Canterbury Area Guide

Canterbury's skyline is overshadowed by the Cathedral, the oldest in England. Many other historical structures remain in the city, including part of the Roman City Wall, the ruins of St. Augustine's Abbey and a Norman castle. Although Canterbury is a place steeped in history it is also a modern vibrant city with a good selection of shops: From large department stores and the usual high street names to a good range of independent retailers. The bustling city centre comes alive at night, with pubs, bars and eateries.

The combination of both of the above makes Canterbury one of the most desirable locations to buy or rent a property in Kent.

The recent addition of a high-speed train service to London St Pancras via Ashford International has reduced the journey time to London to one hour making it an ideal location for commuters looking to rent or buy properties in Canterbury.

Trains also serve London Victoria via Canterbury East (Journey time is around 88 minutes) and continue to Dover. Canterbury is by-passed by the A2 London to Dover Road. It is about 45 miles from the M25, and 61 miles from central London. The other main road through Canterbury is the A28 from Ashford to Ramsgate and Margate.

There is a good selection of homes in and around Canterbury, and of all types and sizes from the Medieval period onwards. Canterbury itself has a few fine examples of domestic architecture from the 13th century onwards, numerous examples of Georgian houses, and some excellent examples of very desirable Victorian and Edwardian houses as one heads out beyond the city wall. Although one thinks of Canterbury as a historic town, there is a massive choice of new housing within the city. The St. Dunstan's area has been steadily developed over the past few years, but the biggest new development within the city walls is that taking place on the site of the old tannery: a development of contemporary apartments and townhouses built on the site of the former St. Mildred's Tannery. Located within a conservation area, the development of new homes is an exciting new residential quarter for the city, including a public piazza, shops, restaurants and live-work units.