PRESS RELEASE
2016
MAKING CHAUCER’S MEDIEVAL TALES UNMISSABLE
Journey back in time to discover Chaucer’s famous Canterbury Tales, joining a costumed
character guide to embark on their experience through the award-winning visitor attraction,
recreating the pilgrimage from London to Canterbury depicted in the revered poem. Guests
will find themselves in the midst of a story-telling contest and be enchanted by five of
Chaucer’s most entertaining tales, brought to life by the medieval sights, sounds and even
smells of 14th century England.
Visitors to The Canterbury Tales begin their journey at the Tabard Inn in London, where they
will meet the first of their costumed guides to set them off on their expedition. During the 40
minute experience, through a combination of live interaction and audio guides, guests will be
regaled by five very different tales of true love, saucy scheming and spine-chilling trickery as
each of Chaucer’s colourful characters competes to win the title of best story-teller. The
audio tours are narrated by famous voices including Robert Powell and Prunella Scales, and
are available in multiple languages. A second costumed guide will be on hand to help you on
the final leg of your journey, which ends at an incredible reconstruction of the Shrine of St
Thomas Becket in Canterbury Cathedral, the very reason for Canterbury’s position
throughout the years as a major destination for pilgrims and tourists alike.
As visitors leave, they will discover Canterbury’s market place (also known as the Gift shop!)
where they will find a range of quality gifts and souvenirs, as well as the opportunity to
purchase some celebratory locally produced mead.
The Canterbury Tales is the only attraction in the world dedicated to celebrating the works of
Geoffrey Chaucer, the father of English Literature and widely considered to be the greatest
English poet of the Middle Ages. As well as a poet, the multi-disciplined Chaucer also spent
time as an author, philosopher, bureaucrat and diplomat.
A variety of international travellers, day trippers, nostalgic returning visitors and newly
discovered Chaucer fans of all ages make up an eclectic mix of guests to the 28 year old
attraction. The concept has truly stood the test of time as the attraction remains a must-see
experience for visitors to Canterbury, site of a UNESCO World Heritage centre.
Less than an hour from London, Canterbury is a world-famous cathedral city and was one of
medieval Europe's great places of pilgrimage and knowledge. Today - with its international
visitors and four Universities - it still has a distinctly cosmopolitan feel. People travel to the
city from across the globe for world-class heritage, for culture and festivals, to visit and to
study, to shop, eat and relax.
For further media information, images or to arrange a visit to The Canterbury Tales
please
contact:
Ellie
Morgan
on
07713
307
925
or
email
[email protected]
About The Canterbury Tales:
The Canterbury Tales visitor attraction business is owned by Heritage Projects (Canterbury), part of
Continuum Attractions.
The Canterbury Tales provides a great introduction to the historic cathedral city and its famous literary
connection as well as being a hugely entertaining and enjoyable day out for the whole family. Having
welcomed more than two million visitors from all over the world, The Canterbury Tales remains one of
Kent’s ‘must see’ attractions.
The Canterbury Tales represents an accurate reconstruction of 14th century England, set inside the
former St Margaret’s Church, just off the city’s High Street. It gives visitors the opportunity to step
back in time and experience the sights, smells and sounds of medieval times. Visitors are invited to
join Chaucer and his band of pilgrims as they embark on a journey from The Tabard Inn in London to
the shrine of St Thomas Becket in Canterbury Cathedral.
Admission prices: Adult £9.75, Child £7.50 (aged 5 – 15 years), Concessions £8.50.
Opening times: Jan – Feb: 10am – 4.30pm; March – June: 10am – 5pm; July-Aug: 9.30am – 5pm;
Sept-Oct: 10am – 5pm; Nov-Dec: 10am – 4.30pm. Book online at www.canterburytales.org.uk
Location: The Canterbury Tales, Margaret Street, Canterbury. CT1 2TG.
About Continuum Attractions:
For more information on Continuum Attractions, please visit www.continuumattractions.com
Continuum Attractions owns, operates and manages cultural attractions across the UK:
 Continuum Heritage Attractions
- The Real Mary King’s Close, Edinburgh
- The Canterbury Tales, Canterbury
- Oxford Castle Unlocked, Oxford
- York's Chocolate Story, York
 Continuum Icon Attractions
-
Emirates Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth
For corporate PR enquiries, please contact Laura Good on 01904 527721 or email
[email protected]
Meet the Pilgrims
Five of Geoffrey Chaucer’s most entertaining tales of love, romance, jealousy and trickery
are brought vividly to life at The Canterbury Tales, including…
The Knight’s Tale
The Knight is the first to tell his tale. It is a
story rich in love, rivalry and chivalry. Two
men fall in love with the same beautiful
young girl. But who will win her heart?
