'Little Venice' in UK where you can take a punt down the river and learn dark history
The historic is home to a tranquil canal tour where visitors can take a punt down the river and learn about the city's dark past
Imagine meandering through some of the UK's most scenic and historic byways, gliding over pristine waters in a traditional punt, soaking up the sun's gentle rays. In this quaint enclave, travellers can savour the serene delight of a guided punt tour along the gentle river.
Settling into your seat, you'll be captivated by the knowledgeable guide's tales, chronicling the ancient city's history and pointing out remarkable landmarks including age-old bridges, beautiful weaver's cottages, local theatres, centuries-old monasteries, and idyllic orchards.
The darker chapters of Canterbury's history are not forgotten either; stories include the tragic beheading of a priest and the devastating fire that claimed a historic mill.
This approximately 45-minute journey in this charming corner of Kent affords onlookers an exclusive glimpse of Canterbury's hidden gems, with one enthusiastic visitor praising the "crystal clear waters, beautiful buildings, plants and a really unique view passing under bridges and streets" of the idyllic River Stour.
The Canterbury Punting Company, recipients of the esteemed Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Award 2024, is known for its classic handcrafted wooden punts and charismatic guides who blend local historical knowledge with a talent for storytelling, reports the Mirror.
Boasting an enviable 4.8-star rating from over 1,388 reviews on Tripadvisor, this company has clearly left an indelible mark on its customers. This month alone, one enthused customer commented: "What a fantastic experience and led by a very knowledgeable and entertaining guide/punter - not sure what correct terminology is - by the name of Freddy."
The same customer continued: "He kept us thoroughly entertained with his tales of yonder whilst on the history boat ride. It was a lovely experience and so relaxing and informative."
They went on to say, "Can't wait to try the nature tour next. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to do something a bit different and to see Canterbury from the River Stour."
Echoing this praise, a visitor from May added: "Sebastian was a very talented storyteller and informed us of the magical world that is Canterbury.
"The tour was relaxing and enjoyable, and my family thoroughly enjoyed it. I highly recommend this to any family who wants a day out relaxing on the river."
The River Stour was historically used as a key highway by the Romans and during Medieval times as a crucial link between Canterbury and continental Europe. Nearby Fordwich became important to shipping after the silting up of the southern entrance to the English Channel.
The town of Canterbury itself also has deep historical roots, being used by the Romans as a town and hillfort and much of it's Roman history has been unearthed during archaeological digs over the years.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
3 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
The underrated French city that has a ‘bit of everything' with picturesque beaches and new cheap hotels
Nice has a bit of everything. Great food, scenery and swimming NICE 'N' EASY The underrated French city that has a 'bit of everything' with picturesque beaches and new cheap hotels WITH relaxing beaches and super sightseeing – plus just a two-hour flight away – Nice on France's stunning Cote d'Azur makes for an easy sunny getaway. While it may happily soak up the glamorous associations of nearby Cannes and St-Tropez, this spot on the Med needn't break the bank. 4 The idyllic beach at Nice in the South of France Credit: Getty WHY SHOULD I GO? NICE has a bit of everything. Great food, scenery and swimming. But it never feels like you need to elbow your way through its quaint streets. It is also one of France's brightest cities, with a reported 147 days of sunshine a year making it a great choice if you want to bask in the rays while also getting a top-notch culture fix. STREETS MADE FOR WALKING? ONE of the best things about Nice is just how walkable it is, the piece de resistance being a stroll along the seafront Promenade des Anglais. As you get your steps in alongside the palm trees, look out for the iconic hotel Le Negresco, which hosted Elizabeth Taylor and The Beatles. Pack comfy shoes to walk 30 minutes up to the Colline du Chateau — a park from which you can get the best views of the city. It's smart to hop on a tram (€10, or £8.39, return) outside the airport to get into the centre after landing — it takes just over half an hour. BUCKET LIST ATTRACTIONS? THE cute Old Town comprises a series of winding alleys that have hardly changed from the 1700s and are made for wandering, complete with colourful, shuttered facades. Between the many historic squares and churches, you will find plenty of adorable shops selling handbags, jewellery and other stylish items. Or head to the flea market Les Puces de Nice, a treasure trove of affordable designer clothing. Martin Lewis gives travel advice about checking your passport Need an energy boost? Stop off at the Frisson coffee shop which serves dainty pastries and ice cream. Enjoy art at the Matisse Museum (€10, or £8.39, entry), before a free walk through the ruins of a Roman amphitheatre in the Jardin des Arenes de Cimiez. WHERE SHOULD I EAT? LUNCH on delicious Mediterranean cuisine beneath a chic, striped parasol at the laidback Hotel Amour Plage (part of Hotel Amour Nice) in a prime position on the promenade. Then retreat to the beach club's sunloungers beside the beach. 