Be Inspired in Kent – A Tale of Two Cities
How did Canterbury help Keats recapture his Muse? Why do choosy shoppers love Rochester? Have a break in Kent’s cathedral cities and stir your imagination: fine dining, festivals and quality accommodation make for rich and diverse escape this summer.
Canterbury
In a very short while – just 90 minutes by train from London, for example – you can be strolling the narrow, cobbled streets of one of England’s oldest cities with a continuous history. Pilgrims, poets and scholars have all been inspired here, which is a perfect reason to stay for a cultural break.
There are so many different ways to get to know Canterbury: sauntering along the 14th-century city walls; with a picnic trip on a river-borne chauffeured punting excursion. As the heart of the city is traffic-free, a leisurely walk with a Green Badge Guide is ideal for discovering nooks and corners. Or glide away from the city centre with Canterbury Historic River Tours on the Stour, complete with light-hearted commentary bringing notable buildings and the past to life.
Of course, the catalyst for the city’s allure is the Canterbury World Heritage Site, the magnificent Cathedral, St Augustine’s Abbey and St Martin’s Church. From the moment St Augustine established his seat, or ‘cathedra’, here in AD 597, Canterbury was destined to be a place apart.
A visit to The Canterbury Tales, one of Kent’s most popular attractions, with its stunning reconstruction of 14th century England, is just like stepping into the Middle Ages. Inside the historic building of St. Margaret’s Church you can step back over 500 years to join Geoffrey Chaucer (England’s finest poet) and his colourful characters as they journey from London towards the shrine of St. Thomas Becket at Canterbury Cathedral and enjoy their medieval adventure stories.
Shops and restaurants flourish in lively cosmopolitan counterpoint to this absorbing heritage. The £140-million Whitefriars shopping quarter has over 70 famous name stores, and do dive down the maze of intriguing side streets to browse specialist emporia and art galleries, quirky fashion brands and charming memorabilia.
Rochester
It’s so enriching to see the world through different eyes and in Rochester that’s easy: Charles Dickens featured it in his writings more than any other town apart from London and whereas much of what he knew in the capital has vanished, it remains here and location spotting is a great way to exercise the brain cells.
Follow In Dickens’ Footsteps, a self-guided tour with leaflet and map leading to a dozen places the author loved. In The Guildhall Museum The Dickens Discovery Room uses a tabloid newspaper approach to present the author as one of the UK’s first real celebrities. It’s quick to be here, 45 minutes by rail from London for instance.
What a contrasting world, then, awaits in Rochester Castle, whose chequered history has encompassed three sieges and partial demolition during battle. It nevertheless remains one of the best-preserved examples of Norman architecture in England. Another twist of the heritage kaleidoscope and you’re in the peaceful surroundings of Rochester Cathedral, England’s second-oldest cathedral. People have worshipped on the site since AD 604 and the present building dates from 1080. A visit to nearby Dickens World is also a must. It has an assortment of attractions to keep everyone entertained and visitors will get the chance to come face to face with some of Dickens’ literary characters in their magnificent rendition of a Victorian town courtyard!
Retail therapy on the Victorian High Street is completely free of chain stores: your chance to buy those superb little treats, in antique, craft, gift and designer shops. There’s even an old-fashioned candy store as well as Baggins, the country’s largest second-hand bookshop – a superior haunt for magpies and bookworms!