All Canterbury Tours & Excursions in 2026

See the best of Canterbury in a short space of time with this guided tour around its Cathedral precincts and medieval lanes. No need to worry about navigating as a guide leads the way and keeps you entertained with stories of famous historical figures, writers, artists, and even the city’s hauntings.

Four knights walked into Canterbury Cathedral one December evening — not to pray, but to murder an archbishop. This app-based self-guided walking tour takes you through the city shaped by that single act, passing by all three UNESCO World Heritage sites and the medieval streets that connect them. From the spot where Becket fell to the oldest church still in use in the English-speaking world, you'll follow stories of refugee weavers and a poet who wrote one of England's greatest work of literature and died penniless. Fifteen stops over four kilometres, narrated at your own pace — no fixed start time, no group to follow. If you'd rather pause for a riverside lunch than rush between landmarks, this self-guided Canterbury walking tour fits your day, not the other way around. It is perfect for those trying to figure out what to do in Canterbury apart from visiting the cathedral. Over 20,000 travellers have used our self-guided tours, and a full refund guarantee means nothing to lose.

Walking the walls that encircle Canterbury is one of the most exciting historical experiences in England. Attacked on at least seven occasions by invaders, from the Danes to the Nazis, the walls have been used to protect residents for over 1,700 years. On this self-guided walking tour, you'll follow Canterbury‘s historic city walls and dive into the city‘s story of violence, cruelty, fire, and destruction – but also extraordinary hope and progress. You‘ll discover the gruesome fate of Archbishop Simon Sudbury, who paid for the wall with his head. I‘ll show you the statues of King Ethelbert and Queen Bertha, who famously converted pagan England to Roman Christianity. You‘ll also hear about the Canterbury Blitz of 1942, when German bombers devastated the medieval city. The tour ends at the Westgate Bridge where you‘ll see the enigmatic Alluvia, the haunting underwater sculpture inspired by Millais‘ Ophelia and linked to Judge Sir James Hales‘ 1554 suicide.

Canterbury’s medieval streets echo with tales of the kings, saints and ordinary folk who shaped English history. On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll hear the hidden stories behind the bustling city where ancient walls and cobbled lanes hold centuries of intrigue. The tour starts at the magnificent Christchurch Gate, the entrance to the majestic Canterbury Cathedral, where pilgrims have flocked for centuries. I’ll take you beyond the medieval centre and show you the other two historic places that form Canterbury’s UNESCO World Heritage Site: St Augustine’s Abbey and St Martin’s Church, which is England’s oldest site of continuous Christian worship. You’ll follow the same streets where Roman legionaries once marched and see hidden gateways and ruined churches. The tour ends at St Augustine’s Conduit House, a masterpiece of monastic engineering, tucked away in a corner of the city that even locals rarely discover.

Howletts, located near Canterbury, is a truly unique wildlife park dedicated to conservation and the preservation of endangered species. Home to the UK's largest herd of African elephants, it's the only place in Kent where visitors can enjoy such an extraordinary experience. Stroll through the park to encounter gorillas, tigers, and a host of other incredible animals while supporting vital global conservation efforts. With picturesque grounds, immersive exhibits, and unforgettable wildlife encounters, Howletts offers a day out that's not only entertaining but also deeply meaningful for nature lovers of all ages.

Explore Canterbury's rich history at your own pace with this self-guided walking tour. Discover iconic landmarks like the Westgate Towers and Canterbury Cathedral while enjoying engaging audio stories and interactive quizzes. With a smart map guiding you through 10 fascinating stops, this tour is perfect for solo travelers or groups looking for a flexible adventure. Complete the 2 km route in about 1.5 hours, and uncover fun facts without the hassle of a guided group. Enjoy the freedom to explore the city in any weather with your charged smartphone in hand. - Self-paced walking tour with audio stories and quizzes - Discover 10 key landmarks over a 2 km route - Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours - Ideal for solo explorers or groups with flexible timing

Take time out from Canterbury’s sights and learn the skills behind silver jewelry-making on this private workshop. Join a silversmith in their studio and be guided step-by-step through the crafting of your very own, unique silver ring. Learn to pattern, forge, and join the ring before soldering and polishing it into a bespoke piece, which you can treasure forever. Refreshments are included, with silver materials at an additional, modest cost.

