Canterbury, ranked tenth among Britain's best cities by The Telegraph in 2024, failed to impress this first-time visitor. Despite its medieval architecture and rich history, the Kentish city felt ordinary, with high costs and a lackluster atmosphere.
Architecture and Culture
The city's cobbled streets and mix of Victorian and Gothic architecture offer a genuine sense of history. However, fast-food outlets and high-street chains in the centre undercut the historic feel. The narrow lanes in the city centre were the highlight—small but full of character—and the green spaces were decent.
The boat tour is worth doing, with guides sharing interesting stories about the city's past. But the city is compact; once you've seen the main sights, the streets start to blur together, and the medieval charm wears off quickly.
The Cathedral Letdown
The Cathedral visit was disappointing. A long queue and a £21 weekend admission fee felt steep, especially since parts of the building were closed for renovation.
Transport Troubles
Getting around was a challenge. The accommodation was a 20-minute walk from the centre, which was fine for the author but difficult for family members with health issues. The nearest bus stop was about the same distance as walking to where they needed to go. Taxis were no better, with waits of 30 minutes to an hour.
Nightlife and Atmosphere
Canterbury relies heavily on its student population for atmosphere. Visiting at the end of July, when students had gone home for the summer, the streets were almost empty on a Saturday evening. Bars and clubs had few customers, and despite bumping into three other hen parties, it felt like a ghost town. A few clubs had some life, but after 1am, everyone headed to McDonald's and called it a night.
The Telegraph's top 10 British cities list includes Bath, Wells, Bristol, Oxford, Edinburgh, St Albans, Cambridge, Ripon, Worcester, and Canterbury.
