One UK city has been named one of the “best places to go in autumn in the UK”.
Canterbury is frequently hailed as Kent’s crown jewel, boasting a bustling city centre packed with eateries and a history you can feel in every cobblestone.
The county’s only city was crowned one of the “best places to go in autumn in the UK” by Conde Nast Traveller. Following this recognition for the city, journalist Millie Bull – who calls Kent home – visited Canterbury once more to discover why.
Having been there a handful of times, Millie admitted that she has consistently departed wishing she’d “spent longer exploring”.
Reporting to Kent Live, Millie said: “In autumn, the city’s historic architecture is highlighted by browning trees and shorter days.
“In October, Halloween decorations adorn shop windows and in November, the smell of chimney smoke wafts through the city streets.”
Millie continued: “Occupied since Paleolithic times, the city’s long history is hard to ignore. The city wall, which was founded in Roman times and rebuilt in the 14th century, is one of the first sights visitors will see.
“The Westgate, a medieval gatehouse, stands tall at 60 feet and is the largest surviving city gate in England. The gatehouse was built in 1379 and is now one of the city’s most distinctive landmarks.
“Walking around these spectacular monuments and Canterbury’s narrow, cobbled streets is like stepping back in time.”
Millie recommended that first-time visitors to Canterbury should definitely experience a section of The Pilgrims’ Way.
This ancient pilgrimage route stretches from Winchester to Canterbury or Southwark to Canterbury, covering a whopping 138 miles through woodlands and fields.
She added: “Visitors can attempt a section of the route from the village of Wye to Canterbury which is 12.5 miles long.
“It takes roughly one to two days to complete and begins at the church of St Gregory and St Martin in Wye and takes you through beautiful woodland, river banks and into the city of Canterbury.
“The route ends at Canterbury Cathedral where visitors can walk the Cloisters and kneel where the shrine of Thomas Becket used to be.”
But if history isn’t your cup of tea this autumn, Canterbury boasts a wide range of shops to keep you entertained. Millie suggested: “The posh Fenwick department store has everything from designer bags to homeware, food and drink and an epic toy section.
“Some of my favourite shops in Canterbury are Superstore Vintage, Bird and Blend Tea Co., and Violet Elizabeth.”
When it comes to dining in the city, Millie recommended Café des Amis; she said it’s a must-visit.
Millie elaborated: “Despite the name, Café des Amis offers some of the best Mexican cuisine I’ve ever eaten. Reasonably priced with a three-course set menu for £26 available Monday to Friday from 12pm to 6pm, the food is delicious, the service is impeccable and the vibe is relaxed.
“If you’re not big on wine, they have a fantastic selection of cocktails as well as tequilas.”
For something a bit out of the ordinary, Millie recommends the UK’s largest cat café, Canterbury Tails, where “a fully plant-based menu is served up alongside 27 furry felines”.