10 great reasons to visit... Canterbury; travel.

ITS cathedral is where Archbishop Thomas Becket was murdered and over the years has attracted thousands of pilgrims, as told famously in Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. We look at 10 reasons to visit Canterbury

1. The cathedral

The Norman cathedral still dominates the skyline as you approach Canterbury - giving 21st-century visitors the same sense of awe as their medieval counterparts. The cathedral's history goes back to St Augustine, sent by Pope Gregory the Great as a missionary, establishing his seat (or 'Cathedra') in Canterbury. It is the motherchurch of the Anglican Communion and seat of the Archbishop. It has stunning stained glass, an 11th Century crypt, 12th Century quire and14th Century nave.

2. Canterbury Tales Visitor Attraction

The city was one of the busiest places of pilgrimage in the medieval world and the Canterbury Tales Visitor Attraction takes you back to Chaucer's England and the shrine of Thomas Becket, the murdered archbishop. Your journey starts at the Tabard Inn, in London where you meet Chaucer and his merry band of pilgrims. On your walk you will be entertained by the stories of chivalry, romance and even horror.

3. The Museum

The Museum of Canterbury completes the story of the historic city with Invicta the engine that pulled the world's first passenger railway and the locally created characters Rupert Bear and Bagpuss.

Housed in the medieval Poor Priests' Hospital and now extended into two adjoining buildings, the museum has an increased range of exhibits from pre-Roman times to the present.

4. St Martin's Church

This is the oldest church in England still in use as a parish church and is part of the Canterbury World Heritage Site. This church was the first base of St Augustine when he came to Canterbury in 597.

5. Restaurants

Pizza restaurants, American burger bars, English, Greek, Mexican, Chinese, Thai, Arabic and Indian restaurants will ensure you have plenty of choice at most hours of the day. Among those worth a visit is the independently owned Cafe des Amis near the Westgate Tower, whose carefully prepared Mexican dishes have won it a firm reputation among local diners.

6. Ghost Tour

Enjoy an entertaining night-time stroll around the Old City in the company of Kent's Premier award winning ghost-hunter. The one hour and 15 minute tour runs throughout the year from Monday to Thursday and on Sundays for groups.

7. Cycle the Crab and Winkle Way

This seven-mile route is mainly traffic free from Harbledown and follows the railway line from the Winding Pond to the outskirts of Whitstable. On the way it passes through Blean Woods, one of the largest areas of ancient broadleaved woodland in southern Britain, where you can find the rare heath fritillary butterfly. If you don't feel up to the ride back, you can get the train from Whitstable to Canterbury East station. It is possible to walk or cycle the route.

8. Historic river tours

Take a guided boat tour of the city starting with a visit to a small Franciscan island at one end of the city, which is also known as The Greyfriars. The island is home to a 13th century chapel which spans the river. The tour continues down the river past some medieval industrial buildings before passing the cathedral and then the Dominican priories which were built by the Blackfriars in the 14th Century. Each boat has a guide who explains the history of all the different buildings. The river is the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of one of the country's busiest city centres.

9. Whitstable

This town close by has a working harbour which brings in a daily catch and is famous for its oysters.

Sample the oysters and other fresh fish either in the local restaurants and pubs or take them home after buying them at the harbour fish market. With a rich maritime history and traditional charms this town is well worth a visit as its streets are packed with craft shops and galleries, delicatessens and fashion shops

10. Herne Bay

Visit nearby Herne Bay which offers all the best of the traditional British seaside with great beaches and lovely gardens which nestle the seafront adding a dash of summer colour. The clock tower and band stand provide the focal point for musical events and entertainment. In World War II the bouncing bomb, invented for the Dambusters, was tested off the shore near here. One of the prototype bombs can be seen in the Herne Bay Museum.

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HISTORIC Canterbury Cathedral