Abby Hong ’27

During my semester abroad at SOAS University of London, I was awarded an Intercultural Enrichment Stipend to take a trip away from the bustling streets of London to the serene town of Canterbury. 

Exploring the UK Outside London

In London, I often felt overwhelmed by the chaos of the city, intimidated by its pace and scale. Because I was so focused on trying to “see everything” in London, I realized I had limited myself to a surface-level exploration of the United Kingdom, without truly engaging with its broader historical and cultural landscape. This trip allowed me to step away and explore beyond the capital, traveling to Canterbury–a small, quaint town that offered new insights into England and its history.

Canterbury is a historic cathedral city in the county of Kent, known for its deep religious and cultural significance. As someone with a keen interest in religion and religious history, I was excited to explore Canterbury in-person and learn more about its central role in the history of English Christianity.

Home to many ancient landmarks, it is widely considered the “spiritual center” of the Church of England, and a major European pilgrimage destination. As someone with personal religious beliefs, visiting this town felt like a meaningful milestone I wanted to reach. 

Rain, Rain, Go Away

After taking a one hour train from London, my friend and I arrived in Canterbury, where we were dismayed to find that the sky was absolutely pouring rain. My first impression of the town was gloomy, deserted, and silent. However, as we walked closer into the city center, I began to notice shops and restaurants filled with a lively atmosphere that contrasted the bleak outdoors. 

My friend and I decided on a restaurant filled with locals who all seemed to be enjoying a cup of tea and a scone. We decided to order two sets of afternoon tea–despite it being morning–and were shocked by the sheer amount of food they had given us. A quick look around confirmed that the tables nearby were struggling to finish their meals. Catching the gaze of a couple nearby, we struck up a conversation about where we were from, why we were in Canterbury, and laughed about the scones that were as big as my hand.

After eating (and of course getting a takeout box), we headed to Westgate Gardens, which is famous for its floral displays, the River Stour, and the ancient Westgate Towers. We spotted people punting along the river, which we decided to skip in favor of remaining dry. I had also wanted to explore the Westgate Museum & Viewpoint, but I was disappointed to see that it was closed. 

Pilgrimage and Place

Back in the city centre, we visited the Beaney House of Art & Knowledge Museum, the Canterbury Cathedral, Saint George’s Tower, and more. My favorite landmark was the Christ Church Gate, an impressive entrance to the cathedral, which somehow looked even more grand with the gray gloomy sky as its backdrop.

I also enjoyed visiting the cathedral, and reading about all of its history.  I thought it was worth it, despite being surrounded by almost a hundred middle schoolers. Not just Canterbury in particular, but throughout my study abroad experience I made it a point to visit as many cathedrals as possible, reading about their history and comparing their architecture.

Out of all the spots we visited, St. Augustine’s Abbey felt the most meaningful. A bit of a walk away from the city, it was a stark contrast to the mass of tourists crowding the cathedral. There were very few people there, which made me contemplate what kinds of people decided to visit the historical site and for what reasons. Known as the birthplace of Christianity in England, the site was a very profound experience, with an overwhelming depth of history. When I learned it was founded in 597 AD, it was difficult to wrap my head around the sheer age of the preserved ruins, which made its tumultuous history all the more meaningful. 

These were my favorite parts of the city–places where I found myself pausing, compelled to reflect on the culture, history, and enduring legacy of Canterbury. More than ever before, I realized that there is a profound difference between simply knowing about a place and truly experiencing it firsthand.

Overall, I loved Canterbury and all that it was able to teach me. Despite London’s size and diversity, I often found it more difficult to make new acquaintances, especially with locals who were understandably occupied with their busy daily lives. In Canterbury, however, I was able to engage in conversations with residents, learn more about their lives and perspectives, and develop a more personal understanding of the city and its community. These interactions allowed me to appreciate Canterbury not only as a place of historical significance, but also as a living city shaped by the people who call it home.