Since Dover castle was closed during the week, we thought that a wander around
Canterbury would be a useful alternative. With no real destination in mind we
set off from the campsite, down into the city. This followed the exact same
route as last night apart from a slight alteration at the edge of the city walls
to enter via the East gate.
We went past St. George's clock tower - barriered off for street renovations,
and down the High street to the Beaney house of art & knowledge to go to the
Information centre - this was less than I expected but we did get to purchase a
map (£1) that allowed us to see where we were going.
Continuing down the high street passing a number of ancient buildings -
something the city has a large amount - to the west gate. This was also under
repair, although we could get access via a restaurant after it opened at
noon!
From the west gate we chose to walk around the city walls (or what remained or
was accessible). Starting off along West gate gardens where this huge tree sat
(apparently there are several throughout the city in the shape of a cross).
Leaving
the gardens to cross over (or rather under) the ring road passing this
bull sculpture made of old rail track.
Around the walls to the Norman castle (under repair so no access!) and along
the wall walk past Dane John monument (also barriered off as the gardens were
being refurbished). Eventually completing the walk at the East gate again.
I thought it would be a good idea to eat our picnic in the grounds of the
cathedral, however this was barriered off to make sure people went in the
turnstile and paid their entrance fee (£20).
In the end we walked around
the outside walls, past the school/ college and into a small garden near the
north gate.
We then picked a route that would circle around inside the city walls starting
in Solly's orchard - once more closed for renovations. This started beside a
weir and associated fish ladder, then down the streets to Marlow theatre, and
across to Grey friars gardens - also closed for renovations.
Past the house over the river and back into the retail areas of the
city, in time for a pause at a coffee shop.
The shop had a very interesting shelving unit using a branch as the main support.
After which we visited the only museum we could find open - the roman museum and spent a hour looking at the artifacts and remains discovered under the buildings. Following this we decided to cut our losses and head back to the campsite and cook a meal. It was too early to eat in the city and we had run out of options for the day.
As we arrived back at the van the sun was going down giving a picturesque sunset.
