Welcome to Canterbury
Canterbury tops the charts for English cathedral cities and is one of southern England’s top attractions. Many consider the World Heritage–listed cathedral that dominates its centre to be one of Europe’s finest, and the town’s narrow medieval alleyways, riverside gardens and ancient city walls are a joy to explore. But Canterbury isn’t just a showpiece for the past – it’s a bustling, busy place with an energetic student population and a wide choice of pubs, restaurants and independent shops. Book ahead for the best hotels and eateries: pilgrims may no longer flock here in their thousands, but tourists certainly do.
Top experiences in Canterbury
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Canterbury activities
Canterbury, Greenwich, Leeds Castle Early Access from London
Board a coach at the Victoria Coach Station and relax on the 1-hour drive south to Leeds Castle. Built in 1119 as a Norman stronghold, Leeds Castle is beautifully situated on an island in a lake.Enjoy a private viewing of this famous castle before it opens to the public. Learn how the property has changed hands and transformed over the years, from a 13th-century royal palace for King Edward I to the residence of Henry VII’s first wife, Catherine of Aragon, in the 16th century all the way up to the last private owner, American heiress Lady Baillie, who is credited for the castle’s remarkable preservation and redecoration.Following a guide, explore the galleries, bedrooms, chapel, banquet hall and courtyards. Then take time to explore the surrounding gardens, walk around the lake and find your way through the famous maze. Re-board the coach for a coastal drive to the White Cliffs of Dover, a chalky cliff face that lines part of the English Channel. As you’ll learn, these cliffs are symbolic throughout Britain, as they were the entry point for past war invasions and formed the first sight of England for travelers coming from Continental Europe.Drive up and over the cliffs to Canterbury. Here you’ll visit Canterbury Cathedral, one of the most important Christian churches in the world and today a UNESCO World Heritage site. Immortalized by Geoffrey Chaucer in The Canterbury Tales, this striking Gothic church is nearly 1,700 years old!After a guided tour of the cathedral, enjoy free time to explore the old town and have lunch at one of the many cafés or restaurants (own expense).Continue your journey to the London borough of Greenwich, notable for its maritime history and as the birthplace of many English rulers from the House of Tudor. Take a walking tour to learn about Greenwich’s history, architecture, palaces and parks.Arriving back in central London in the evening, hop on a boat and savor the views on a relaxing sunset cruise along the Thames River. Have your camera ready as you pass top London attractions including Tower Bridge and the Tower of London against the sparkling city skyline.Arrive at Embankment Pier to conclude your trip.
Leeds Castle, Canterbury Castle, Dover Custom Day Tour
Pop in your state-of-the-art Vox headphones as your tour starts and listen to your guide talking clearly about each site. Leeds Castle Set within 500 acres of parkland, Leeds Castle is renowned for housing a superb collection of medieval tapestries and furnishings. During your visit choose to: Embark on a self-paced walk around the castle's fairytale surrounds. Set across two islands and surrounded by a tranquil lake, Leeds Castle stands picture-perfect and an inspiration to countless artists Beat the crowds and take an early morning tour within the castle walls. Guides will be on hand to point out key points of interest including the aviary of rare birds, the vineyard and the intriguing maze (cost Adult £24.50, Child £16.50, Senior/Student £21.50). Canterbury CathedralTravel through Kent County to Canterbury, the birthplace of English Christianity and home to the Canterbury Cathedral. A stop for lunch is scheduled, after you opt to either: Loose yourself down a maze of cobbled streets on a guided walking tour through the medieval city of Canterbury Venture inside the magnificent Cathedral for a closer look at its Gothic-inspired architecture and learn why it is the most important church in the Anglican faith (cost Adult £12.00, Child £8.00, Senior/Student £10.50). Purchase entrance to the Castle and Cathedral at the same time and save (Cost: Adult £ 32.00, Child £ 25.00, Seniors £ 31.00)White Cliffs of Dover Before returning back to London by coach transfer, witness the spectacular White Cliffs of Dover, standing 400 feet above sea level. Sprawled on top of the cliffs, you'll find 800 year old Dover Castle towering over the town below.Upgrade to include entrance fees, or enjoy the flexibility of deciding on the day which attractions you'd like to visit.
