We love London, it’s one of our favorite places to visit, but we also enjoy the small older medieval historic cities in England. There is nowhere quite like Canterbury when it comes to history and culture. If you are searching for beautiful escape where you can enjoy scenery, shop at independent shops, explore the heritage and rich culture, be inspired by the architecture, and enjoy a wonderful day or night out, then Canterbury is for you. We only had one pre cruise day here and would have loved to stay longer, there was so much to see but even if you only have a day here do it, you will enjoy it. This medieval walled city has been hosting pilgrims from all walks of life for more than 1,000 years and this is one of the prettiest but busiest little villages we have seen.

Just under 1 hour’s train journey from London by train, Canterbury is one of the most popular destinations in the world with the famous Canterbury Cathedral. It’s also home to three Universities this city is a melting pot for creativity with vibrant nightlife and events all year long. Canterbury Cathedral’s role as one of the world’s most important pilgrimage center is linked to the murder of its most famous Archbishop, Thomas Becket, on 29 December 1170. Canterbury Cathedral, is one of the oldest and most famous Christian structures in England and we had planned on taking a tour of it but the day got away from us and it closed early.

We also got to experience Canterbury’s unique history from a different angle on a 40 minute guided river tour. The tour guides take you under the King’s Bridge, one of the oldest working road bridges in Britain, up towards the hidden serenity of the Greyfriars’ Island, once the home to the Franciscans, one of Canterbury’s many religious orders. As you journey back downstream, you pass by sites such as the sixteenth century Old Weavers’ house as well as our replica ducking stool, an infamous part of England’s long and turbulent history. The wide flat boats weren’t very comfortable but our guide was incredibly knowledgeable about every spot along the way, telling funny stories but we had that one person who has to try to be funnier than the guide on our boat. He handled it very well and we were able to learn about the area with a few jokes in between.

We were joined on this trip by my sister Sheila and my nephew Shaun and we all had a fabulous day but very tired from jetlag and visiting this wonderful city and walking all day it was time to take the train back to Dover for some dinner and bed. The guys left earlier for us to have some time shop (of course) they were ready for the hotel and a nap and we assured them we would be fine, how hard could it be to find our way back to the train station? It was such a quick walk to town from the train but after shopping for a little while we got a little turned around, ok a lot turned around!! Thankfully everyone here spoke English, and were able to give us directions but it seemed we were going around in circles trying to avoid some steep hills on the way back. Soon we found the train station just as the train was pulling out, leaving for Dover, so we found a bench and relaxed waiting for the next one.

We all slept very well that night and a helpful hint to avoid jetlag. When you check into your overseas hotel the day you arrive from the airport, and tempted to jump in that bed and get a nap, don’t. Drop your bags, go sightseeing, have dinner and go back to the hotel early to get a good night sleep. When you awake the next morning your inner clock should be on local time now and hopefully you should be refreshed and ready to go!