Plymouth Canterbury Train

The city of Plymouth lies between the River Plym and the River Tamar in the south west of England. Both rivers flow into Plymouth Sound, a natural harbour. Plymouth Sound is protected from the sea by the Plymouth Breakwater, which has been in use since 1814. In the Sound is Drake's Island which is seen from Plymouth Hoe, a flat public area on top of limestone cliffs. The River Tamar forms the county boundary between Devon and Cornwall and its estuary upon which Devonport Dockyard sits.

Due to its position on the coast, Plymouth has historically had a maritime based economy particular in the defence sector. Devonport Dockyard is the United Kingdom's only naval base that refits nuclear submarines. Plymouth also has the largest grouping of maritime businesses in the south west of England. The city also has the Plymouth Gin Distillery which has been producing Plymouth Gin since 1793.

Built in 1815, Union Street was at the heart of Plymouth's historical culture. It became known as the servicemen's playground, as it was where sailors from the Royal Navy would seek entertainment of all kinds. During the 1930s, there were 30 pubs and it attracted such performers as Charlie Chaplin to the New Palace Theatre. It is now the late-night hub of Plymouth's entertainment strip.

Located in the south east of England in the county of Kent, Canterbury is an historic city with its cathedral being the centre of the world wide Anglican Church. The cathedral, the oldest in England, dominates the city's skyline but there is more to Canterbury than its cathedral. The ancient ruins of St Augustine's Abbey and St martin's Church form Canterbury's UNESCO World Heritage Site. Canterbury is a small city and is best explored on foot. Walking trails or guided walks will help you make the most of your time here and to enjoy the winding lanes and streets, all with their own unique identity. Alternatively you may wish to relax and absorb the wonder of the city with a boat trip along the River Stour where will be able to appreciate Canterbury's finest and historical architecture set against outstanding, scenic views. The crystal clear waters of the Stour offer a home to ducks, swans, fish and other wildlife while the river banks have an array of bending willow trees and wild flowers. North of the city is the award winning Crab and Winkle Way which is mostly a traffic free, seven mile cycling and walking route based on an old railway line running between Canterbury and Whitstable. It's safe for children and provides a perfect place to picnic along the way in the heart of one of England's oldest forests.