

Canterbury Ghost Tour

Opening times

38 St Margaret’s Street, Canterbury CT1 2TY Contact: John Hippisley Tel: + 44 (0) 8455 190 267 Email: canterburyghosttour@gmail.com Web: www.canterburyghosttour.com An entertaining blend of history, humour and haunting amongst the old city. Tours can be arranged for groups of 15 to a maximum of 50+ during the day or evening but must be pre-booked. Tours and meal packages available.

Sunday to Thursday Tours available for pre-booked groups of 15+ people. Please call to organize a suitable time.

Group Rates (from April 1 2014) For 15+ up to 100 per group (Split into 2) Adult £9 Concession £8.50 Child £8.25 Less than 15 people Adult Concessions Child

£10 £9.50 £8.50

For more details visit www.canterburygroups.co.uk 4

The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge 18 High Street, Canterbury CT1 2RA Tel: + 44 (0) 1227 862 162 Email: museums@canterbury.gov.uk Web: www.thebeaney.co.uk The Beaney Art Museum & Library provides state-of-the-art exhibition galleries with excellent learning facilities and a varied progamme of interactive events. The Beaney is also home to one of Canterbury’s most famous artists, the Victorian animal painter Thomas Sidney Cooper. This collection is of national importance and spans the full range of Cooper’s work. Permanent displays include

over 1,000 objects with themes varying from Explorers and Collectors to People and Places. Collections span ancient Egyptian and Greek artefacts; objects from East Kent to around the world; birds and butterflies; stained glass windows; paintings and drawings, all of which are showcased in the permanent galleries alongside special exhibitions.

Canterbury Roman Museum

Roman silver. With hands-on activities for families including handling real objects, trying on Roman costumes and armour, Roman board games, a mini archaeological dig and a chance to make a mosaic. We offer a wide range of educational visits for British and foreign school groups and adults, including guided tours, object investigation sessions and interpreter-led workshops.

The Kent Museum of Freemasonry

9am to 5pm 9am to 7pm 9am to 5pm 10am to 5pm

Group rates Free Certain exhibitions may incur a charge. Tours, talks and activities including object handling, available at a charge. The Beaney is also home to Canterbury’s Visitor Information, a café and a shop.

Monday to Sunday

10am to 5pm Last entry at 4pm

Adult Group Rates For groups of 10+ per person Adult Concessions

£6.50 £5.50

Please telephone or see website for education rates and interpreter led sessions. It is best to allow parties to go around in supervised groups of 15; groups of 35+ will need to be split into smaller tours. Teachers and group organisers are welcome to make a preliminary visit free of charge.

city and the county there is plenty to interest you. You will find a comprehensive history of Freemasonry, from its inception through to the present time, with emphasis on Kent, its lodges and their origins. As well as themed displays such as Notable Kent Freemasons and Masonic Military Heroes, other topical exhibitions are hosted throughout the year.

5 For more details visit www.canterburygroups.co.uk

All year

Group Rates Free

Opening times

Stour Street, Canterbury CT1 2NR Tel: + 44 (0) 1227 862 162 Email: museums@canterbury.gov.uk Web: www.canterbury-museums.co.uk Discover the colourful story of Canterbury from prehistoric times to the present day as you explore one of England’s finest surviving medieval buildings. From mighty mammoth tusks and Anglo-Saxon and Viking treasures, to pilgrim badges and possible marble fragments of Thomas Becket’s tomb, this gem of a museum is packed full of history. It also includes a wealth of fun, hands-on

activities for all the family – from dressing up in historic costume to investigating medieval poo – and is home to the original Bagpuss and Rupert Bear.

£6.50 £5.50

Please telephone or see website for education rates and interpreter led sessions.

Please telephone or visit the website for opening times and more information.

Opening times

5 Oxford Street, Whitstable CT5 1DB Tel: +44 (0) 1227 862 162 Email: museums@canterbury.gov.uk Web: www.canterbury-museums.co.uk Discover the unique seafaring history of Whitstable, famous for its oysters, diving and celebrity residents! The Museum is packed with art, images, film and iconic objects; from a diver’s helmet and knife to the slippers in Cushing Corner, worn by the actor during the filming of Star Wars. The Gallery hosts a changing programme of national touring exhibitions and the cream of local and regional art.

