The ancient cathedral city is the headquarters of the Church of England. Originally built by the Romans, it became a pilgrimage site in the Middle Ages and still maintains much of its medieval architecture. Today the vibrant city is home to two universities and its main industries are tourism, education and retail.
WOW FACTOR
The Spitfire Ground
Address: Old Dover Road, Canterbury, CT1 3NZ
Tel: 01227 473 612
Web: thespitfiregroundstlawrence.co.uk
The home of Kent County Cricket has been established since 1847. The impressive ground is great for hospitality on match days and has a wide range of conference rooms, lounges and boxes. The venue has seven function rooms with onsite catering and can host up to 250 guests. Prices start at £95 per half day.
QUIRKY VENUE
The Beany House of Art & Knowledge
Address: High Street, Canterbury, CT1 2BD
Tel: 01227 862 162
Web: canterburymuseums.co.uk/beaney/explore
This attractive building in the centre of town commands views over the city’s rooftops. Its Beaney meeting room is a modern and vibrant space, while the Explorers & Collectors gallery is suitable for a large reception. Meeting room hire from £75 per hour; reception room hire £500 for five hours.
ON A SHOESTRING
Canterbury College
Address: North Homes Road, Canterbury, CT1 1QU
Tel: 01227 811 111
Web: canterburycollege.ac.uk/venue-hire-details
The well-equipped and centrally located college has venues suitable for meetings, conferences and training days for up to 600 people. Its main hall can be sub-divided into three sections and the new enterprise suite features class- rooms and business lounge. Day delegate rates from £20pp.
SMALL BUT PERFECTLY FORMED
Abode Canterbury
Address: High Street, Canterbury, CT1 2RX
Tel: 01227 766 266
Web: www.abodecanterbury.co.uk
This boutique hotel in the city centre has six meeting and events rooms of varying sizes. The Man of Law room and Chef’s Table can host 12 guests and the larger Wine Room, Chaucer Room and Wife of Bath Room can hold 20 to 30. The County Room can hold 150 standing. DDR packages from £32 and 24-hour DDR is from £175.
WIRED UP
Augustine House
Address: Rhodaus Town, Canterbury, CT1 2YA
Tel: 01227 782 222
Web: Canterbury.ac.uk/conferences/our-venues/Canterbury/Augustine-house
The award-winning sustainable venue, part of Canterbury Christ Church University, is noted for its striking contemporary design. Flexible spaces can hold up to 400 and the entire property is wired with high-tech AV equip- ment. Features include two outdoor terraces and a café. The DDR starts from £20pp.
OUT OF TOWN
Whitstable Castle
Address: Tower Hill, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 2BW
Tel: 01227 782 726
Web: whitstablecastle.co.uk
Seven miles from Canterbury in coastal Whitstable, this eye- catching property from the 1790s offers meeting rooms for six people through to theatre- style spaces for up to 60 people. Close to the seafront, the castle has a park with ornamental gardens and offers light lunches to three-course meals and Champagne receptions.
GETTING THERE
There is a fast direct train service from London St Pancras to Canterbury West, which takes less than an hour. Drivers can reach Canterbury via the M2 and the journey time from London is around two hours. Contact the Visit Canterbury tourism team for advice on organising a conference or event.
VisitCanterbury.co.uk has details of venues and accommodation available. Call 01227 862 162 or email canterburyinformation@canterbury.gov.uk
