Canterbury punting/boat tours
You know summer is coming when the punting and boat tour companies appear along the riverbanks. There are several different companies that provide this so you have a wealth of choice. Sit and relax in a river boat floating down the rivers of Canterbury as a guide tells you all about the history of the city. Some also provide ghost tours of the rivers at night.
They are dotted all over Canterbury, but here are some are some websites for you to choose:
- Historic river tours http://www.canterburyrivertours.co.uk/
- Westgate Punts http://canterburypunts.uk/
- Canterbury Punting Company http://www.canterburypunting.co.uk/
The Curzon Cinema
If you want more of a modern cultural experience, the Curzon Cinema might be more what you’re looking for. The Curzon showcases a renowned programme of independent films from all over the world as well as showing live opera, ballet and theatre broadcasts. It also shows the latest box office hits. There is also a café and bar, the seats in the theatres also come in pairs, like a sofa, so you can share with a friend, this is not your average multiplex cinema.
https://www.curzoncinemas.com/canterbury/info
The Marlowe Theatre
Named after famous playwright Christopher Marlowe, The Marlowe Theatre is one of the most popular theatres in the south east of England. The Marlowe is host to many West End musicals, dramas, international opera and ballet, classical music, stand-up comedy, music gigs and pantomimes. Many famous faces have appeared on stage here, and there is always something exciting to look forward to.
https://marlowetheatre.com/
The gardens of Canterbury
It is a common misunderstanding that it rains all the time in England, we do get the occasional spot of sun. So when it is a nice day Canterbury offers many public gardens that are free for everyone to enjoy. So if you want to get off campus and chill in the sun with some friends there’s a wide selection for you to choose from. Here’s a few suggestions, but get out into Canterbury and discover for yourself.
- Westgate Gardens – on the outskirts of Canterbury city centre you don’t have to walk far to get this slice of nature. Sit by the river and watch ducks and the boat tours go past. Also check out the 200 year old Oriental plane tree (it is believed to be the oldest of its kind). Along the wall by the river are memorials to those that died in the Burma and Italian campaigns of the Second World War.
- Dane John Gardens – This is a historic park which dates back to 1551. These gardens are situated on the outskirts of the old city of Canterbury, you can still walk along the old wall that used to surround the whole city. The garden also includes a mound which historical records prove was there in the 1st century AD. The avenue of lime trees provide enclosure for the gardens and a sense of escape from the busy city.
- Abbotts Mill Garden – Once many water mills existed along the river in Canterbury. Now only the relics of the mill at Abbotts Mill remain. However in its place is a beautiful garden with a little bridge over the river, where you can enjoy the sounds of the waterfall in the lock.
By Alice Nicholas, Kent Graduate