Welcome to the holiest city in England—so why is it so full of 'spirits'? Maybe because everyone who came here ended up dead! Follow the trail of the 'Death Cart' through the medieval streets, where pilgrims died of the plague before they could even finish their prayers. See where Thomas Becket had his brains scattered across the Cathedral floor (talk about a headache!) and dodge the ghosts of the martyrs who met a very fiery end. Canterbury is a city where the 'spirit' is very much alive—even if the people aren't!

Discover the magical city of Canterbury at your own pace with this guided tour. With a tour of more than 3 hours, you can explore iconic attractions such as the Cathedral or King’s School. This option without schedules or groups allows you to enjoy the city flexibly, including recommendations on gastronomy and family activities. Available in six languages, this experience is ideal for those looking for hassle-free personalized tourism. - 3h self-guided tour with + 15 points of interest - Access to information in 6 languages: Spanish, English, Portuguese, French, Italian and German Explore iconic attractions and receive food recommendations. - No groups or schedules, ideal for traveling at your own pace.

Canterbury is steeped in history. The city can trace its roots back to the Celtic Tribe, the Cantiaci, who were here before the Romans. From the start of the Roman occupation in the 1st Century, to the arrival of the Papal emissary Augustine in 597AD, to the murder of Thomas Becket in 1170, to the dissolution of the monasteries by King Henry VIII, to the bombings of World War 2 - we will show you the many facets of this ancient, beautiful & intriguing city! This is a private walking tour that will show you the most important & interesting parts of the city of Canterbury. We can begin & end our tour at a location of your choosing (the Old Buttermarket is usually the most convenient) & we can build the tour around your interests. Alternatively, we can suggest a tour that covers the most interesting & historical parts of the city.

With so much to see, planning an itinerary in Kent and Canterbury can feel overwhelming. Leave your agenda to your private guide, who holds a history doctorate from Cambridge, on this convenient tour. It blends a minibus journey through Kent with a walking tour of Canterbury, letting you see all three of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage–listed sites. From Roman times to medieval monks to Mozart, it’s a comprehensive overview.

Skip the large tourist groups, and discover Canterbury with your own private guide. With a local expert dedicated to your personal group, you’ll explore the city at a pace that works best for you, avoiding any rushing around. Learn about the city’s Roman and medieval history as you walk, and see monuments like St. Augustine’s Abbey and Canterbury Castle on a route that can be tailored to you.

Think Canterbury is all quiet prayers and pretty stained glass? Think again. Join us for a stroll through 2,000 years of brain-stirring, sewage-sloshing, and pilgrim-scamming. We’ll visit the exact spot an Archbishop had his head sliced like a boiled egg, explore the medieval ‘piss-poor’ industries of the River Stour, and find out why the most popular souvenir in town was a bottle of 'holy' floor-wash. It’s a tour that puts the ‘bury’ in Canterbury!"

This private walking tour unveils the remarkable heritage of Canterbury. Explore an ancient city whose history stretches back nearly two thousand years. Wander through medieval streets shaped by pilgrims, monarchs, and generations of craftsmen. Architectural treasures and cultural landmarks reveal the story of one of England’s most influential historic destinations. Each corner reveals another chapter in Canterbury’s rich cultural legacy. Surrounded by centuries of history, you will experience a city whose heritage predates the United States by many generations. This inspiring journey combines fascinating stories, historic atmosphere, and timeless architectural beauty. Please note: The program and attractions may vary based on booking date/time and crowd conditions, ensuring each visit is a unique experience.

