Private Guided Tour of Canterbury & Cathedral - Official Guides

On this exclusive private tour, you will discover over 2,000 years of Canterbury's incredible history with a professional, fully qualified guide who is passionate about the city, with many stories to share with you! First up your expert, local guide will lead you through the medieval lanes and narrow cobbled streets with their eclectic mix of historic timber buildings, pilgrim inns, and modern architecture, where you’ll hear the story of Thomas Becket's murder, Chaucer's pilgrims, Marlowe's suspicious death, and royal visits. Following the city tour, you will join your own private guide within the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral, where you will uncover 1400 years of history through its soaring architecture, glorious glass and stunning stonework. A truly breathtaking spectacle. Where possible, you will have the same guide for the duration of your City and Cathedral tour.

1. 1

   The Buttermarket square

   10 min

   You will meet your guide here in the Buttermarket, site of historic pilgrim inns, the bull stake, a theatre and market hall, and home to the imposing Christ Church Gate entrance to the Cathedral.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   10 min

   A narrow, cobbled lane with a stunning view of the Cathedral's Bell Harry Tower. Also home to the The Roman Museum.

3. 3

   Stop 3

   15 min

   See the Beaney Institute, a striking building that houses an art gallery, exhibitions, a library and the Visitor Information Centre plus the Eastbridge Hospital, a place of hospitality for the Pilgrims since 1190, known as the Hospital of St. Thomas. Today it is a museum.

4. 4

   Kings Bridge

   10 min

   The Old Weavers' House, established 1500 AD, sits alongside the picturesque King's Bridge from where you can see the infamous ducking stool!

5. 5

   The King's Mile

   10 min

   Situated along Palace Street there are many historical timber-framed buildings. You might even see the locally named 'crooked house'!

6. 6

   Stop 6

   30 min

   Explore the grounds of the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral as your route takes you on a journey through the Cathedral Precincts where you can visit the Cloisters, see the ruins of the old monastery, and the grounds of the famous King's School.

7. 7

   Canterbury Cathedral

   1.3 hours

   Join your own private guide within the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral, where you will uncover 1400 years of history as you make your way around the awe-inspiring Perpendicular Gothic Nave, the atmospheric Crypt and the dazzling Trinity Chapel. You will also see the spot where Thomas Becket was murdered in 1170, leading Canterbury to become a famous destination for pilgrimage as told in Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.