Lostman's Star
Not all those who wander are lost, but I certainly am!
Covid Update 4.0
No, it’s not okay to travel yet.
I know that’s not what you want to hear, believe me. My soul is still screaming about it.
I discovered a week or so ago that a train ticket to New York, a place that I would dearly love to visit, is only $68 US. It made me want to whip out my wallet and purchase tickets for myself, Forest, and Dragon for a weeklong trip to the Big Apple. I wanted to be with them in a pub full of people, or in a theater packed to the brim to see Hamilton. I wanted to go shopping along a busy street, eat some bagels, and hear the sound of life all around me.
Then reality hit me like a ton of bricks and I realised that trip could be years away, if I’m lucky.
Every time I see a Tik Tok of literally anywhere in the UK I want to cry. All of my happy memories are now suddenly a burden and I have visions of never setting foot outside my province again. I worry that I’ll never be able to see the rest of the beautiful planet that I have come to love so much. I worry that what feels like an impending doom to isolation isn’t just a callous daymare but a premonition. I always thought it was my purpose to explore the world; now that’s been ripped from me and I am powerless to take it back.
I have hated nothing more in my life. Nothing.
But I’m staying at home out of hope.
I hope that despite all of the anti-maskers and anti-vaxxers and anti-factsers and the worries that the human mind produces in the late hours of the night, that enough people in the world will collectively decide to do the right thing; stay home, socially distance and wear a mask in public, and vaccinate when the time comes.
It’s a selfish hope. I know. But maybe yours is too; and that’s okay.
Maybe if we all do our part, and if all goes well, one day I can say “Yes, gentle readers. It’s finally safe to travel. I’ll see you out there.”
Until then, wear a mask, wash your hands, stay home if you can, and be safe, gentle readers.
Scheveningen Pier
This week has been stressful, I know. There’s a lot going on, there’s a lot of uncertainty, and it’s not fabulous. That’s why this week I figured I’d give you something a bit more idyllic, gentle readers.
The Scheveningen Pier is located just north of The Hague on the North Sea, and it has the ability to provide a really amazing worry free afternoon of fun. Aunt River and I took an afternoon to go explore it and I can say it’s easily one of my favourite spots.
If you’re traveling by foot or bicycle and don’t feel like packing a lunch, you needn’t worry. You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to food or drink with a five star hotel nearby called the Amrâth, and numerous other places to get local delicacies, beers, and desserts. They line both the pier and the beach so wherever you go you’re sure to find something you fancy.
As for entertainment there is a Ferris wheel called the SkyView, a short bungee jump, and of course the beach is open for swimming and sunbathing. There is also a mall which runs the length of the inner pier where you can purchase some souvenirs or other locally crafted products along the mall that takes up most of the pier. If you decided to check out the Amrâth Hotel you might be lucky enough to hear a performance being played on the piano in the upper lounge, or better yet you might be able to play one! As far as I know the piano is open to anyone who wants to use it.
The whole area is a place to spend your time relaxing, writing your name in the sand, dipping your toes in the water, shopping and dining. It’s a place to be generally unbothered, and I really appreciate the time I spent there doing exactly that. Aunt River and I went in April, so it was a bit nippy and the sea was a touch cold, but in the summer I’m sure the weather is perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Bring sunscreen irregardless of the weather, it’s always good to protect your skin! I would also recommend a good walking shoe as opposed to heels or flip flops if you intend to be wandering all day. If you go in the fall or spring be sure to bring a windbreaker.
Wash your hands, wear a mask, and stay safe gentle readers.
5 Travel Opinions that Make me Want To Throw A Lamp
I know that for every different person there is a different way to travel, and different opinions about how it must be done. There do seem to be some pervasive themes which I have encountered time and time again and I just don’t understand where these opinions came from or how they perpetuated. All I know is that a lot of people seem to hold them, and I think they are absolute nonsense.
#1. Travel makes you cultured.
Nope. Your understanding of a place, your respect for it’s people, struggles, and heritage, and your appreciation for its differences, mysteries, and complexities makes you a cultured individual. Many people travel the world without gaining any of these things. And on that note …
#2. Travel makes you an intellectual.
I assure you; it does not. It makes me sad to think that because someone doesn’t travel much they might think themselves uncultured or unintelligent. Travel helps build these traits but there are plenty of perfectly intelligent, well rounded people who have not set food outside of their province. There are also plenty of people who have seen the world and somehow managed to learn nothing from it. I’d much prefer a conversation with the former over the later.
