Canterbury Hotels

Virginia Woolf claimed there is 'no lovelier a place in England' and upon setting foot in this charming and ancient town, you can see her point. The city has a remarkable history and heritage which is visible everywhere you look. Our Best Western hotel in Canterbury, the Abbots Barton Hotel, has been extremely highly rated. It sits peacefully amongst two acres of beautiful landscaped gardens. This comfortable yet impressive Canterbury hotel is the perfect residence for an enchanting and memorable short UK break.

Canterbury neighbourhoods

The surrounding area has been inhabited since prehistoric times and the city itself has remained important ever since, particularly during the seventh century when Augustine was made the first Archbishop of Canterbury. Ancient ruins are strewn across the settlement, including those of St Augustine's Abbey and St Martin's Church, which together form Canterbury's UNESCO World Heritage Site. Canterbury Castle also stands as a reminder to the city's history, but dominating the Canterbury skyline and something you simply must visit from your Canterbury hotel, is the Cathedral, one of England's foremost religious structures. The fact that Canterbury cathedral was the site of the bungled murder of Thomas Becket (1170) by the confused knights of Henry II, resulted in it becoming a place of pilgrimage for Christians all across the globe and it is not to be missed during a visit to the town.

Shopping in Canterbury

Although the city is known as a settlement steeped in tradition and culture, it is a modern, vibrant and cosmopolitan city. If you are one for quirky and different items and garments, head to King's Mile, perfectly located close to our hotel in Canterbury, where independent and alternative boutiques set the pace. The Whitefriars centre is a popular destination for those looking for quality brands and fashion items. The city centre is full of chic boutiques and quirky bureaus. The cosy and tightly-knit streets are full of welcoming cafes to accommodate tired shoppers. The Farmers Market is highly popular with locals and offers a wide variety of local produce and organic foods.

Eating and drinking in Canterbury

When Bagpuss finally rests his head and goes to sleep at Canterbury's Rupert Bear Museum, the rest of the city awakens. The city, despite being archaic and antiquated, is highly diverse in both community and cultural influences and has a very cosmopolitan food scene. If you're an Asian food fanatic, head to Bankok House on Church Street, a highly popular Thai restaurant with a great atmosphere and beautiful setting. If you prefer a more traditional flavour, perhaps more in keeping with the city's ambience, our hotel in Canterbury centre is surrounded by collections of cosy half-timbered pubs and eateries of a medieval style. For something fancier, Michael Caines' Champagne and Cocktail Bar mixes a mean drink, strong enough to have Professor Yaffle flapping his way back to his (no doubt posh) Canterbury hotel.

Culture and nightlife in Canterbury

Whisking you back to the days of Chaucer, horse-drawn carriages are always romantic sights as they clip-clop down the cobbled streets to an ornate hotel in Canterbury centre. The Gulbenkian Theatre based at the University of Kent, stages contemporary theatre as well as musical performances ranging from jazz to rock as well as stand-up comedy. The New Marlowe Theatre, named after Shakespeare's famous contemporary, Christopher Marlowe, is staging major productions as well as opera and rock concerts. Book a Best Western hotel in Canterbury to really explore this iconic and historic settlement. Staying here will ensure you a wonderful and memorable UK city break.

View Canterbury Attractions