Adult Concession

exhibitions featuring touring shows, local history displays and work by local artists. Events include creative workshops and special activities for schools and groups and fun hands-on activities for families.

Whitstable Museum & Gallery (10am to 4pm)

Group Rates

Opening times

12 William Street, Herne Bay CT6 5EJ Tel: +44 (0) 1227 367 368 Email: info@theseasidemuseumhernebay.org Web: www.theseasidemuseumhernebay.org From Dambusters to Floods, and Piers to Punch & Judy, this delightful museum and gallery has plenty of surprises under one roof. Displays include local paintings, prints and photographs, prehistoric elephant tusks and fossils from local beaches, coastal wildlife and a Barnes Wallis Bouncing Bomb prototype from World War Two. The art gallery has a programme of regularly changing temporary

Please see website for 2016 opening times.

We offer a wide range of educational visits for British and foreign school groups and adults, including guided tours, object investigation sessions and interpreter-led workshops.

The Seaside Museum, Herne Bay

Opening times

St Peters Place, Canterbury CT1 2DA Tel: + 44 (0) 1227 785 625 Email: masonicmuseum@btinternet.com Web: www.eastkentfreemasons.org/kent-museum-offreemasonry The Kent Museum of Freemasonry is a hidden treasure with a rare collection of exhibits of national and international importance and has one of the finest collections of Masonic material in the UK. Whether you are a curious browser looking for something interesting and unusual to do in Canterbury, a serious student of Freemasonry or simply interested in the history of the

Monday to Wednesday Thursday Friday and Saturday Sunday

Opening times

Butchery Lane, Canterbury CT1 2JR Tel: + 44 (0) 1227 862 162 Email: museums@canterbury.gov.uk Web: www.canterbury-museums.co.uk Explore Canterbury’s unique underground Roman Museum, built around the remains of a fine Roman house, complete with in situ mosaic floors and under floor heating system. Discover the story of Roman Canterbury; investigate the marketplace; enter the Roman kitchen and dining room and see some truly incredible finds including possible evidence of a Roman murder and a magnificent hoard of buried

Canterbury Heritage Museum

Opening times

Please telephone or see website for opening times, education rates and interpreter led sessions.

The Museum and Gallery is set in a delightful building dating back to the 1700s, with a lovely courtyard to sit in during the summer. It hosts a regular programme of drop-in ongoing activities for families as well as a traditional play shop and school desk. Contact us to book our Events Room for interpreter-led sessions or as a lunch venue. Teachers and group organisers are welcome to make a preliminary visit free of charge.

For more details visit www.canterburygroups.co.uk 6

Mount Ephraim Gardens Hernhill, Faversham ME13 9TX Contact: Will Dawes Tel: +44 (0) 1227 751 496 Email: info@mountephraimgardens.co.uk Web: www.mountephraimgardens.co.uk Mount Ephraim Gardens is set in ten glorious acres of stunning Edwardian terraced gardens against a backdrop of the beautiful Kent countryside. The elaborate and unusual topiary with a miscellany` of birds, animals and First World War memorabilia in clipped yew truly captures the imagination. The Millennium Rose Garden abundant with

Howletts Wild Animal Park

Opening times 27 March to 2 October: Wednesday to Sunday and Bank Holidays

11am to 5pm

£5

Howletts Wild Animal Park offers unique and fun filled days out for groups of all ages and sizes. See the world’s largest collection of western lowland gorillas and the UK’s largest herd of African elephants. Howletts is home to over 400 of the world’s most exotic and endangered animals including lions, tigers, black rhino, giant anteaters and many more. For a close encounter like no other, walk alongside and

scented roses and a traditional herbaceous border complete this stunning area. The gardens also feature a Japanese rock garden, water garden and lake, arboretum and a spectacular grass maze with a play area for children. It is a place of tranquility and charm so often lost in larger more impersonal gardens.

Barnsole Vineyard

Opening times Fleming Road, Staple, Canterbury, CT3 1LG Tel: +44 (0) 1304 812530 / 07770 482 883 / 07772 300 511 Email: vineyard@barnsole.co.uk Web: www.barnsole.co.uk Visitors are most welcome to the seven acre vineyard and winery. The first phase of plantings go back to 1993 with additional plantings added in 2012. Barnsole produces 15,000 bottles per year. We make and sell still white wine, still red wine and English sparkling wine directly from the winery door.

