St. Dunstans

Two minutes from Canterbury Cathedral stands a church that most visitors walk straight past without a second glance. St. Dunstan's holds the rather grim distinction of being where Thomas Becket's head was supposedly washed after his murder in 1170. The original Norman structure has been knocked about over the centuries, but what remains still carries that weight of history.

Architecture buffs will appreciate the mix of periods - medieval stonework alongside Victorian restoration work. The interior feels properly old, with worn flagstones and that particular smell of ancient churches that speaks of centuries of worship. It's not grand like the Cathedral, but that's rather the point.

Families staying at Canterbury Lodges or the nearby campsites might find it a useful pit stop before tackling the main Cathedral crowds. Kids won't be enthralled, mind you - there's little to capture young imaginations beyond the Becket connection. History enthusiasts, however, will find it well worth the brief detour. The church often gets overlooked in Canterbury's tourist trail, which means you'll likely have it to yourself for quiet contemplation.

Allow twenty minutes at most unless you're particularly keen on medieval church architecture. Combined with a Canterbury Cathedral visit, it rounds out the Thomas Becket story rather nicely. Just don't expect opening hours to be reliable - country churches keep their own schedule.