It’s not been a summer to remember where holidays are concerned.
Through a combination of international travel restrictions and grimy British weather, countless Londoners have had their foreign trips and UK staycations spoiled by matters beyond their control.
It seems in the age of the Coronavirus, your best bet for an enjoyable break is a city break which is less likely to be destroyed by the elements – and one place 50 minutes from London really stands out above the rest.
READ MORE: Watch the moment a man cooks steak, ribs and corn on a barbecue on the London Overground
Most people in England have heard of Canterbury in one way or another.
A huge building operation won’t be needed in Reading – probably a good thing as Canterbury Cathedral (pictured) took 100 years
(Image: Hounslow Chronicle)
Famous for its medieval history and awe inspiring cathedral, the quiet city sits in the heart of East Kent and is absolutely choc full of things to do.
There’s been a settlement along the banks of the tranquil River Stour since the Roman times and as a result everywhere you look in Canterbury you’re bound to find history.
From Thomas Becket to Christopher Marlowe and latterly Orlando Bloom, Canterbury has always been at the forefront of English academic and religious tradition and as a result a journey through its cloistered city centre is like stepping back in time.
Huddled together against the bustling promenade, thatched and beamed houses loom over the traveller and the charming old medieval stone buildings are as commonplace as the tourists.
It’s less than an hour from London by train, so you don’t even have to brave any motorways!
(Image: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire)
In the centre of it all stands the city’s impressive Gothic cathedral which is well worth a visit for its gruesome past alone.
And if history isn’t your thing, there are plenty of shops and cafes to explore which are a far cry from the grim high rise shopping centres we’ve become used to in London.
But of course, no city break is complete without a trip to the local pubs and in this respect Canterbury is truly blessed.
Over 20 establishments are crammed into the city.
You can go punting through Westgate Gardens on a sunny summer’s day
(Image: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire)
Perhaps the pick of the bunch is The Parrot, a beautiful medieval pub with an atmosphere to die for.
Built on the foundations of an old Roman wall, the pub is considered a hidden gem by all in the city and is legendary for its quaint vibes and deceptively spacious garden.
How to get to Canterbury
Canterbury can be reached via train from Kings Cross St Pancras at a journey time of just over 50 minutes.
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Alternatively, it can be reached via the A13 and M2, following local signs to Canterbury.
This takes just under two hours.
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