Canterbury has been England's spiritual capital since Augustine arrived in 597 AD, its magnificent cathedral one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the country. The murder of Thomas Becket in 1170 made Canterbury a major pilgrimage destination, immortalised in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. Medieval streets are filled with timber-framed buildings, independent shops, and riverside walks along the Great Stour. Roman remains, ancient city walls, and numerous museums add historical depth to this compact and walkable city.