4 Hunt for bargains at the flea market Credit: Getty For a dinner you can dress up for, head to Taulissa above the five-star Le Victoria hotel. Dine on mouthwatering Provencal dishes — including plenty of fish and seafood options — with panoramic views of the city. For more of a local feel, try the friendly Rouge wine bar, whose small Mediterranean sharing plates are just as unmissable as the contents of its cellar. I FANCY A DRINK EASE into the evening with a sunset visit to Babel Babel, for a range of natural wines and a sea view. Later, Place du Pin and the adjacent Rue Bonaparte are full of bustling cocktail bars with terraces. 4 Enjoy a seaview from Babel Babel cafe Credit: Alamy WHERE SHOULD I STAY? THE Old Town is arguably best, not only for its charm but for practical reasons too — it's close to all the key sites you'll want to visit. EasyHotel Nice Old Town has had a multi-million pound refurb, and is a stone's throw from all the action. 4 Relaxing by the crystal sea Credit: Getty There is an all-you-can-eat continental breakfast buffet (£10.49, per person) — including croissants, of course — and the handy option to store luggage at €5 (£4.20) per item for up to 12 hours before or after your stay.
Scottish Sun
7 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Scots holiday park with golden sands & stunning marina wins Travellers' Choice Award
Three other Scottish resorts managed to bag the prestigious accolade Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A SCOTTISH holiday park with golden sands and a stunning marina has won a prestigious Travellers' Choice Award. The caravan park is located in one of the most picturesque areas of Scotland and offers a little bit of something for everyone. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Scots Nairn Lochloy Holiday Park has an incredible indoor pool Credit: Nairn Lochloy Holiday Park 5 It is located between a gorgeous beach and a stunning marina Credit: Nairn Lochloy Holiday Park 5 The resort has won a Travellers' Choice Award Credit: Nairn Lochloy Holiday Park Nairn Lochloy Holiday Park in the Highlands earned a spot in the awards after impressing with its stunning views and top entertainment. The accolade places it in the top 10 per cent of listings globally that consistently earn positive reviews. The Parkdean resort is situated between a gorgeous beach and a marina, where whales and dolphins are often seen peeking above the waves. It is also close to the Nairn Dunbar championship golf course and is just a 50-minute drive away from Loch Ness. Or for those who love to explore, there is also a trek to Fort George for a fascinating taste of Scottish history. The caravan park features excellent facilities that cater to all the essentials for a perfect getaway, and even has a range of pet-friendly accommodation. There are also plenty of attractions and activities to entertain families, including a bar, an indoor pool and a bustling arcade. Describing Nairn Lochloy after it scooped the Travellers' Choice Award, experts at TripAdvisor said the park is as beautiful as it is fun. They wrote: "Life's a beach at Nairn Lochloy Holiday Park, with golden sands set beside a marina; its beauty is only matched by its fun. "Whether you're dining at Spelding's Lounge Bar, munching by the marina or picnicking by the beach - you're sure to unwind your mind. Scots holiday park named one of best in world "If the outdoors is your thing, stroll along the beach or explore the Highlands right on your doorstep. "For ultimate relaxation, spend a lazy day by the pool and sauna. "Kids of all ages will love the amazing amusement arcades too! "At Nairn Lochloy Holiday Park you'll be entertained from dusk till dawn!" The resort has also racked up thousands of glowing reviews on the popular travel website. One visitor wrote: "Beautiful holiday experience despite rain - perfect location, caravan was well equipped, staff are friendly and helpful. All around amazing." Another added: "Truly wonderful holiday. Everything was just as advertised. The caravan was spotless and every one of the staff seemed to be enjoying their work and more than willing to help you." Someone else said: "Nairn Lochloy was the most incredible site I've been to. It was so clean and the location was perfect, right next to the harbour and beach... The food in the restaurant was lovely and the service was also wonderful." A fourth posted: "Ideal location for exploring the Highlands. The caravan park is really clean and has a beautiful beach. Had a lovely meal in the restaurant, staff warm and welcoming." While a fifth chimed in: "From start to finish, it was excellent... The caravan was extremely clean, comfy and has everything you need. Perfect location, facilities and can't wait to return." Parkdean Resorts PARKDEAN Resorts is the leading operator