Will You Take Me to the Cinema?
Away from the harsh world of the multiplex cinema is Canterbury's Odeon Cinema (+44 (0) 1227 453777, Booking line: (0) 870 50 50 007). Situated right next door to Chicago's and Studio 41 and just a few minutes from the bus station, it is a great place to see the latest Hollywood releases. A combination of the past (stunning Victorian era theatre decor) and the present (a tremendously invigorating modern sound system) ensures that the film experience surrounds the audience. Ticket prices vary according to the time and day but are generally cheaper before 5pm. Student discount applies on Monday to Thursday.
If you want to see a slightly more alternative or art-house film then Cinema 3 up at the University of Kent's Gulbenkian Theatre (Cinema 3, Gulbenkian Theatre, University of Kent, Box Office: +44 (0) 1227 769075, Automated Booking Line: +44 (0) 1227 823282, cinema3@ukc.ac.uk) is a great place. Their aim is to mix mainstream film greats with less commercial films and this always works very well. Tickets are £4.50 for adults or £3.50 for students.
Life is a Cabaret
The Marlowe Theatre (The Friars, +44 (0) 1227 787787) was built in the early 1980s and, because of money scrimping, does not fit in with any of the buildings that surround it. Without a doubt, it is one of the ugliest buildings in Canterbury. However, there are some treats inside once you get there. The money that they could have spent making the outside aesthetically pleasing has gone into making a technically proficient theatre with great acoustics and lighting. As the largest theatre in Kent it generally puts on a variety of crowd pleasing shows such as musicals, a Christmas pantomine, and a comedian or two.
The University of Kent's Gulbenkian Theatre (Gulbenkian Theatre, University of Kent, Box Office: +44 (0) 1227 769075, Automated Booking Line: +44 (0) 1227 823282, gulbenkian@ukc.ac.uk) generally offers a slightly more varied range of productions than the Marlowes. Alongside the student drama productions you can find top class comedians, innovative plays, and music and dance from around the world.
Money, Money, Money
Unlike the rest of the United Kingdom, most shops in Canterbury accept Euros. The rate is generally standard with one Euro equalling sixty pence. Plans are, supposedly, afoot to accept US dollars as well. Turning this plan into reality will undoubtedly take ages. For now most of the banks have bureau de changes and, in this world of modernity, it is possible to get money directly out of the cash machines. Just some of the cash points on offer are Halifax (St. George's Street), Marks & Spencer (St. George's Street), Barclays Bank (St. George's Street), HSBC (Rose Lane), Royal Bank of Scotland (Rose Lane), NatWest (The Parade), Woolwich (High Street), Lloyds TSB (St. Margaret's Street). Opening hours of the banks and building societies vary. Typically, they are generally open until around 5pm on weekdays and closed on Sundays with an early closing of around 12pm on Saturdays. Try and get there as early as possible to avoid getting caught out by early closing.
Hey Hey Mr. Postman
There are several Post Offices dotted around Canterbury. The biggest and best one is in the High Street. At the corner of Stour Street and the High Street (and next to Methvens bookshop) it is the most convenient place to get stamps for postcards and every other postage need. They also sell quite nice greeting cards.
Do the Bartman
With an ancient bylaw that outlaws 'toe tapping' (and most other forms of dancing), in establishments within the old city walls, Canterbury does not have too much of a clubbing scene. Clubs such as Baa Baas (near Canterbury East station), Studio 41 (opposite Safeway supermarket, near the Odeon cinema), and The Venue (University of Kent - open during term time only; entrance only upon production of a valid student card) do offer a nightclub experience but they are certainly not the best in the world. Much better clubs are to be found in London, Bournemouth, Brighton, other big towns, and the continent.
Flushed Out
The amount of Public Toilets in Canterbury is always a complex issue. Supposedly, toilets are available in several areas of the city centre. However, vandalism and other circumstances can lead to their closure for indefinite periods. The best way of finding toilet that is clean and open is to use those available in some of the shops. Nasons and Debenhams (at the West Gate end of the High Street) both offer toilets 'for customers' and Waterstones (St. Margaret's Street, near City Fish Bar and The Canterbury Tales) have a toilet near their coffee shop. If closer to the bus station, both McDonald's and Burger King offer good facilities. Shops and restaurants always seem to state that the toilets are only for customers. Be this as it may, they never state of what you have to be a customer. This oversight seems an open invitation for everyone to use their toilets.
Questions?
If you want more information about this area you can email the author or check out our Europe Insiders page.
