Heads or Tales Canterbury

Following our foray into the Flanders region of Belgium we made our way back to England. A flip of the coin determined our next destination would be Canterbury, GBR for two nights.

Canterbury at a glance

The Black Horse Inn

The Black Horse Inn attic ‘suite’ was our two night home away in Canterbury. This tiny abode gave us two twin beds positioned head to head, two opposing window dormers and two feet of walking space to get to the two metre square shower and toilet. It was cozy to say the least! All of this for only $107CAD per night. OK, we went a bit over budget but…it included breakfast! A big morning meal in France and Belgium are rarities. However, back in England, the Black Horse offered a fantastic full breakfast! Don’t hesitate to ask for extra eggs or bacon!

The Unicorn

On our first evening, Sam and I had a hankering for a pint and a bite so we were off to the Unicorn. A 17th century pub sporting original wood beams and a wonderful down home feeling. It was literally just like Cheers when Norm walked in. This place was the local for quite a number of the patrons. The atmosphere was happy and boisterous but a place for all to relax. One fellow came in with a few broad sheets under his arm and ordered up a bottle of Malbec. He proceeded to drink the whole bottle, eat a few bags of crisps and pour through all three newspapers front to back!

At a table next to us in the Unicorn, a lady was playing chess and later trivial pursuit with her daughter. Her husband arrived as well as another daughter and we all chatted about travel experiences. They are professors in one of the local universities and had been living there for quite some time. We would run into them a couple more times during our time in this small town. A delightful family.

We sat with our beer, drinking in the comfortable atmosphere of the Unicorn until the kitchen opened. Then we filled up on a fish and chip plate and roasted garlic mushrooms! After a number of drinks and with full bellies, we wandered home to bed.

Chapman’s Seafood Bar and Brasserie

We enjoyed a wonderful meal at this well rated and inviting restaurant. Steamed mussels, fish pie and a bottle of wine were our order of the day. As often happens, people-watching can provide some fabulous entertainment! A nearby table had a family who were having a jubilant celebration. There were several empty bottles of champagne and wine on the table to exhibit the extent of their engagement. They were also all dressed up in tuxes and fancy dresses. At one point the lady of the family burst out in uncontrollable laughter putting smiles on the faces of every patron in this establishment. Her laugh was very unique and caught everyone’s attention!

A young couple next to us intimately shared a seafood platter while an older couple on the other side ate an entire platter each! The elderly couple were sweet. The fellow sat intently listening to his wife talking in a very loud voice, presumably so he could hear her.

Walking the streets

There is history in every cobbled corner of this town, be sure to get out on foot and explore all you can while you are in Canterbury. Sam and I only had a couple of nights with just one day to walk about. We barely scratched the surface on this trip and could easily have stayed for a week!

The sight of 500+ year old buildings never gets old to us. Around every corner of our mid-life gap year we come upon buildings of this age and of even more ancient times. Structures still functional and well used like this restaurant built in 1500! Canterbury holds many architectural wonders of this vintage.

Inside the Old Weaver’s House we enjoyed perfectly prepared game pie, sausage and mash and bottle of wine. The great food coupled with the eclectic atmosphere really make for a delightful experience.

As Canadians we live in an amazing country of vast natural beauty which recently turned 150 years old. Although there are a few buildings from the 1600’s in the east, they are the exception and not the rule.

Canterbury Cathedral

Originally founded in 597, this incredible structure was completely re-built between 1070 and 1077. It is another fine example of the institution of church building in this part of the world and a segment of a UNESCO World Heritage Site within Canterbury!

In the surrounding gardens you will find a peaceful atmosphere in the shadow of this great religious monument.

Check out their website to see about the various times for services and tour information – Canterbury Cathedral.

The Evensong experience

Sam and I discovered that if you attend a church service you can enter the Cathedral for no charge to explore. ‘Evensong’ was the perfect opportunity to experience the structures acoustic capabilities and get a look around.

At the main chapel we were immersed in the glow of stained glass windows, surrounded by choral song and struck by gravity defying architecture.

Canterbury was a delightful experience but a short one. Sam’s mother said that Canterbury was one of her favourite travel experiences. Don’t just take it from us though. Get over here and explore!

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Thanks to all for sharing in our adventures as we make our mid-life gap year a reality!

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Take care and keep on travelling,

Dan&Sam

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