#3. If you want to know ‘the real’ wherever you are, you need to backpack.
I seem to come across this all the time and it’s infuriating. Certainly some situations and areas call for backpacking, but others decidedly do not. You can travel to many fabulous places around the world without having to haul your entire existence around with you while you do so. If you wish to backpack and couch surf your way around the world, fabulous! It’s an amazing experience! You do you. Just don’t look down on people who prefer not to travel in the same manner you do.
#4. It’s expensive, so it must be good.
This applies to a lot of things but when it comes to travel I’ve seen it mainly in tours and food. I’ve gone on tours that cost me maybe £10 that were more enjoyable and informative than some of the £100 tours. Likewise, I’ve eaten at some pretty fancy places, but some of the best meals I’ve had have been at food stalls and pubs. Don’t turn up your nose at something just because it’s cheap.
#5. I’m here, therefore everything should be my way.
There’s two very sides to this, and both make my blood boil.
The first one is the one we’re all familiar with. The person who comes in demanding that because they speak English, everyone else should as well, despite being in the middle of a small town in Spain or some other such country whose official language is not English. They come in other varieties as well, demanding that certain customs be adhered to or that their favourite brands be available to them, but generally they’re loud and obnoxious.
The second one is the opposite and not quite equal to the first. It’s a little less familiar, but I consider it more sinister because it’s so covert.
This is the person who demands that everything be done their way because they happen to live in a certain place.
Let me give you a personal example.
I was abroad and had just returned from a quick trip into a grocery store to get a snack. I had wanted kielbasa, but couldn’t find any, so I bought some pepperettes instead. I was telling my friend this when our conversation was interrupted by a local. They told me “Well, it won’t be like at home,” in a tone that suggested what they actually meant was “If you don’t like it, go home.”
That’s it. My looking for a snack in a foreign country was enough of a reason for this person to unleash their negativity parade on me.
The moral of all these unpopular opinions is simply this, gentle readers: don’t judge people for where they have or haven’t gone, how they got there, how much they paid for it, or where they’ve come from. Love your neighbours.
Oh, and let people snack in peace. That’s important too.
Top 5 Halloween Haunts
It’s almost Halloween and despite Covid I am super excited! Usually I would be handing out candy to trick or treaters with a my lovely cloak on, but this year my plan is involves watching spooky stuff on Netflix and eating tiny Halloween chocolate bars that I bought for myself. I’m an adult with adult money. I do what I want. It’s a great time to have a cozy evening in, but it’s also an awesome time to plan your Post-Covid getaway, which is what I’ve been doing pretty much since the first lockdown.
For the past few days my thoughts have centered around October, fall colours, and spooky places, so I thought I’d put together a list of places that I would love to see around this time of year. I’ve been to a few haunting and haunted spots before, including the Clava Cairns, Fort Amherst, and the Tower of London just to name a few, but this to-visit list is centered a bit closer to home. Hopefully by next Halloween there will be a distinct lack of Covid, and all of these awesome places will accept visitors!
#1. Connecticut
Yes, the entire state of Connecticut. It’s said to be a ghost hunter’s paradise, which is completely understandable given it’s violent history. If you’re looking for a spooky Halloween post-Covid getaway, this is the place for you. It’s also the place for foliage lovers as the lower latitude enables more deciduous tree growth. What does that mean? More oaks, maples, and birches with leaves that turn to coppers, reds, yellows, and all the shades in between! Perfect for cuddling up by a fire with some hot apple cider and telling a scary story or two.
#2. Danvers, Massachusetts
There are a lot of misconceptions about the Salem Witch Trials and but its location is probably the biggest. The with trials occurred in what was originally known as Salem Village, which was a short way away from Salem Town. Salem Village is now known as Danvers. A lot of the tourism centered around this period in history is located in modern day Salem, but one day I would like to visit the true town, pay my respects, and learn about what I would consider the most well known but the most misunderstood incident of mass hysteria in the United States.
#3. Adams, Tennessee
No, not the Addams Family. Adams is a probably the most famous town you’ve never heard of. You’re likely more familiar with the story of the Bell Witch, and Adams happens to be the nearest modern town to where these events took place. The poltergeist began haunting the Bell family in 1817, and soon after the death of the patriarch, John Bell, in 1821, the witch moved to a nearby cave where it continues to this day. I don’t think I’m brave enough to visit the cave but I would love to see the town and the surroundings where the haunting took place.