of holiday parks in the UK, welcoming in excess of three million holidaymakers each year. The firm owns and operates 66 award-winning holiday parks, and have an freehold property footprint with 3,500 acres of land including forests, peatbogs, rivers, beaches and headlands in some of the UK's finest beauty spots. Bosses say they are committed to caring for their parks, people, and planet to create a positive environmental impact on nature and resources, and to acting responsibly for the long-term sustainability of the business. Their 33,000 pitches include a wide range of accommodation options, from static caravans to luxury lodges and glamping, as well as touring and camping pitches. They also have 20,000 holiday home owners, and sell over 600,000 holidays a year, mainly to families. Speaking of the string of latest awards, bosses said: "Our team's commitment to creating amazing experiences for our holidaymakers has earned us British Travel Awards every year for the past twelve years, including Best Company for UK Family Holidays, Best Company for UK Parks and Lodges Holidays, and Best Company for UK Short Breaks. "We continue to record excellent visitor reviews with a 2025 year-to-date Tripadvisor score of 4.6/5, and 2024 feedback scores of 4.1/5 on Google and 4/5 on Facebook, while 77% of people who visited Parkdean Resorts would recommend us." Alongside Nairn Lochloy Holiday Park,e, three other Scots Parkdean resorts managed to bag a Tripadvisor Traveller's Choice Award. Eyemouth, Grannie's Heilan Ham, and Sundrum Castle Holiday Parks were all crowned with the prestigious award, too. Steve Richards, CEO at Parkdean Resorts, said: 'Winning the TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Award is a testament to the hard work our teams put in every day, allowing our guests to make amazing memories with their families and loved ones. "We're extremely proud of our parks and always strive to improve the overall guest experience. "The feedback we receive from our visitors is very important to us. "We're delighted to see such a high proportion of our parks win this prestigious award.' 5 The caravan park also has plenty of attractions and activities to entertain families Credit: Nairn Lochloy Holiday Park
Wales Online
8 hours ago
- Wales Online
I went on holiday alone to an all-inclusive family resort and it was ridiculous
I went on holiday alone to an all-inclusive family resort and it was ridiculous Travel writer Emily Malia visited Club Med's all-inclusive luxury resort set in a "lesser known spot" in Turkey Now I can't stop dreaming about the Taurus mountains Turkey was not a place that fell very high on my list of dream travel destinations, writes reporter Emily Malia. Nor was heading by myself to an all-inclusive mega hotel that specialises in family holidays. That is, until Club Med put Palmiye on my radar, and now I can't stop dreaming about the Taurus mountains and tucking into the truly exceptional buffet. As someone who loves to immerse themselves in the culture of a new place, I have to say I had my doubts about an all-inclusive Turkish experience, but was pleasantly surprised by how much I could absorb without leaving the resort. The stunning, lesser-known coastal spot an hour outside of Antalya, Turkey, is tempting for travellers who want a true holiday experience without the hustle and bustle of tourist towns, reports the Mirror. Every day that I woke up at Palmiye, I couldn't help but look up in awe at the peaks surrounding us, whether it was on my walk to breakfast, lounging around the pool, or looking back out at the resort from the boat. This scenic view acted as the backdrop to all of my moments spent at Club Med, and if I close my eyes, I can still picture them towering over me. Emily Malia made a trip that she will not be forgetting anytime soon (Image: Emily Malia ) It's the all-inclusive aspect that appeals to families who are desperate to keep their kids occupied and have a sense of freedom, all within the confines of safety. Of course, being childless and in my twenties, I can't talk about the experience of family life in Palmiye, but feeling safe and having opportunities to meet new people was also important to me. Article continues below Activities Club Med Palmiye offers an eye-watering amount of activities for both adults and kids alike – from tennis lessons to paddle, volleyball, Pilates, water skiing, yoga and more. It would be virtually impossible to try and squeeze it all into one week, and they don't expect you to. The idea is that you can start lessons on your first day and, by the end of the week, potentially have picked up a new skill. As a solo traveller, it can feel daunting booking onto activities and excursions, whether it's down to fears of being scammed, your safety, or just the general admin of booking. I found myself constantly going back to lounge around the zen pool at the very end of the resort, submerging myself in an adult-only area. No screaming kids or splashing water and, more importantly, a bar with a beach view. Although this wasn't unique to this pool, each one of the resort's six main pools has a bar right by it and is never far away from the beachfront. Club Med Palmiye offers an eye-watering amount of activities - but there