Day-Trip to Canterbury and Dover from London
After central London pickups, begin your journey to Dover to view one of the country’s most spectacular natural features, the White Cliffs of Dover. The cliffs are part of the North Downs formation and reach up to 350 feet. Once you have taken plenty of photos of the beautiful views, start the short trip to one of the largest castles in the country Dover Castle. The castle was strategically placed at the shortest crossing point to continental Europe, and you will have plenty of time to explore the grounds and learn all about the history of the castle from the Romans to the Cold War.Your final destination is Canterbury where you will have access to Canterbury Cathedral, Mother Church of the worldwide Anglican Communion and cathedral of the Archbishop of Canterbury, leader of the Church of England. You will have plenty of time to explore the cathedral as well as see what the rest of Canterbury has to offer, such as St. Martin’s Church, St Augustine’s Abbey, or the Beaney House of Art and Knowledge which is an Art Museum and Library (admission is free). Whatever you find to do in Canterbury, this beautiful town will not disappoint.After a full day in Kent, you will depart back to London with an expected arrival time of 7pm. (your tour manager will provide an exact time and location to meet back at the coach).Please note: from the 1st January 2018, the drop off point will be London Bridge only
Dover Shore Excursion: Post-Cruise Tour to London via Canterbury and Leeds Castle
After you are greeted upon arrival at the Dover cruise port by your friendly guide, relax aboard an executive coach. You’ll drive above the famous White Cliffs and head into the county of Kent, an agricultural area that feeds London from its orchards, hop fields and vineyards. Enjoy the lovely views as you make the short, 45-minute journey to Canterbury, the seat of English Christianity since 597 AD. See Canterbury with your guide, listening to stories about the history of the town and cathedral. You’ll hear medieval tales from Canterbury writers, Geoffrey Chaucer and Christopher Marlowe, as well as stories of the Reformation and the Blitz. Then, enjoy some free time exploring the town on your own and visiting Canterbury Cathedral if you wish (own expense) After two hours in Canterbury, travel over the Weald of Kent – a high ridge – and head down to Leeds Castle, famously referred to as 'the loveliest castle in the world.’ Founded in the 9th century, it is best known as a palace for numerous queens of England. Along the way, hear fascinating commentary from your guide about the monarchs and the fate that befell them! Spend three hours at the beautiful castle, set on two islands on a lake, and explore its remarkable interior as well as the grounds and gardens with your guide. Admire rooms such as the library and banquet hall, and be amazed by the one-of-a-kind museum of ornate dog collars! Outdoors, walk through the complicated maze and enjoy the grotto and water features. If you wish, dine on a leisurely lunch in one of the cafés or restaurants overlooking the grounds (own expense). Then, board the coach and travel about an hour to London, heading into the city via Greenwich and the River Thames. Your guide will point out the Royal Naval College, the Queen's House, the historic Cutty Sark – a clipper ship – and the Royal Observatory as you cross the dateline and move officially from east to west.Finally, pass over Tower Bridge into central London before drop-off at your chosen hotel, or stay aboard the coach for drop-off at Heathrow hotels. Worry-free Shore Excursion:If your ship is delayed and you are unable to attend this activity, your money will be refunded. See our terms and conditions for full details.
Canterbury, Leeds Castle, and Dover in One Day from London
This is the perfect day away from London to Canterbury, Dover and Leeds Castle. Your incredible driver-guides will make history come alive through the day whilst on our luxury mini-bus and as you tour Canterbury by foot on an optional complimentary walking tour! The day begins as you leave London and journey towards Canterbury, home of Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. Enjoy your guide's storytelling as you make your way to the world-famous cathedral city. The cathedral dates back to 597AD, and you can’t help but be taken back in time in this city steeped in history, with Roman and Norman ruins and streets dotted with pretty timber-framed 16th and 17th-century houses. The route continues to the closest point to France on mainland Britain, Dover. Here you can walk along the iconic White Cliffs. With spectacular coastal views, this is a must-do to truly experience the incredible English landscape. The final stop is Leeds Castle and Gardens, where you’ll be able to step straight off the bus and start exploring! A castle has stood on this breathtaking spot, built upon two islands in a lake, since 1119. Your guide will share the castle's incredible history, it has notably been a Norman stronghold, the private property of six of England’s medieval queens and a palace used by Henry VIII. Now it is one of the most visited properties in Britain. This incredible day tour offers the perfect mix of history and scenery for a day away from London, and you'll arrive back around 6:30pm.
London to Kent 3-Day Tour with Leeds Castle and White Cliffs
Your 3-day Kent tour highlights the cultural heritage and natural beauty that give the region its nickname, 'Garden of England.' You can relax with provided transport, and you have your choice of hotel or guesthouse accommodation in Canterbury. Entrance fees and meals are at your own expense.