#4. Sleepy Hollow, New York.
Yes! Sleepy Hollow is real! If you’ve not read the Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving, I can assure you it’s easy, short, and an awesome way to spend an afternoon! Although the story is fictional it is based on local legends of ghosts and hauntings, and the area around Sleepy Hollow is known for having a bit of an eerie atmosphere even at the best of times.
#5. Manhattan, New York.
A visit to New York would be fabulous at any time of year, but there’s something about going in the fall that makes it even more special. I imagine Central Park would be aflame with russet leaves, and the cool air would be perfect for carrying around a cup of something warm while walking through the historic neighbourhoods. I’m really looking forward to the end of Covid so that I can make this dream of mine come true!
Of course these places are mostly in and around New England in the United States, but there are so many more awesome places that I want to check out! Let me know in the comments what your favourite fall places are!
Eurail tips for beginners
If you are a not a resident of the European Union, and you want to travel by train while you are in Europe, buy a Eurail pass.
I’m not being paid to say this, Eurail doesn’t even know I’ve written this article. This is just solid advice from one traveler to another. So what is a Eurail pass?
It’s essentially a discount card! You give Eurail some information about yourself, prove your identity, and they mail you a physical pass which can then be used when you travel around Europe. Each pass does something a bit differently, but we’ll get to that later.
Now I will say upfront that I’m used to booking flights, but the way Eurail operates was a bit confusing to me. It’s a bit more finicky, you have to time your trains properly, and the first time you book a train with your Eurail pass might be a bit frustrating
Trust me, it’s worth it. Our Eurail passes more than paid for themselves in savings.
To help you out I’ve compiled a little list of things I wish I’d known when I started booking. Hopefully they can ease your way, and you’ll be booking rail travel like a pro in no time!
#1. Give yourself time to research!
I had to do this whole process in about month and it was a bit of a scramble. Being somewhat new to train travel I’d have wanted at least a month an a half, for newbies to booking travel in general I’d suggest you give yourself two months.
You’ll also need time for your passes to get to you. It usually takes three weeks for everything to go through and for them to be delivered. Only once you have them physically in your hands can you start to book and confirm your trip, but don’t let that stop you from having a plan ready! Tickets go super fast, so you might want a plan a, plan b, and plan c if you’re on short notice.
Each Eurail pass is slightly different, and you’ll want to read the details to make sure you get a pass that’s right for you. Some offer only certain locations, some only certain times, and all of this varies in price. Read the fine print and you’ll be rewarded greatly!
#2. If you can afford it, get first class.
Some Eurail passes have the option of only being valid for the purchase of second class tickets. This is great for tight budgets and for those who are pre-planning their trip months in advance, but not so much for those hasty, last minute decisions. If you’re booking late or want to treat yourself I suggest buying a pass that allows first class purchases. Aunt River and I did just that and we ended up needing it for two portions of the trip, the second class tickets had sold out too quickly.
#3. Remember you have it!
If you don’t end up booking all your tickets in advance remember you can still use your pass at the train station! Aunt River and I forgot we had it! When we were asked if we had a discount card we had already answered no when I said “Hang on, does a Eurail pass count?” It did!
We saved about €100 on that one purchase.
Please remember that because of Covid travel in this way might not be possible at the moment, but if you’re like me and you’re planning your post Covid breakout trip, then definitely have a look at Eurail to get a solid bargain on European rail travel!
Wash your hands, wear a mask, and stay safe gentle reader!
Skye
Those of you who have seen Outlander have no doubt been humming “Sing me a song of a lass that is gone,” since you saw the title. I’m hoping the little video I’ve added will play automatically so you get the full experience, but if not just click the play button to have a listen! I don’t think Claire ever makes it to Skye, which is a shame because it’s a beautiful part of Scotland that shouldn’t be missed!
Unless you’re planning to say on the island itself, a tour is probably the best way to see it. If you’re staying around Edinburgh or Glasgow your best bet will likely be a multi-day tour. If you’re heading out from Inverness you can opt for a day trip despite it being on the opposite side of the country. Most tours will encompass other things along the way, and it is a full day’s trip worth, so be sure to check out multiple tours and find which one passes by the things you’d like to see on your way.
