Canterbury is establishing itself as a
leading Christmas market destination and launches its first outdoor ice-skating
rink this year with its traditional Christmas market which has doubled in size.
Thousands of shoppers flock to the city at
Christmas and visitors can immerse themselves into the festive season against
the picture-postcard backdrop of historic buildings and cobbled streets. A new downloadable
guide called Canterbury made for
Christmas has also launched this year making trips even easier with top
tips of where to go and what to do.
The traditional Christmas market has doubled in
size and will host nearly 70 wooden cabins lining St George’s Street and
Whitefriars shopping centre. The market opens from November 22nd –
December 24th and includes its biggest presence of local makers to
date. Shoppers can enjoy browsing
hand-made unique gifts, local food and drink, stocking fillers, jewellery and
items from around the world. The market is open Monday to Friday from 10am to
6pm, Saturday 9am to 6pm and Sunday 10am to 5pm.
Canterbury’s first ice skating rink Canterbury on Ice will be opening from
November 29th – January 1st in the pretty backdrop of Dane John
Gardens, close to Canterbury East train station. Expect music, festive food and
twinkling lights to complement the Christmas ambience.
The city’s retail offers a great mix of unique
independent shops with luxury high street brands. Shoppers can find that
perfect gift in a side street boutique or keep their wardrobe fresh with top
high street brands.
For shoppers looking for a boutique experience,
the city centre boasts 48% independent retailers. The King’s Mile and the
Cathedral Quarter are steeped in history and just a step away from the busy
high street where visitors can browse at a slower pace along some of
Canterbury’s oldest cobbled streets. Wander through the King’s Mile and the
Cathedral Quarter for stunning architecture of the King’s School and the
cathedral.
Here you will find an eclectic mix of
independent shops and traditional traders offering handcrafted jewellery, arts
and crafts, games and gifts as well as places to eat and drink. Don’t miss out
on seeing the 17th Century crooked house, also known as Sir John Boys
House, one of the most photographed historical buildings in Canterbury, and
mentioned in the novel David
Copperfield by Charles Dickens.
For those who would rather soak up the history
than shopping, walking tours can be booked where visitors can learn intriguing
facts about the fascinating city; from the murder of Thomas Becket at the
cathedral to its Roman trading routes. For thrill-seekers a ghost tour is a
great option to experience the city by night with haunting tales.
Celebrate the coming of Advent at Canterbury
Cathedral, one of the three sites that gives Canterbury its UNESCO World
Heritage status. A visit to Canterbury is an opportunity to join one of the
cathedral’s atmospheric celebrations of Christ.
From Dec 1st
– 24th, visitors are welcomed to join the cathedral services, which
includes lighting the first Advent candle, a family service with St Nicholas
and the ever-popular carol services up until Christmas eve.
Canterbury is easily accessible for a day trip
from the continent. The High Speed 1 train arrives in Canterbury West in just
under an hour from London St Pancras and the city is less than 20 minutes by
train and a 30-minute drive from the port of Dover and the Eurotunnel Le
Shuttle terminal in Folkestone.
Visit Canterbury’s Tourism Engagement Officer,
Kathryn Hearnden says:
“We are really proud of our city and what it has
to offer our continental visitors across the festive season. We look forward to
welcoming you to experience a Christmas experience Canterbury-style!”
Stay a little longer...
For weekenders, there’s plenty of accommodation offerings in and around
the city. Here are some top picks:
Stay at Kent’s Best Pub 2019, The Dog at Wingham. If offers outstanding
food, drink and rooms for overnight stays. Canterbury Road, Wingham, Canterbury CT3 1BB
Dating back to the 15th
Century, The Falstaff Hotel & Cocktail Bar is a short walk past Westgate
Towers in the city and offersstunning
rooms for B&B Accommodation. 8-12 St Dunstan’s Street, CT2 8AF
The West House in St Dunstan’s, is a short walk
from the city centre and offers free parking. These 1 and 2-bedroom apartments
styled with Danish BoConcept furnishings offering a contemporary stay. 36a
Whitstable Road, CT2 8DQ
The Gate Hotel holds prime position in the heart
of the city. Dating back to 1438, the historic Cathedral Gate Hotel is next to
the cathedral entrance and overlooks the pretty Butter market and cobbled
streets. CT1 2EH
Stay in the beautiful grounds of Canterbury
cathedral at the Cathedral Lodge – a unique and contemporary hotel with one of
the best city views! CT1 2EH.
Ends
Notes
to Editors:
Canterbury welcomes 7.8 million visitors per
year. Visit Canterbury is a non-profit partnership organisation whose aim is to
promote visitor attractions, restaurants, shops and continually promote Canterbury
as a top tourism City in the UK. Canterbury is a proud UNESCO world heritage
site – which is made up of
the collective Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine's Abbey and St. Martin's
church.
Key
Websites:
www.canterbury.co.uk For
key tourist information
https://bit.ly/2pET5mS For
downloadable guide
www.canterburyonice.co.uk For
ice-skating
https://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/ For
cathedral
For Press Images
and downloadable guide visit:
https://www.canterburybid.co.uk/christmas-in-canterbury/
Press
Contact:
Jodi Eeles -jodi@florescocommunications.co.uk / 07753 216 224