The guide we were given was a retired solicitor whose hobbies included studying history. As he led us through the streets of Canterbury, he not only pointed out different styles of buildings, explaining how to identify their approximate age based on their manner of construction and design; he told us about the role Canterbury has played in England's history. Hearing this fascinating story firsthand from a proud, knowledgeable Englishman while strolling casually through the streets and buildings where it originally took place is the best way I know to learn about history.