You’ll likely stop or at least drive by some of Skye’s most famous features. Personally I was supposed to see the Old Man of Storr, which is a ridge formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago; Kilt Rock, which is a gorgeous waterfall right on the coast, and Pabay, an island that was said to be inhabited by pirates. That said I only saw Kilt Rock because of the mist, but the rest of the tour was still well worth it! There was a stop at the King’s Arms, and although the stop at Eilean Donan was just a quick one and I didn’t get to go in, I got some fabulous pictures of the outside of the castle. Visiting the inside is definitely on my bucket list!
Skye is rather sparsely populated so you won’t pass by many large cities. The one town you can expect to visit is Portree. It’s just a little more than halfway up the island, on the eastern coast. You’ll likely stop here to get some food, use the facilities, and stretch your legs. While you’re there I suggest you have a look around the harbour and the local shops. My favourite is Skye Music Shop, where you can find a wide selection of CDs and vinyls.
Make sure you bring good walking shoes if not boots, as when I went in the fall it was quite slippery. Mist had rolled in off the sea, so it was very lucky that I had a good set of walking shoes and my raincoat as well. Make sure it has a hood! Don’t bother bringing an umbrella it will only force you to carry more. Bring sunscreen too, as the weather in Scotland can be unpredictable!
Don’t forget your mask and your sense of adventure! Be safe, gentle reader!
Why Travel Wallets Are The Worst: Part 2
Alright, I’ve ranted, I’ve raved, I’ve told you why having a travel wallet is terribly ill conceived. Not only because it ensures that if said wallet is lost you are completely and utterly up a creek without a paddle, but because it’s needlessly expensive. These physical manifestations of bad ideas range from $15 to well over $40.
I’m here to tell you that you can have a safer solution using items that you already have, plus maybe an extra $10 dollars if you don’t already have a decent money belt with a zipper. Mine is very simple, it’s a single zippered pouch and a belt. That’s it. It was $5 bucks and it was probably the best money I ever spent.
The first step in all this is to reject the notion that everything of value should be in one spot. To restate my last post’s point; what if you lose it? Putting all of your eggs in one basket is the antithesis of what you want to be doing here. You want to spread your money and ID out so that you’re not left stranded if one ‘basket’ gets knicked or lost.
So what goes where? It’s ultimately up to you. As you travel more you’ll find the spaces which best suit your needs, but here are my recommendation.
When you’re in the airport you’re a bit limited as to where you can hide stuff due to security, but you’re also pretty safe in most airports I’ve been to. Everything goes into your backpack or purse, but it goes into different internal pockets. If you have both a purse and a backpack split your cash between the two.
When you’re out and about for the day put on your money belt. It should be beneath your shirt and high on your person, as in right below where your rib cage stops. You don’t want it hanging off your shoulder, hips, or through belt loops. Some people like the secure pouches that hang around your neck but personally I don’t like the feel of them and I think they’re all too easy to grab and give a swift tug to, even if they’re beneath clothing.
Into your money belt goes a solid chunk of emergency cash ($100-200), one or two credit or debit cards, and your passport. Do not leave your passport at the hotel. I learned that lesson the hard way when my hotel caught fire and with dawning horror I realised I had left my passport in my room. It was not fun. Sometimes in European countries you won’t have a choice but to give your hotel your passport because they take it as collateral if you haven’t paid for your stay, but if you can help it, don’t let them. Offer something like cash instead.
The second place you’re going to put some stuff is, naturally, your actual wallet. I would recommend you put your lower limit credit card in here, with the higher limit one in your money belt. You can always scoot into a washroom to switch them out if you max it. Put some ID there, your drivers license and a health card will do, and half of whatever cash you think you’re going to need for the day.
The rest of the daily cash goes into a pocket in your backpack, preferably one that takes considerable effort to access and can’t be sliced into.
Finally, all the money you won’t need for the day stays in the hotel/hostel in a secure location. If there isn’t a secure location put it with the rest of your emergency cash in your money belt.
This of course goes well for solo travelers, and for couples or group travel I suggest having copies of everyone’s driver’s license and emergency contacts to leave in the room. If you and your partner are travelling with more than one child I’d suggest splitting up the passports between the adults of the group as evenly as possible.
And there you have it! It really is that simple! With this method you don’t have to pay exorbitant amounts for a silly wallet that will only get you in trouble, and you can rest assured that should anything get lost or stolen, you always have a bit of something to fall back on!
Wear a mask, wash your hands, and stay safe, gentle readers!
