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Located in the east of Kent, South East England, Canterbury is a town steeped in both famous history and culture. From its cathedral to the many historical buildings still in place today, Canterbury is a fascinating city to visit.

Dating back to the first century AD, Canterbury’s began to evolve quite significantly throughout the Roman period, which was the same time the city became known as Canterbury, rather than it’s previous Brythonic name, Cantwareburh.

Lying on the River Stour, many of Canterbury’s architectural structures from past years are still visible today, including the Roman city wall which was re-strengthed during the 1300’s. A great sight to behold, the history surrounding the city wall and it’s adjoining and protected buildings, such as St Augustine’s Abbey are extremely interesting and worth the visit to Canterbury alone.

Canterbury offers something for everyone and caters for all who visit. However, whilst there are many shopping precincts in the city – most notably Whitefriars, which went major redevelopment less than a decade ago, now playing host to a wide selection of popular high street brands Canterbury is most visited for its history and culture.

For history, Canterbury offers something from all major eras. From the Roman buildings to the First World War barracks, each notable time throughout history can be seen in Canterbury.

Visitors looking for culture in Canterbury won’t be disappointed. There’s a vast array of theatre’s and a thriving music scene, enjoyed by both locals and visitors alike. Canterbury’s primary theatre is the popular Marlowe Theatre.

Named after Christopher Marlowe, a famous Canterbury citizen, born during the Elizabethan period, the current Marlowe Theatre is the second to have existed in the City, originally located only a short walk away. Whilst the Marlowe Theatre is the main theatre in Canterbury, there are smaller venues, such as the Gulbenkian in the University of Kent and larger, but less frequented venues such as the Cathedral and the ruins of St Augustine’s Abbey.

The Canterbury music scene has been firmly established as a popular one ever since the 1970’s. Home to a variety of a progressive rock and avant-garde with a touch of jazz musicians, they became so popular throughout the 1970’s that when other musicians tried to replicate the similar image and sound, they were given the genre of ‘Canterbury Sound’.

Further to the actual music popular in Canterbury, it has hosted some major names including Led Zeppelin and Joy Division at everywhere from the Marlowe Theatre to the University of Kent.