Canterbury Newcastle Train

Canterbury, in the south east of England, can trace its history back to before the Romans in the 1st century AD but grew in importance following the Kingdom of Kent's conversion to Christianity in 597 when St Augustine founded a bishops seat in the city and then became the first Archbishop of Canterbury, a position that now heads the Church of England and the worldwide Anglican Communion. Thomas Becket's murder at Canterbury Cathedral in 1170 led to the cathedral becoming a place of pilgrimage for Christians worldwide.

The city is on the River Stour or Great Stour, flowing from its source at Lenham north-east through Ashford to the English Channel at Sandwich. The river divides south east of the city, one branch flowing though the city, the other around the position of the former walls. The Stour is navigable on the tidal section to Fordwich, although above this point canoes and other small craft can be used. Punts and rowed river boats are available for hire in Canterbury.

Canterbury is home to many historic structures in addition to its cathedral. These include the city wall built in Roman times and rebuilt in the 14th century, the ruins of St Augustine Abbey and a Norman castle. The city is also home to perhaps the oldest school in England, The King's School.

Located in north east England, the city of Newcastle upon Tyne (usually known as just Newcastle) is a regional capital situated north of the River Tyne. Newcastle is the county town of Northumberland and has many attractions for visitors to see and do including the famous Tyne Bridge, the Discovery Museum and St James' Park football ground, home to Newcastle United Football Club. Newcastle's cathedral dates back to the 14th and 15th centuries and is topped with a crown like structure and arches that support a lantern. Inside the cathedral and behind the high altar is one of the largest funeral brasses in England. Running along both sides of the River Tyne is the Metro that connects Newcastle with various historic attractions and the sandy beaches at Whitley Bay and Tynemouth. Newcastle’s Metro Radio Arena is a purpose-built concert and exhibition venue that attracts some of the biggest names in music, as well as comedy and exciting sporting events, ice shows and family performances. Newcastle City Hall, which opened in 1927 and is smaller in size than the Metro Radio Arena, was the city’s first dedicated concert hall and continues to be a popular venue for rock, pop and comedy.