Bala Cranberry Festival
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! As I write this the sun is warm, the air is crisp, the wind is playing in the leaves and best of all my house is filled with wonderful aromas. Pumpkin pie, kapusta, turkey, the works! Having studied psychology I know that the parts of your brain responsible for scent are also responsible for memory and emotions. It’s not surprising that when I smell all that awesome food and the clean autumn air that I feel like a million bucks. Fall has always been a happy time for me, I have memories of friends, family, and of travel.
The place that stands out to me the most at this time of year is Bala, specifically the cranberry festival it holds each year. I can still remember asking Dad to lend me some money for my first helicopter ride, being drawn to the river by the sound of bagpipes, feeling the ground rumble beneath me as a train roared by not five feet away, all this amid dazzling fall colours while the scent of fruity cider and fried food permeates the crisp air. The best part by far? Dogs are welcome!
You’ll find this little town just two hours north of Toronto. You can visit any time you like, but the festival is held the weekend after thanksgiving. This year it’s been postponed because of Covid, but I’m really looking forward to the day it can be held again!
When they do reopen and you get a change to go, be sure to bring a warm coat which has a windbreaker or waterproofing, some gloves or mittens, and some good walking shoes. Rain or shine the festival happens! Be sure to bring some cash because not all vendors have the necessary equipment to accept cards.
The main festival happens on Maple Ave. If I remember correctly entrance to this part of the festival cost just a little over $5 dollars. Here you’ll find a few rides, carnival food stalls, and the entire street is lined with crafters’ stalls. The church and arenas are usually also full of locally produced artisan products. You can find anything from necklaces, winter accessories, toys and accessories for dogs and cats, preserved foods and cheeses, and fudge! The parking lot of the Freshmart is similarly filled, though I find I usually find a lot more clothing here. You’ll also usually find a vendor here selling cranberry sausage. They’re delicious, but if you can wait, there’s something even better waiting for you a little further on up the road!
If you can wait even longer have a stroll down Grey street and have a look around the Curling club. You’ll find more artisans here, in the past these ones seemed to focus more on chocolate, books, and hand crafted soaps and bathbombs. What more could a girl ask for?
From here it might look like the festival is coming to a close but keep walking and you’ll come to Portage Landing Bala. It’s a good place to stop and rest, get some ice-cream or fudge. Don’t fill up though! Keep walking!
You’ll cross a bridge with a beautiful view and if you want there’s a little church on the other side which usually has some cute northern Ontario themed knick-knacks and fabric work. Blankets, pillows, oven mitts, tea towels, this is where you’ll find them.
Here you’ll turn onto the street the church is on called Bala Falls road, and walk until you get to another church, Trinity All Saints. Stop to take in another view of the falls, that is if you aren’t already following your nose to the source of the delicious smell. Go up to what looks like a garage to put your order in. A peameal bacon sandwich with cheese and cranberry sauce, a cup of soup, and a hot cranapple cider to wash it down is my personal preference.
There are sometimes a couple of stalls after the church but for the most part you’ve hit the end of the festival. It’s time to head back towards Maple ave, but this time you’re going to catch one of the school buses that comes roughly every fifteen minutes during the festival.
The bus will take you out to Johnston’s Cranberry Marsh. This is where you can learn how cranberries are grown, harvested, and packaged. They have a little tractor that will take you around the marsh and a guide will tell you all about the marsh. This is also where they have the helicopter rides too, just saying. The Johnston store offers a wide selection of cranberry products, with everything from wine to candles. Personally I like their cranberry tea, and their chocolate covered cranberries make for a nice treat too. This is also a good time to pick up some freshly harvested cranberries for your cranberry sauces. Careful, they’re heavy!
In the spirit of thanksgiving, take a moment to enjoy the moment you’re in. Smell the air. Feel the ground beneath you. Create a good memory, one you’ll be thankful for.
Wash your hands, wear a mask, and stay safe gentle readers!
Why Travel Wallets Are The Worst: Part 1
Travel wallets. Document organisers. It’s the place you put your passport, your credit or debit cards, your travel visas, your plane or train ticket, your boarding pass, your house and car keys, and the vast majority of your extra currency. They’re on every ‘must have for travel’ list I’ve ever come across. Lauded as the end of all your disorganisational worries and the solver of all problems when it comes to travel paperwork, they’re advertised as the one essential tool that every traveler worth their salt needs.
They’re stupid.
It is abundantly clear to me that this product was invented by someone who does not travel. I don’t know why people buy them. I’m not even sure that people are buying them because I’ve never seen them in any airport, train station, or border crossing that I’ve been to. Which leads me to wonder why they’re on these ‘necessary travel items’ lists in the first place.