Bekesbourne, Nr Canterbury CT4 5EL Tel: 01303 264 647 Email: group@aspinallfoundation.org Web: www.aspinallfoundation.org/howletts

Group rates Groups of 10+ per person

Visitors can see how the vines are grown and the wine produced. Tastings are free. Or a more in depth tour can be enjoyed for a small fee.

Opening times

below our free roaming family of amazingly agile and lively lemurs at Walking With Lemurs. Or mimic the agile primates on the Treetop and Animal Adventure Challenge*. We’re also world renowned for our successful breeding programmes and commitment to conservation. Make your day extra special by booking talks, guided tours, team building activities and lunches. * see website for more details

Wildwood

April to October: Every day 10.30am to 5pm November to March: Monday to Sunday (Every day except Wednesdays) 10.30am to 4.00pm

Set in 40 acres of ancient woodland, Wildwood holds a stunning collection of over 200 British animals and natural enclosures. Wildwood Trust’s animals include badgers, foxes, otters, pine marten and red squirrels that have inhabited Britain for the last 10,000 years and animals that have been hunted to extinction in the UK, such as wolves, lynx and beaver. Learn

Entry and wine tasting is free. A one hour tour with the wine maker is £7 per person

about our conservation work helping to restore natural habitats and support endangered native species. There is an adventure playground and Wild Fort and an opportunity to meet friendly creatures in our Animal Encounters area. Group organisers are welcome to a free visit in advance either independently or to meet the education team and discuss plans for their day.

Druidstone

9.30am to 5pm

Group rates Minimum group size of 15 Adult (16+) Child (2 - 15 yrs)

£15 £13.50

(Children must be accompanied by an adult.)

Daily from 10am (closing times vary according to season)

Group Rates November to February March to October

£4 £6.50

Group rates are for a minimum of 10 people. Group rates are charged per person regardless of age.

Opening times Open all week for pre-booked groups

Honey Hill, Blean CT2 9JR Tel: + 44 (0) 1227 765 168 Web: www.druidstone.net Set in attractive gardens and woodland, Druidstone caters for all ages. The bluebell wood is part of The Blean, one of the largest and most distinctive areas of woodland in the south east and home to our herd of white fallow deer. Visit around Easter and enjoy the breath-taking display of bluebells in the woodland. Summer brings the budleja (butterfly tree) into full glorious flower. During autumn you can

7 For more details visit www.canterburygroups.co.uk

9.30am to 6pm

Opening times Herne Common, Herne Bay, CT6 7LQ Tel: Wildwood Education team Tel: +44 (0) 1227 712 111 Email: education@wildwoodtrust.org Web: www.wildwoodtrust.org

Group Rates

Summer: (last admission 4.30pm) Winter: (last admission 3.30pm)

Group Rates discover the woodland fungi and winter buds, whilst throughout the year rhododendrons, conifers and other well established shrubs and trees make the park a delight to visit.

Pre-booking required per person Groups of 20+ Playgroups and schools

£3.50 £3

The farmyard animals, including chickens, sheep, goats, llamas, ponies, a donkey and the naughty pigs are always keen to say ‘hello’.

For more details visit www.canterburygroups.co.uk 8

Thames Sailing Barge

Opening times Early spring to mid October

South Quay, Whitstable Harbour Tel: +44 (0) 771 1657 919 Email: admin@greta1892.co.uk Web: www.greta1892.co.uk Greta is an historic Thames Sailing Barge launched 120 years ago in 1892. Although Greta no longer carries cargo she still works providing Thames Sailing Barge day trips for individuals and groups of up to 12 people. You can now experience life on board Greta during a daily sailing trip that lasts approximately six hours. Sail through the Kentish Flats Wind

Canoe Wild

Opening times George & Dragon, King Street, Sturry, Fordwich CT2 ODB and Grove Ferry Picnic Site CT3 4BP Tel: +44 (0) 1227 469 219 Email: doit@canoewild.co.uk Web: www.canoewild.co.uk

Group Rates Please call regarding group rates

Farm out to the Red Sands WWII Army Forts or towards Herne Bay Pier, Reculver Towers and back to Whitstable Harbour. Alternatively take a relaxing sail up the River Swale, under Kingsferry Bridge and see the wreck of the USS Montgomery off the Isle of Sheppey. We often watch the seals and seal pups sunning themselves, or lazily playing in the shallow water.

