Canterbury Cathedral

Canterbury Cathedral has a tradition of visitor welcome that reaches back to the days of Medieval pilgrimage. Today its beauty continues to enchant and inspire, attracting visitors from all over the world.
The Cathedral's history dates back to 597AD when St. Augustine, sent by Pope Gregory the Great, arrived as a missionary.

He became the first Archbishop and established his seat (or 'Cathedra') in Canterbury. In 1170 Archbishop Thomas Becket was murdered in the Cathedral and ever since, the Cathedral has attracted thousands of pilgrims, as told most famously in Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales.

The Cathedral houses a Romanesque Crypt, dating back to the 11th Century, a 12th Century early Gothic Quire and a 14th Century perpendicular Nave. Beautiful Medieval stained glass windows illustrate miracles and stories associated with St.Thomas. The Cathedral, along with the tranquil ruins of St. Augustine's Abbey just outside the city walls and the ancient St Martin's Church form one of Britain's handful of World Heritage Sites.

Group hospitality, including first class accommodation, is available in the stunning brand new conference centre, immediately next to the Cathedral.
Just 20 minutes from the Dover Cruise Port by coach.

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Tour Suggestions
Half a day:
• Canterbury's World Heritage Site - Canterbury Cathedral, St. Augustine's Abbey, St. Martin's Church
• Chaucer's Canterbury - Canterbury Cathedral and The Canterbury Tales Visitor Attraction

A full day:
• Above combined with Canterbury's brand new shopping centre 'Whitefriars', a river tour on the river Stour, and/or a walking tour.
• Kent 'The Garden of England' - Kent's oldest cathedral city, Canterbury, together with one of Kent's most beautiful gardens, Goodnestone Park Gardens
• Castles and Cathedrals - Canterbury Cathedral combined with one of the following,Walmer with its enchanting gardens
• Walmer Castle - the elegant residence of the Lord Wardens of the Cinque Ports
• Dover Castle - including the Secret Wartime Tunnels
• Leeds Castle - known as 'The Loveliest Castle in the World'