One place I have wanted to see for a very long time is Canterbury. Unfortunately I have to admit that it is because I read Canterbury Tales for English class in high school many moons ago. While on our short trip to the UK, we were given the opportunity to visit this part of the UK and I am so very glad I did. I will explain more of that in the next post.

For now we’ll chat about the very busy tourist city of Canterbury. City Center was heaving with people which makes it harder to take pictures. However, we still enjoyed the sunny day navigating many of the side streets. We did forego the cathedral for multiple reasons and can see why so many would want to visit.

We were advised to visit Westgate Gardens and were warned that it gets busy. They weren’t wrong. It also appears that many tourists did not see the signs not to step over the edge into the flower garden along the river. The flowers were lovely, but it is apparently a popular Instagram spot. So people from around the world were getting the coveted shot showing them there by stepping on the grass path beyond the border fence. Please note that there is a lovely paved sidewalk/pavement along the river and said flower garden. On the bright side we had a game of hide and seek in an open area that wasn’t marked off and saw an enormous old tree called an oriental plane. It’s trunk was one of the widest I’d ever seen. Only surpassed by oak I saw along the Gulf Coast (Gulf of Mexico) called the Friendship Oak. The kiddos did enjoy the chance to run around a bit. That all being stated this park is really pretty and a great place for a picnic.

The older buildings in town were really interesting. We loved the use of flint in the older buildings and walls. I enjoy architecture and this area was like eye candy for me. The expected narrow streets and alley ways were filled with buildings from various eras. Some with more historical ties than others. I am one to look for interesting buildings that aren’t always the main event. The shops on the ground floor varied from national chains to little mom and pop places. C and I personally prefer pedestrian malls and city center type areas where such a variety exists.

I think going in the off season during the middle of the week might have been a better experience, but I get the feeling that Canterbury has much of the same set backs as touristy cities do here in the states. It is still well worth visiting even just once. Personally, I’d like to try again when the kiddos are older and I can take it in more.

Bye for now.