is always the option just to enjoy the sunshine If you're less of an active traveller and just want to unwind, the Palmiye resort has not one but two spas – one in the Villagio area and another based in the newly renovated hotel. It was here that I lived out my true White Lotus dreams with a relaxing back massage catered to my own choice of scent, product and pressure. After, I entered another dimension by slipping into the sauna. The next time I saw my masseuse was when we were both dancing the night away at the Efes bar. In fact, that was a common theme throughout my trip: bumping into the Club Med team as though they were old friends. Everyone working at the resort was friendly, fun, happy to help and, most of all, looked like they enjoyed their own free time. Food This resort was ridiculous, in every sense of the word, and I mean that with the utmost positivity. I didn't know what day it was, my screen time was low, and the food sent me into a dream state. When I talk about enriching yourself in a true Turkish experience, that is where Club Med's incredible chefs come on board, across their four in-house restaurants. For the latest restaurant news and reviews, sign up to our food and drink newsletter here There was a range of foods to enjoy at the eclectic buffet Like any vegetarian, I go into a restaurant with anxiety that I'll get lumped with a lack of choice, but here it was quite the opposite – I was overwhelmed. The Olympus restaurant offers a chef that specialises in their own cuisine, prepped there and then in a live-cooking station – whether you want a true Turkish kebab, trusty Italian dishes or Asian-inspired foods, you are truly spoilt for choice. Almost all of the produce is sourced locally, and so while you're dining, you know you're tucking into true Turkish cheeses, chicken and salads. As someone who loves nothing more than a Greek salad on holiday, I couldn't have asked for more from the Olympus, where they deliver an entire station with chopping boards so you can customise and build your own salads. I couldn't help but be blown away by the settings in which the Topkapi restaurant sits. It has a stream running alongside it and blue waters that you overlook from the terraces. Entertainment There ain't no party like a Club Med party. The brand's slightly unhinged twist on entertainment is perfect for getting everyone involved, even the most apprehensive of Brits. From their theatrical performances in the huge amphitheatre, their early evening jazz-esque singers, or their full-blown dance parties, wherever the staff were, the party was. Above all, the standout nighttime entertainment had to be at the Club Med White Party, which I was informed is a weekly occurrence across all of their resorts. Not only are you greeted by a sit-down, all-white setting, reminiscent of an extravagant wedding, paired with mouth-watering food, but also five-star entertainment. As I tucked into my food, I watched beautiful acrobatic routines before the resort's manager kicked off the night's dance party. Before I knew it, there were drummers, dancers and sparklers galore, circling their way through the crowd. When we practically conga-lined our way over to the Efes bar, there were dancers on podiums, a trusty DJ, and a saxophone player on the dancefloor – it was as though Club Med had transformed itself into an Ibiza beach club for one night only. Newly renovated hotel When the day is done, whether it's an early night or an early morning finish after partying until the bar shuts at 1am, you have the option of staying in a newly renovated hotel room. Fresh, modern, and with a Mediterranean vibe to it, with an endless number of rooms offering both pool and sea views, I couldn't really complain. The modern bedroom boasted stunning views (Image: Hunter & Gather ) One of my favourite aspects of the resort was that your all-inclusive wristband also worked as your room key. It sounds so simple, but my god was it handy; I could bid farewell to the stress of losing a room key, and it also meant that for people sharing a room, especially families, they never had to worry about sending the other back off to the room. Everything about the hotel screams 'relax', from the light wash colours of the décor, to the quiet ambience inside, and the way every room and exit flows into one another, so you're never finding yourself lost. Inside the all inclusive hotel that has gotten Emily thinking - there's no going back! My stay at Club Med Palmiye has most definitely made me rethink the idea of travelling to more all-inclusive resorts; they know just how to do it right. I've spent an extortionate amount on food and drinks on holidays before I even got around to looking at activities or travel to excursions, so at a price starting from £1,981 per adult, I think it's great value for money. Not only do I think you get your money's worth, but you also get the trip of a lifetime. How to book A seven-night all-inclusive stay at Club Med Palmiye, Turkey, starts from £2,654 per adult (based on double occupancy) with return flights from London (LGW) and transfers. Article continues below Without flights, seven-night all-inclusive stays start from £1,981 per adult (based on double occupancy). You can find out more and book on
