insideKENT Magazine Issue 81 - December 2018 | Page 58

TOWNSPOTLIGHT
Spotlight on CANTERBURY cont.
The Beaney
Canterbury Historic River Cruises
THINGS TO DO
The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge
The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge is both art
museum and impressive library. This is a place that
hosts an eclectic mix of exhibitions, talks, displays,
events and more on a daily basis. Many of the
exhibitions and information inside are interactive,
and there are often children’s events too. It opened
in September 1899 and was named after Dr James
George Beaney who left money to Canterbury in
his will.
The Canterbury Tales
The Canterbury Tales is a fun, interactive,
informative visitor attraction that is great for the
whole family. Immerse yourself in the medieval
world as you join Geoffrey Chaucer’s pilgrims on
their journey to Canterbury itself. You’ll hear their
tales and really get a sense of how it was to live all
those hundreds of years ago.
The Marlowe Theatre
The Marlowe Theatre is a hub of exciting events.
From plays to musicals, pantomimes to comedy
nights, there is a wide range of excellent shows on
offer here. At Christmas there is always a fantastic,
star-studded pantomime to enjoy, and the rest of
the year plays host to dozens of different acts.
Howletts Wild Animal Park
If you ever thought that a safari in Kent was
impossible, think again. At Howletts you can find
a variety of wonderful wild animals to enjoy, as well
as all the information you could need to know more
about them. The park is set in 90 acres of beautiful
Kentish landscape and there are over 400 animals
to spot. Not only that, but there is a playground,
restaurant, café and shop. And to really make the
day go with a swing, you can try the treetop
adventure that is Go Ape!
58
Canterbury Historic River Cruises
The River Stour has always been hugely
important to Canterbury; it’s how people
moved from place to place, and how goods
were transported. Right at the start it was
simply how people stayed alive. Today it is
a place where tourists and visitors can enjoy
a different view of the city. Climb aboard
one of the rowing boats offered by
Canterbury Historic River Cruises (all named
after Henry VIII’s wives) and be taken on
a guided tour along the Stour, seeing
historic buildings and hearing stories about
the city itself.
Canterbury Roman Museum
The Canterbury Roman Museum is a
treasure trove of artefacts left behind when
the Romans abandoned Canterbury and
headed back to Italy. The museum is built
over the remains of a stunning Roman villa,
and you can see the intricate mosaic that
was created for the flooring, as well as the
pipework that was laid for the underfloor
heating – a true marvel of its time. There
are plenty of other artefacts to enjoy as well,
and children can dress up in Roman
clothing and even try their hand at making
a mosaic.
Westgate Gardens
Westgate Gardens is beautiful; an idyllic
spot in a bustling city that allows for quiet
contemplation by the river or amongst the
gorgeous blooms. This is a little oasis of
calm that many people enjoy.
The Kent Museum of Freemasonry
Just five minutes from Canterbury
Cathedral and located close to Westgate
Gardens lies this fascinating museum. The
Kent Museum of Freemasonry charts the
history of this secretive group, and details
just what it is they do to help so many. The
exhibits on show here are rare; there really
is nowhere else like it around.
DINING OUT
Zeus
Zeus is a family run Greek restaurant in the
heart of Canterbury. Here you can find fresh,
authentic food all made in the restaurant’s
own kitchen to traditional recipes. The
menu includes delicacies such as lountza
(traditional cured pork tenderloin marinated
in red wine, dried and then smoked, served
chargrilled), octopus salad and Mama’s
souvlaki (classic Greek souvlaki marinated
in olive oil, herbs and charcoal grilled).
The Corner House
The Corner House in Canterbury is housed
in a 16th-century former coach house. As
you sit and enjoy the ambience you can
look out across the city walls and really
imagine what Canterbury was like all those
centuries ago. The location of this restaurant
is ideal, whether you had had a long day of
sightseeing or you’ve just seen (or are about
to see) something wonderful at The
Marlowe. The menu includes dishes such
as Kentish style mussels with Biddenden
cider, cream, leeks, chilli and parsley; Welsh
rarebit baked cod loin served with mash,
pancetta, cockles, leeks and chives; and
chocolate and peanut tart with salted
caramel and banana ice cream.