Harriet House B&B is a small guesthouse in Canterbury, the kind of place that suits travellers who prefer a personal welcome to a big hotel lobby. A stay at a bed and breakfast usually means a handful of rooms, a shared breakfast table and a host who can recommend the best cafes, walks and pubs, and that is exactly the appeal here. For couples on a quiet weekend away, walkers on the Pilgrims Way and solo travellers, it is an appealing option. Canterbury suits this kind of stay. The Cathedral, the medieval lanes, the river with its punts and the parks are all part of a compact city that is best explored slowly, and a small B&B puts you in a relaxed frame of mind from breakfast onwards. Prices are generally lower than for the larger hotels in the middle of the old city, and the quality of breakfast, which is the main meal a B&B offers, often outshines what is served in a chain.
Location and getting around
Check the exact address and the walking time to the Cathedral and the stations when you book, so that you know what to expect. Canterbury is a walking city, and most B&B guests reach the High Street on foot. A taxi is cheap for late evenings, and the buses and Park and Ride make car-free stays simple.
Rooms and what to ask for
Rooms in a small guesthouse differ in size and style, so read the room descriptions carefully and ask about en-suite bathrooms if that matters. Tell the host about dietary needs in advance so that breakfast is arranged to suit you, and ask about parking, which is often limited at smaller properties. Check when you book what the arrival times are, since small B&Bs may not have a staffed reception all day.
Who it suits and what to know: it suits couples, solo travellers and walkers who value a warm welcome and a home-cooked breakfast over facilities such as a gym or a bar. Families should check that the room sizes work for them, and light sleepers should ask about noise from the street. Booking early is wise for summer weekends and the Christmas market period, when small places fill up quickly, and check-in is usually arranged in the afternoon.
Booking tips
Because a small B&B has only a few rooms, availability can disappear fast, so book as soon as your dates are fixed. Read the cancellation terms carefully, since smaller places can be stricter than the chains. Message the host if you expect to arrive late, and ask for local restaurant suggestions, which can be the most useful part of the stay. If you are visiting for several days, a midweek stay can offer the best rates.
Why stay here
- ✓Bed and breakfast
- ✓Breakfast
- ✓Personal welcome
- ✓Small guesthouse
- ✓Near the old city
- ✓Quiet setting
- ✓Local tips from the host
- ✓Canterbury location
Good questions
What kind of stay is Harriet House B&B?+
It is a small bed and breakfast with a personal feel, rather than a large hotel.
Is breakfast included?+
Breakfast is the core of a bed and breakfast stay. Check your rate when you book to confirm what is included.
Is there parking?+
Parking can be limited at smaller properties. Ask when you book.