The Miller’s Tale
A bawdy tale telling a rather different story
of love. A deceitful clerk tries to have his
way with the carpenter’s wife – and gets his
just desserts!
The Wife of Bath
This tale asks the question to which every
man would like the answer – ‘What do
women most desire?’. The Wife of Bath
should know – she’s had five husbands!
The Nun’s Priest’s Tale
A farmyard fable. Can Chanticleer the cock
outwit the cunning old fox, or will he
become his next meal?
The Pardoner’s Tale
A thrilling tale of death and trickery and one
which will leave you with a slight tingle
down your spine. The tale has an
unexpected ending – watch out!
Events list 2016
Spooky Fun
During October half term, families are invited to venture through the medieval streets at The
Canterbury Tales for a safe trick or treating experience.
Thursday 27 – Monday 31 October
Contagious
Guaranteed to be a scream! Plague has swept across Medieval England and terrified
citizens are evacuating London. The road to Canterbury is treacherous and contagious
citizens are everywhere. A cure is out there but will you find it? Dare to make the journey this
Halloween…
November
Artisan Christmas Gift Fair
A special festive market with a medieval twist. Shoppers will be able to step back in time to
the streets of 14th century England and browse gifts from a host of talented Kent artisans
and crafters.
December
Magical Medieval Christmas
Enjoy a magical medieval Christmas at the award-winning Canterbury Tales attraction.
Serenaded by carol singers, guests will meet Santa’s elves, write a Christmas wish to post in
the special mail box and visit Santa’s grotto where there will be a gift for every child.
The Canterbury Tales Image Gallery
For further images, please contact Ellie Morgan on [email protected]
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A range of UK-based attractions provide a wealth of opportunities for individual guests, families,
friends, school groups, social outings, coach parties, corporate events and so much more. For those
looking for a truly unique place to visit, Continuum Attractions promise memorable experiences for all,
with fascinating stories told in unforgettable ways.
Oxford Castle Unlocked
Tales of murder, romance, betrayal, escape and execution. We bring
Oxford’s hidden history to life - climb the tower, descend deep into the
crypt, experience the prison regime. Costumed characters will guide you
around the colourful past of Oxford Castle from Saxon foundations through
to the Georgian prison buildings vacated by the last prisoners as recently
as the 1990s. Whether you are looking for a private hire venue, bespoke
educational facility or just a relaxing coffee in Cafe 1071 Oxford Castle
Unlocked can offer it all.
The Real Mary King's Close
Beneath Edinburgh’s Royal Mile lies the city’s deepest secret, a warren of
hidden streets that reveal the city’s extraordinary past from the 17th
century and beyond. For hundreds of years the true story of the Close has
remained untold – until now! In the company of an expert guide you can
explore this unique site and experience what it was really like for the
people who lived, worked and died here. The Real Mary King’s Close has
been awarded the Five Star Historic Attraction Award by Visit Scotland.
York's Chocolate Story
At York’s Chocolate Story you can discover the stories behind the greatest
names in chocolate, unwrap the secrets of chocolate making, and even
learn the art of the chocolatier for yourself. A fully guided tour and three
floors of interactive exploration take you on a journey through the city
where chocolate made history.
Our attraction also includes a retail shop and a café and the opportunity of
exclusive evening hire for parties, corporate events, workshops and
demonstrations.
Emirates Spinnaker Tower
Soaring 170 metres above Portsmouth Harbour and the Solent, the
Emirates Spinnaker Tower has already established itself as a national icon
for Britain. Britain’s best viewing tower stands proud over one of the most
fascinating seascapes in the world, offering amazing 350º panoramic
views of Portsmouth Harbour, the South coast and the Isle of Wight,
stretching out for up to 23 miles. Three viewing decks offer a glass floor
where visitors can dare to ‘walk on air,’ a Cafe in the Clouds and the Sky
Deck open to the elements, where visitors can feel the wind in their hair.