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Canterbury (Ready Camp)

Kent Ct3 4 Ab, Kent, England
1 acre hosted by Ready C.
Glamping as close to Canterbury as you can, without declaring yourself a pilgrim!
Few places in the UK are more packed with history than Canterbury – inhabited since prehistoric times, living out its Roman years as Durovernum Cantiarorum and forever imbued with Christianity after St Augustine’s arrival by order of the Pope. In 842 Canterbury also witnessed its very first campsite. Sort of. At its perimeter, beyond the stony city walls, a patch of countryside was punctuated by the canvas rooftop of countless pop-up tents. The swathe of camping abodes, musky with the smell of billowing wood-smoke, was the army of invading Danes who used what is now the Kent Downs to stock their wood and keep those cosy campfires glowing.

Today campers on the doorstep are coming for more convivial reasons. A chance to tread the streets, reflect beneath the cathedral arches and dip into the endless history – perhaps broken up with a café stop or three. But it is still possible to camp within a Danish catapult’s sling of the city centre, thanks to the tongue twistingly named Canterbury Camping and Caravanning Club Site.

If you fancy that full canvas feel too, you can pitch in your own tent or take their ready-made safari tent option. They do lack the Danish wood-smoked interior and the clutter of spears and armour, but it’s much made up for in modern day comforts. The tents feature the likes of double beds, sofas, dining furniture and a fully stocked kitchenette, so when you return from your own city touring conquest everything is ready and waiting.

While facilities onsite are excellent, it is location that’s the real showstopper. A 20 minute walk through the edge of town leads you to Augustine’s Abbey, 7th century ruins in a scenic grassy space, and a further five minutes get you as far as the world famous cathedral and the city centre that thrives within its shadow. The campsite's proximity does have its drawbacks, of course. Next door to the hospital and with over 200 pitches it does somewhat forego that small-time rural feel, but in a city as compact as Canterbury walkability is the real key. You could snooze within a safari tent and explore the area for days without ever needing a car. Indeed, the fastest mode of transport may well be punting along the river Stour that lazes quietly through the centre. Lie back, let your fingers dangle in the water and listen to the chime of church bells. It's as quintessentially English as they come, with just a touch of Danish camping thrown in.

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Location
Kent Ct3 4 Ab, Kent, England, United KingdomTraditional, ancestral territory of various First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Ready C.Joined in March 2016
From the host
Your time spent…where it matters Time away with family & friends is great, but let’s be honest - it can sometimes be hectic to even think about! Ready Camp takes away some of the stresses and hassles of camping - having a pre-erected, canvas-wrapped haven with real beds, a kitchen and dining area. There’s no need to fill the car rammed to the rafters with an endless supply of ‘just in cases’. We give you back the time to do the fun things together with your friends and family. Pack your bedding & a sense of adventure Walk into a comfortable haven with cosy furnishings and oodles of little luxuries.  With two bedrooms, an open plan living/dining area where you can wine and dine to your hearts content or put your feet up on the comfy settee after a long day’s adventure. The Kitchen area includes a fridge, microwave and hob, along with basic cooking utensils, crockery and cutlery. (We’ve even supplied the corkscrew!) When it comes to light’s out…we’ve even included a torch for those midnight toilet trips, or just to make funny shadows on the tent!
Nearby attractions
Canterbury Cathedral (01227 762862) rules the roost around these parts, by far the most famous landmark, but don't let that detract from the bounty of other history here. St Augustine's Abbey (01227 767345) was founded in the early 7th century by Augustine himself, ruined Canterbury Castle (01227 378100), on the southern edge of Canterbury's centre, is among the most ancient in Britain, the West Gate is one of the finest medieval gates in the country, and Eastbridge Hospital (01227 471688) is a 12th-century relic and temporary home to thousands of pilgrims over the years. You see, more to it all than just a big church! To delve into these spots the Roman Museum (01227 785575) and the Heritage Museum (01227 475202) are worth a visit, along with the Beaney House of Art and Knowledge (01227 378100). For a different angle try Canterbury Historic River Tours (07790 534744) on the water, or hire a punt (07786332666) and go at your own pace.
Food and drink
In town is where the options lay. For a good pub try the Dolphin (01227 455963), with a huge garden and a wide range of real ales, including Timothy Taylor and Gadd’s, or there's the Parrot (01227 762355), a wonderfully atmospheric pub in one of Canterbury's oldest buildings. For a sit down meal try the reliable Italian, Osteria Posillipo (01227 761471) or the quirky Goods Shed Restaurant (01227 459153). Raised on a platform above Canterbury's superb Goods Shed farmers' market, the latter offers a regularly changing menu using ingredients sourced from the market stalls around it. For a lighter bite Tiny Tim's Tearoom (01227 450793) is as english as they come, competing with Café St Pierre (01227 456791), serving baguettes and croissants from across the channel.

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