Canoe Wild offers unguided canoe hire, guided tours, parties and courses for all ages along the picturesque River Stour.

before we give you a lift back. We provide an excellent environment for outdoor learning, suitable for all schools and youth groups.

We provide high quality bicycles, fully equipped including helmets, locks and maps of our local routes as well as helpful advice and guidance on the day. We provide bikes regularly for groups both large and small, from hen parties and Scout troops to a Swiss choir of 32 and a group of 116 Swedish health workers.

One way hire available; you can pick up and drop off your bikes at Canterbury, Whitstable or Herne Bay. We offer a high quality service requiring full details of the age, height and gender of each cyclist so that we can prepare the bikes in advance and have a named, numbered bike ready and waiting for each cyclist.

Kent County Cricket Club

Early morning and evening paddles can be arranged outside these times.

Group rates Please contact the office for prices.

Few clubs can claim the heritage that Kent can. Official histories register a Kent team playing in 1705, with the first recognized county game, between Kent and Sussex, taking place in 1728. Kent plays in the national competition, in the three different forms of the game with the county’s one day team known as the Kent Spitfires. The Club welcomes groups

Open for bookings: Monday to Friday Weekends We are open for hire: Daily

8.30am to 7.30pm 10am to 5pm

10am to 8pm

Group Rates Adult Child Tandem

£20 £14 £40

Opening times

The Spitfire Ground St. Lawrence, Old Dover Road, Canterbury CT1 3NZ Tel: +44 (0) 1227 456 886 Email: oliver.day.kent@ecb.co.uk Web: www.kentcricket.co.uk

9 For more details visit www.canterburygroups.co.uk

9am to 5.30pm

Opening times Incorporating Canterbury, Whitstable and Herne Bay Cycle Hire 61 Harbour Street Whitstable, Kent CT5 1AG Tel: +44 (0) 1227 388 058 Email: info@kentcyclehire.com Web: www.kentcyclehire.com

facebook.com/visitcanterbury

Discover the areas rich history dating all the way back to the Vikings, and the abundance of the wildlife, such as kingfishers, swans and marsh harriers along the river. At each end of the journey are great pubs and picnic site, where you can relax

Kent Cycle Hire

Tweet us @enjoyCanterbury with your favourite pictures taken during your visit

Every day

and school parties to the St Lawrence Ground; packages can be arranged to include food and drink, as well as tickets to a match. For school groups a teacher goes free. Groups can also be part of the great game and experience the fun and action of modern cricket. Learn to bat, bowl and field in a 90 minute session using the same facilities the professionals use.

Please call or visit website for match details

Group Rates 15 to 24 people 25+ people

10% discount 20% discount

Schools & clubs (age five to 16) 20+ people £5 with goodie bag £9 40+ people £5.50 with goodie bag £8.50 50+ people £4 with goodie bag £8 Cricket activity sessions (per person): One to 10 people £25 11 to 25 people £15 26 to 50 people £10

For more details visit www.canterburygroups.co.uk 10

The Marlowe Theatre

Horsebridge Whitstable The Friars, Canterbury CT1 2AS Contact: Sylvia Sims Box Office: +44 (0) 1227 862 254 Email: sylvia.sims@marlowetheatre.com Web: www.marlowetheatre.com The Marlowe Theatre is situated in the heart of historic Canterbury. Presenting a varied programme of events throughout the year, it offers the best in West End musicals, dance, drama, opera, orchestral concerts, comedy and children’s shows. It also presents an annual

11 Horsebridge Road, Whitstable CT5 1AF Box Office: +44 (0) 1227 281 174 Email: info@horsebridge-centre.org.uk Web: www.horsebridge-centre.org.uk This striking copper-domed roof building offers three versatile gallery spaces with new exhibitions weekly. It features works from local art societies from solo and international artists. There is also a large performance space area that hosts gigs and events every week and a café.

pantomime production that is one of the most popular in the South East. The Marlowe Theatre offers great facilities for group visits with an on-site restaurant offering a high quality and varied menu, meeting spaces, party nights and generous ticket discounts on most shows.