English Courses in Canterbury
Overview
Canterbury is a wonderful medieval city of 40, 000 inhabitants, founded as Durovernum by the Romans as a military and commercial center on the main road from London to Dover. In 560 AD, known then as Cantwarabyryg, it became the capital of the Saxon Kingdom of Kent. In 597, it became the seat of the first Christian diocese of Great Britain, founded by St. Augustine, who managed to baptize the Saxon King Ethelbert. From that time onward it has maintained it religious authority, even following King Henry VIII’s Protestant Reformation.
Why study English in Canterbury?
Less than an hour from London, Canterbury is a city with a past is as rich as it comes. The extraordinary cathedral dominates the medieval streets within the city walls. Among the listed buildings, a boldly modern theatre – named after the city’s famous son Christopher Marlowe – was built on the river bank, and an art museum has been restored and doubled in size. To the south is St Augustine’s Abbey, part of the World Heritage Site, and England’s first seat of learning. Today – with its international visitors and four universities – it has a distinctly cosmopolitan feel. People come to see it for its world-class heritage, its culture and festivals, to socialize and to study, to eat and to hang out.
The University of Canterbury has over 12,000 students, of whom 10% are foreign, rendering the city an exciting destination for young people all year.
Language Schools and Camps in this Destination
In Canterbury, Marshall Language Services also offers English courses and programs at the following language schools:
- Stafford House Canterbury (General English courses for Adults 16 + )
- Concorde International (General English courses for Adults 16 + Family Programs for children aged 5 – 17, homestay and residential programs for children aged 8 – 17, 3-week July program for children aged 12-16 in British state school, Secondary state school Academic Year program for 1, 2 or 3 terms)
Images of Canterbury, England
Things to Do and See During a Vacation Study
The sites of Canterbury are very easy to navigate on foot. The historical center is partially enclosed by the city walls, and still looks medieval with its narrow streets and half timbered houses, of which the ones facing the Stour River are particularly notable.
- Canterbury Cathedral
The enormous and splendid landmark of the city is its Christ Church Cathedral. Its current appearance is based on a reconstruction carried out between 1175-1184 on the ruins of a previous building that was destroyed by a fire. It is the earliest, and possibly best example of English Gothic architecture. The church originates to the period of St. Augustine, and was built for the first time in 1070. Other important work was carried out in 1378 and 1490. The southern facade, dominated by the bell tower (Bell Harry), is magnificent and can be seen by crossing the Christ Church Gate, the arch that separates the religious area from the city center. The Great Cloister is also worth a visit. - Westgate Gardens
Popular riverside recreation area - Wingham Wildlife Park
Jaguars, lizards and penguins - The Marlowe Theatre
- Howletts Wild Animal Park
Rare and endangered animals in 90 acres - The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge
Gallery and library in updated 1800s house - Chilham Village
An attractive village near Canterbury, Chilham is based around a square hemmed by half-timbered buildings.The wealth of historic architecture in Chilham makes it one of the most visited places in Kent. - Saint Augustine Abbey
This great Abbey, marking the rebirth of Christianity in southern England, was founded shortly after AD 597 by St Augustine. Today visitors can see the ruins of the Abbey and a museum. - The Canterbury Tales
A museum tour charting Chaucer’s stories
How to Arrive at your Language Course
By air
The nearest airports to Canterbury are London Gatwick (106 km) and London Heathrow (146). They are both under 2 hours’ drive from the city.
By rail
Canterbury has two mainline railways stations, East and West, and is served by frequent trains to and from London Charing Cross and London Victoria (journey time of 90 minutes to two hours). From London St. Pancras to Canterbury West, a high-speed train service takes about one hour.
By coach
National Express offers coaches to and from London Victoria Coach Station for a journey time of about 90 minutes. Stagecoach East Kent buses are also available from Canterbury Bus Station.