Before there were tourists, there were pilgrims. Back eight hundred years ago, city breaks didn’t exist, and the one of the few motivations for leaving the comfort and safety of your own birthplace was going on a journey to honour God. Which is to say that Canterbury has been doing the hotel game for longer than almost anywhere else in the UK. And indeed, courtesy of a certain Geoffrey Chaucer once boasted one of the most famous inns in English literature.
And while certain textures of the lodging-scene may have changed over the years, the essence remains the same. Canterbury is still a pilgrimage site, its cathedral is still visited by thousands of the faithful year on year, and they’re still being catered for by a roster of places, some close to godly, others just seeking to make a devilish buck. We’re here to help you sort angels from demons, however, with this list of the best B&BS…
From £75/ night
Coming across from the outside like an Alpine skiing lodge, this is an extremely comfortable and very convenient place to rest your head for an overnight stay in Canterbury. The room comes complete with its own kitchenette, and there’s a barbecue in the garden, giving guests plenty of opportunity to continue budgeting in this great value option. There’s no need to keep self-catering in the morning, though, for the breakfast is complementary. WiFi is available throughout and there’s an en suite shower.
From £82/ night
Just a short walk down the river from Canterbury’s historic centre, this comfortable and well-accommodated B&B is another great value option in the pilgrimage town. Situated in a sturdy, well insulated property, it is guaranteed to offer a good night’s sleep to pilgrims and tourists alike. Breakfast comes highly recommended and is served in a sunny conservatory.
From £75/ night
Subtly quirky with individually styled rooms, this B&B is situated in a beautiful Victorian stand-alone which still brims with many of its individual features. As well as there being TVs and tea-making facilities in every room, there’s also onsite parking – particularly useful in a town which can attract a lot of day visitors/pilgrims.
From £65/ night
We don’t know if you’ve noticed yet, but Canterbury is not a town brimming with budget options. This B&B is at least a bit cheaper than most of its town-centre competitors, however, and with very little compromise in comfort or style. A short walk from all the sights you will have come here to see, there are also flat-screen TVs in every room and WiFi throughout the property.
From £60/ night
So, it’s a little out of town, but apart from that, this is one of the best properties in all of Canterbury. Situated in an elegant old farmhouse, and boasting rooms of extraordinary comfort, Willow Down is the kind of place it’s easy to imagine might have been accommodating pilgrims for generations. The breakfast, served in a tasteful dining room, is not to be missed.
