Canterbury Guided Tours provide entertaining 90-minute tours for visitors to the historic city of Canterbury. From medieval lanes and pilgrim inns to the majestic Cathedral's Precincts, our tours will transport you back in time, regaling you with stories and revealing how the city has evolved over the years. 

Founded in 1948, Canterbury Tourist Guides Ltd is an independent company devoted to conducting guided walking tours of the highest quality in Canterbury. Our tours are the official tours of the city, and the only tours to include access to the magnificent Cathedral's Precincts.

All our guides hold city Green Badges, having completed the accredited training course and passed the relevant examinations set by the Institute of Tourist Guiding.

Official Canterbury Guided Walking Tour - 11.00 Tour

Official Canterbury Guided Walking Tour - 14.00 Tour

Come with us and delve into the rich history of Canterbury and explore this amazing city with CT Tours. With your dedicated and accredited tour guide, you will experience over 2000 years of Canterbury's history.

With something for everybody, from accounts of ancient settlers to medieval murder and martyrdom, before stories of the many famous historical figures, artists and notable locals round up Canterbury's story right up to the present day!

The Canterbury Classic Tour

Do you want to get off the usual tourist trails and discover the very best that Canterbury and the Kent countryside can offer? Would you like to be part of a small, exclusive group which is lead by a local guide with a History PhD from Cambridge? Have you got limited time with only just a morning or afternoon available? 

If you answered 'yes' to any of these questions, this carefully crafted minibus and walking tour is just for you! 

Lead by local Canterbury resident, Dr Anthony Medhurst, you will discover the most fascinating, historic and beautiful locations many of which are not accessed by large tour groups. This relaxed and informative tour gives you the chance to experience the real and authentic Kent. It enables high levels of inter-action with your guide, as well as the flexibility to spend more time in locations which are most meaningful to you. Avoid the crowds and join a small group for a fun and inspirational experience!

The Best of Kent: a private 3 hour minibus tour with an expert

Explore historic Canterbury and the surrounding countryside as we take you around our city's most beautiful and well-known icons. Discover the city's secrets and stories on a unique sight-running journey.

We'll run along the old city walls to the four corners of the city and through hundreds of years of stories. In just an hour you'll see and learn all about the key historic and cultural sites Canterbury has to offer, as well as discovering some of the city's many secrets. 

Your guide will be happy to answer any questions you may have or even take a detour to show you something that may be of interest to the group.

The tour is suitable for all levels of runner, from beginner to expert. We will run at whichever pace feels most comfortable for the group and nobody gets left behind. Our tours contain frequent stops so you will most likely be able to run further and faster than you would on your usual run. 

Small-Group City Running Tour in Canterbury

Learn a new skill and make a completely unique ring that you can wear and treasure forever.

You are encouraged to make your design unique with patterns, textures and personalised stamps.

Silver Ring Workshop in Kent, England

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.

Howletts Day Ticket

Enjoy your very own private guided tour of Canterbury with your family or group of friends. We will take you on an entertaining 90-minute walking tour of the highest quality with an expert Guide, thrilling you with stories and gruesome history! From medieval lanes and pilgrim inns to the majestic Cathedral's Precincts, our tours will transport you back in time, regaling you with stories and revealing how the city has evolved over the years. 

Our official city tour is the only walking tour that includes access to the Cathedral grounds. You will be led by your own highly qualified Green Badge City Guide, all of whom are accredited by the Institute of Tourist Guiding. 

If you have a particular interest, or you're simply with a young family, simply send a message once you have booked so our Guides can tailor your tour. 

English, French and German language tours available. Any size group catered for - simply contact us.
Summer evening tours available!



Private Guided Walking Tour of Canterbury

Our condensed (but content packed!) 60 minute walking tours are perfect for those on a brief visit to Canterbury, but still looking for an introduction to all of the history and culture Canterbury has to offer. 

Come with us and explore the rich history of this amazing city with CT Tours. With your dedicated and accredited tour guide, you will experience over 2000 years of Canterbury's history from ancient settlers to the present day!

The Condensed Canterbury Tour

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.

Murder and Miracles Self Guided Tour of Canterbury City

Explore  the World Heritage Site of Canterbury with an expert local guide. I'm a fully qualified "Blue Badge" Guide, with two degrees and have lived in Canterbury for over 20 years.
 This is a private walking  tour lasting approximately three hours. Follow in the footsteps of Thomas Becket and the pilgrims made famous in Geoffrey Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales". Let me take you to the centre of it all with a private tour of Canterbury Cathedral. Here at first hand, you will see, amongst its many delights, the most beautiful stained glass panels going back to the 12th Century. Include a stop at one of Canterbury's many charming cafes.

Canterbury is less than an hour away by train from St Pancras Station in London.