Say no to research and route planning and yes to a journey through over 2,000 years of Canterbury history when you book this small-group walking tour with an accredited guide. See the medieval Westgate, the Marlowe Theatre, the Christ Church Gate and St. Thomas of Canterbury Church, and learn about everyone from playwrights to Romans. Please note: this is a sightseeing tour and entrance fees are not included.

Discover two of England’s most iconic destinations on a private day trip from London. Explore the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral, rich in centuries of history, before heading to the spectacular White Cliffs of Dover. Enjoy breathtaking coastal views, dramatic landscapes, and a perfect blend of English heritage and natural beauty.

Visit the English Cathedral City of Canterbury’, a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to Canterbury Cathedral,you will not be disappointed.  • Enjoy a Hassle Free pick up from Dover Cruise Terminal • Transportation back to your Central London Hotel/ Accommodation • The Cathedral has been present since 597 AD  • Family Friendly • Duration 6 Hours including travel time

Explore the enchanting city of Canterbury while indulging in its culinary delights. This food tour takes you on a flavourful journey through historic streets, tasting local specialties and learning about the rich food heritage of the area. Perfect for food lovers and those looking to experience Canterbury's vibrant culture, the tour offers a delightful midday escape. Enjoy expert guidance as you sample dishes that reflect the essence of this charming city. - Lunchtime tours run Thursdays from 12-3 PM - Experience Canterbury’s history through its food scene - Perfect for food enthusiasts and cultural explorers - Guided by knowledgeable locals with insights into the culinary landscape

Discover over two thousand years of British heritage on a private, tailor-made walking tour through Canterbury. This exclusive experience gives you complete control, letting you choose your ideal route, pick your preferred stops, and set a custom pace with a dedicated guide. Whether you want to admire the timber architecture of the King's Mile, wander the historic Cathedral Precincts, or explore the massive stone fortifications of the Westgate Towers, your itinerary adapts entirely to your interests. Because this tour is fully customizable, routes and durations naturally vary based on your custom selections. Choose Your Route: Select between medieval defensive towers, ancient monastic ruins, or historic lanes. Pick Your Duration: Design a flexible historical timeline lasting from 2 to 4 hours. Select Your Stops: Focus your itinerary on history, architecture, or religious heritage. Set Your Own Pace: Dictate the walking speed and break times to perfectly suit your private group.

With narrow cobbled lanes and majestic religious buildings, Canterbury is one of England's most charismatic cities. Discover it on this city walking tour with a private, accredited guide—unlike most other city walking tours, it includes access to the Cathedral precincts. You'll see medieval lanes, inns where pilgrims stayed, and lovely gardens, while your guide tells you colorful stories and gruesome tales.

Canterbury Walks is led by a local historian with years of professional guiding experience giving every guest the perfect blend of academic knowledge and genuine local passion. Your route takes you beyond the obvious landmarks and into the hidden stories most visitors never hear, from a surprising Ian Fleming connection to the dramatic three-part story of Thomas Becket's assassination told across the very streets where it unfolded. We keep groups small so every guest gets a personal, immersive experience rather than being lost in a crowd. And with evening departures available, you'll explore Canterbury's extraordinary medieval streets at their most atmospheric and captivating.

Explore Canterbury at pace during a running tour that reveals part of the historic city that you might otherwise miss. This experience is limited to only five runners, to make sure it caters to both beginner and expert joggers—you’ll run at a pace suited to the entire group, so that nobody gets left behind.

Bypass the larger sightseeing groups, and head out with your own personal guide to discover Canterbury and its cathedral. The private tour is led by an esteemed Blue Badge guide who’s lived in the city for more than two decades, meaning you’ll get an insider’s perspective as you explore. You’ll listen to tales of the pilgrims of the “Canterbury Tales,” follow the trail of Thomas Becket, and see Canterbury Cathedral, too.