For the sake of argument, let’s step into the mindset of someone who is about to purchase one. I can only really picture three types people who would purchase these.
The first person is someone who likes the way it looks. They have a desire or need be organised and have everything in one place. The second is someone who is generally self aware. They know they are disorganised and a travel wallet seems to be a good way of keeping track of everything. The third person is someone with a large family. I’m thinking a partner and three or more children, especially young children, in tow. The more organized you are the better in large families and a travel wallet would be perfect for keeping everyone’s information together. It makes life easier.
I have one question to them, and to anyone else who thinks travel wallets are a good idea.
What happens if you lose it?
Let’s look at the immediate problems that would cause.
How are you going to prove who you are to the police when you report the theft if your ID was in that wallet. How are you going to get back into your hotel if your key was in there? How are you going to eat if your cash, debit, and credit cards were in there? Will you survive for the whole trip? How are you going to get home if your passport and other types of identification were in there? The airport staff will not look kindly upon people who show up without them, especially if they’re travelling with children.
When you do get home there are going to be long term consequences.
You’re going to have to get your identification back, which requires identification. Hopefully you left some stuff at home. You’re going to have to contact every card provider you have to suspend your accounts and get your cards reinstated. If you live in Canada, you will now have to go through a more lengthy process if you want to apply for visas or your passport again, because you lost the one you had. You’re also going to have to replace your house and car keys if they were in there.
The best you can now hope for is your wallet is lost down a drain somewhere, never to be touched by human hands again. If someone does pick it up they will have an ungodly amount of information about you and your family.
The solution to this is so much safer, cheaper, and it’s coming in part two!
Canterbury Cathedral
First of all let me say that while there are tours which will take you to the cathedral from London along with a few other stops, you can totally do it yourself. Canterbury can be a super easy day trip for anyone who wants to get their feet wet in solo travel, or at least less reliant on tours. The old architecture makes for a charming stroll, it’s easy to navigate, and offers a whole host of cultural and historical sites to learn from. It’s two hours from London by train, meaning that if you are visiting London you can hop onto a train in Victoria Station in the morning and be in Canterbury with plenty of time left for exploration.
Finding Canterbury Cathedral is a bit trickier. I definitely suggest having a map open for this one, because had I not already known what I was looking for I might have missed it. You can definitely see the spires from far away, but finding the entrance to the cathedral becomes a bit tricky because of where it’s situated. Because it’s built within a cloister, the cathedral actually has a gate situated between two shops. When I say gate, I don’t mean your garden variety picket fence. I mean several stories high gates. Looking down the street in the picture above, you can see both the gates and the spires of the Cathedral. Those gates are where you’ll get your tickets. Be sure to book your tickets ahead of time, as of right now because of Covid the entrance is timed, and they are only booking up to two weeks in advance, and the cost is £12.50 for anyone over eighteen. Kids get in free with a paying adult.
There are volunteers scattered around the church who will be more than happy to answer your questions and give you little tidbits of history; Canterbury is full of it.
Although the site has been used since the Roman era, it’s most well known as the place where St. Thomas Becket was martyred in 1170, but the entire story of that martyrdom is a fascinating one. The crypts even have a special statue to commemorate the event. Personally I found it a bit eerie down there, as was the statue, so I wouldn’t recommend bringing very young children down there. You might also find the history of the church of England a rather fascinating one, as the Plantagenets, the family that would eventually be succeeded by the Tudors, were heavily involved with this particular cathedral. Canterbury was also host to monks, so there are plenty of rooms to explore that once belonged to the abbey including council chambers and gardens.
I would definitely recommend giving yourself not only plenty of time to go through the cathedral, but also time to wander through the town too. You’ll find a wide boulevard for shopping, boat tours of the canals which run through the city, bits of the old town fortifications which still remain, cemeteries and parks, and plenty of restaurants to suite your needs. Canterbury also has a rather unique Creams, a chain restaurant found in England. Most of them are decorated in purple and black, more 50s looking than anything else, but the one in Canterbury has full on Steampunk décor! For this trip make sure to wear a decent pair of walking shoes, as I’ve found of all the English cities I’ve visited, the cobble in Canterbury is the most likely to reach up and trip you! Remember to also plan your trip home as well, and know when the last train leaves Canterbury in the evening to get back to London, or wherever else you’re staying. As always, bring sunscreen, a raincoat or umbrella, and your sense of adventure!
Lostman's Star 