family days out in kent

The Butter Market

In 1517 the strikingly omate Christ Church Gate was built, a mix of Ghothic and Renaissance style, linking the peace of the cathedral precincts with the bustling maze of Canterbury's cobbled streets. The wooden doors of the gate were replaced in 1660 after the originals were burnt by Parlamentarians during the Civil War. The gate opened out onto the Butter Market, in medieval times a lively centre of city trade. Local women would congregate beneath a large dome to sell flowers, butter and other everyday wares. Now a memorial stands at the centre of the Butter Market, commemorating the men and women of Canterbury who gave their lives in the First World War. Around it are tables with brightly coloured umbrellas, and the square, filled with shoppers and modern-day pilgrims on their way to the cathedral, is a great place to sit and relax.

All Fired Up Ceramics Cafe (0 miles)
Canterbury 01227 784448
All Fired Up Ceramics Cafe All Fired Up offers a wide range of ceramic items that can be hand painted, ranging from plates, mugs, piggy banks and flower pots. Come back a few days later and..

Canterbury Cathedral (0 miles)
Canterbury 01227 865300
General Information General information for visitors The Cathedral is very much part of the local community. It is used regularly for local, regional and/or national services and events. Some..

Michael Caines Restaurant (0.1 miles)
Canterbury 0845 201 5070
The Michael Caines Restaurant is the stunning centrepiece of ABode Canterbury food and beverage operations. The beautifully designed dining room, with 70 covers, combines classic elegance with..

The Canterbury Tales (0.1 miles)
Canterbury 01227 479227
  Historic Canterbury A visit to The Canterbury Tales, one of Kent’s most popular attractions, with its stunning reconstruction of 14th century England, is just like stepping..

The Roman Museum (0.1 miles)
Canterbury 01227 785575
Canterbury Roman Museum The Roman Museum is underground at the level of the Roman town. It's an exciting mix of excavated real objects: authentic reconstructions; and preserved remains of..

Canterbury Cinema (0.2 miles)
Canterbury 0871 22 44 007
Canterbury Cinema Disabled Facilities Disabled access to screen 2 only. Number of screens: 2 Number of seats and the sound system in each screen: SCREEN 1: 494 seats 0 Wheelchair..

Museum of Canterbury includes Rupert Bear Museum (0.3 miles)
Canterbury 01227 475 202
Museum of Canterbury Housed in the medieval Poor Priests' Hospital and now extended into two adjoining buildings, the new museum has an increased range of exhibits from pre-Roman times to..

Kingsmead Leisure Centre (0.4 miles)
Canterbury 01227 785319
Kingsmead Leisure Centre The centre offers a range of activities for all ages and abilities. Swimming is catered for in the centre's three pools, including a beach pool for family use. The..

St Augustines Abbey (0.4 miles)
Canterbury 01227 767345
St Augustines Abby This great abbey, marking the rebirth of Christianity in southern England, was founded shortly after AD 597 by St Augustine. Originally created by Augustine to be used as..

St Martins Church (0.6 miles)
01227 459482
St Martin's Church St Martin's Church stands outside the city walls near the ruins of St Augustine's Abbey. Believed to have been founded by Roman Christians, it is the oldest parish church..