Anyone live in or near Canterbury?

[Tamz77]

Hello, I am a regular reader of MN, but post only occasionally.

I am planning a big move (Scotland to Kent) at the end of the month and before I commit myself fully would like to know what - if anything - there is for mums and kids (my ds is 2.5) in and around Canterbury. I was brought up in Kent, not specifically Canterbury but I don't want to move too close to my mother who is still there! Chose Canterbury cos it's a nice area, easy access to the coast, far away from ex, etc etc. But I don't know much about every day activities, parks, soft play, mums groups etc. Currently have easy access to a city centre with all the usual activities; am a single mother and can't stand being indoors for any length of time.

Anyone live in or know the area well? Or need any new friends?!

Thanks a lot, in advance x

Hi Tamz77. I'm in Medway (so not really near but in the same county lol!). Afraid I don't know what facilities there are in the city itself but there are at least 2 mumsnetters I know of that live in or very near to Canterbury so will keep bumping this until they see it

We're not too close either but it's my nearest decent shopping centre. Can certainly vouch that the shopping has improved drastically over the past year. Plenty of decent places to eat too. I'm shopping there on Thurs so will pick up some local stuff - people I know who live there really like it but none of them have small children. Will check on Thurs if you have no info by then. I know there's Tumbletots etc.

I was brought up there but escaped as soon as possible. My parents still live there. We don't find a huge amount of indoor play places etc . there's a big one at Sittingbourne and a small one at dover that i know of. I am not sure how many pub places there are with play barns etc. you need more local info from someone on the ground.. bump

Was a student there many moons ago but have little child-centric advice to offer.
Make sure you really are in walking distance of the town - there is a big hill which'd be hell with a pushchair.

There's an estate you might want to avoid but I can't remember what on earth it's called - will think back!

Wow thanks for all the replies will keep checking back x

Hales Place!
Was rather nasty then, but it all may have changed since...

Hi - I live on the outskirts of Canterbury [Hello Cadders ] but my children are much older so I'm not much help on the mums & toddlers type stuff. There are certainly soft play areas, good parks etc - it's got a lot better over the last couple of years.
The most industrial areas are Wincheap and the Sturry road (both ends of the A28) - hideous traffic and the dodgier estates I believe. There's another one you might want to avoid - can't remember the name of it, don't think it's the same as Mrs Badger's. I'll come back when it comes to me.
St Stephens is a lovely, good playparks and a good primary school.
Are you looking to be in the town itself, or surrounding villages? Because there are some brilliant village schools locally, sorry I don't know much about the town ones.
I love it here, for a small town there's a lot here and both the seaside and wonderful countryside minutes away, and the new shopping centre is fantastic.