Canterbury is known for Chaucer's tales of adventure, but we fancied making our own, up-to-date, easier to read Escapism version. Here's what we found on our 21st-century pilgrimage to the Archbishop's 'hood.
DO: TOUR THE RIVER STOUR
No one wants to be dragged back to the days of dull history lessons (well, we don't) but there's no getting away from the fact that Canterbury is a historic city. Give it 40 minutes of your time with a boat trip down the river Stour. It might seem a bit Enid Blyton, but we promise it's also genuinely interesting, and you can ask important things like "How many pubs are there in Canterbury?" (Answer below). You can bring beers on your boat, too. That'll end well! canterburyrivertours.co.uk
EAT: SUPER NOODLES
For great food that won't offend your wallet, you can't go wrong with Super Noodles. Not the packet ones (although we recommend those too), but a local restaurant in the city. Sure, it doesn't boast that pretty historic exterior of most Canterbury buildings, but behind the yellow front your plate will be heaped with massive portions of udon, ho fun and sweet and sour chicken, with platters of crispy duck and pork buns on the side. meisupernoodles.co.uk
PARTY: THE POUND & THE CUBAN
There are 38 pubs in Canterbury and 370 licensed venues. The latest addition to the city's nightlife scene is Pound, a bar set within the city's former jail and police station. You can recreate the inmate experience by booking a cell for your private party, but the exercise yard is where the dancing happens. For something less sophisticated, head 300 metres down the road to the Cuban. One room is all dance and techno, while the other plays Cher and a Dirty Dancing medley. And that's where you'll find us. onepoundlane.co.uk; thecubancanterbury.com