Private Tour of Canterbury and Inside Canterbury Cathedral

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.

Please note, if you would like a short break between the tours, please contact us after booking, or let us know when we confirm your booking via the message centre.

Private Guided Tour of Canterbury City and Cathedral

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.

Canterbury Private 2 Hour Walking Tour with Green Badge Guide

This carefully crafted walking tour has been specially developed for visitors who want a quick introduction to the very best that the city has to offer before exploring sites in more detail. If so, this is the tour for you! Lead by Canterbury resident and Cambridge PhD, Dr Anthony Medhurst, you will discover the most fascinating, historic and beautiful locations within the city's historic walls - all within one hour.

The Highlights of Canterbury - a One Hour Historical Walking Tour

Discover Canterbury like never before—with your eyes up, not down at a map. Our innovative navigation system transforms the city into your playground, guiding you through clues and puzzles that reveal the sights around you—no GPS juggling required.

Designed by award-winning puzzle creators (ESCAPETHEROOMers, Escape Rumors), this experience is backed by over a decade of expertise from the UK's longest-running Escape Room team.

Wander the historic streets of Canterbury, uncover Chaucer's legacy, and help us save the wor(l)d before it's too late!

Mission Save the Word by Glitch Hunters

Enjoy a private, exclusive tour with your own local guide. Explore the rich history and cultural heritage of Canterbury on a 90-minute private walking tour. Begin your journey in front of the Beaney House of Art and Knowledge, where you will enjoy storytelling about this iconic landmark. Continue to the Statue of Geoffrey Chaucer, a tribute to the famed poet, before passing by the historic Westgate Towers Museum and Viewpoint. Discover the heritage of the Marlowe Theatre, learn about the city's vibrant arts scene, and marvel at the architectural splendor of Christ Church Gate. Conclude your tour at St. Thomas of Canterbury Church, where tales of pilgrimage and devotion come to life in the heart of the city.



Canterbury Landmarks Private Walking Tour

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

Canterbury Food Tour: Discover Culinary Delights

This tour of Canterbury offers a distinctive blend of historical and cultural experiences, showcasing the city's medieval charm and religious significance. Starting at the Westgate Towers, visitors get an authentic glimpse into Canterbury's medieval fortifications. The exploration of Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provides an awe-inspiring look at Gothic architecture and religious heritage. St. Augustine's Abbey adds depth with its historical ruins and role in early Christianity. The journey concludes with a scenic boat tour along the River Stour, offering a serene perspective of the city's landmarks and riverside beauty. This combination of historic landmarks and picturesque views creates a rich, multifaceted exploration of Canterbury's heritage.

Canterbury Chronicles 2 Hours Private Walking Excursion

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.

Lords of the Ring: A Self-Guided Canterbury City Walls Tour

You will be taught by a multi-award winning Chef who specialises in Indian/European fusion. 
Where possible you will be using fresh seasonal produce.
You will discover the stories behind each dish you make and it's origins.
The techniques you will learn are repeatable at home as no specialist equipment is needed.
You will be given the printed recipes to take away with you.
There are alternative cooking classes should you require a vegetarian or vegan option.
Please notify us of any dietry restrictions on booking.

Cookery Master Class with Chef Dev Biswal

Learn to cook classic Indian dishes in a relaxed and enjoyable environment, perfect for both beginners and home-cooking enthusiasts.
You'll be guided by chefs who are passionate about authentic Indian cuisine and sharing the traditional techniques behind it.

You'll use fresh, seasonal ingredients wherever possible to create dishes that are bursting with flavour.
Each recipe comes with a cultural backstory, giving you an appreciation of its origin and how it has evolved over time.

No specialist equipment is needed—everything you learn can be easily replicated in your own kitchen.
You'll also take home printed recipe cards so you can impress friends and family with your new skills.

Vegetarian options are available on request.
Please notify us of any dietary restrictions at the time of booking.

Indian Cookery Class with Award Winning Chef Dev Biswal

Bring your camera for some iconic views of medieval Canterbury and the number one Cathedral! 

Walk along the lovely river, full of history and charm into the city before making your way to the Cathedral. 

See where Thomas Becket, Archbishop in the twelfth century was murdered!

Meet some locals - part of our sculpture trail winding it's way through our pretty city. 

As a local, I can take you to secret places within both the Cathedral and small city of Canterbury. 

Saints & Spies of Canterbury - Just 1 Hour From London! 

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.

Canterbury's Royal Heritage: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Turning the streets of Canterbury into an adventure playground! Get a unique perspective of this historical city and the spiritual heart of the Church of England on this self-guided, interactive treasure hunt with an escape room twist. It's the best way to see the city!

On your adventure, unlock a hidden trail, find clues, solve puzzles, and complete challenges, earning points along the way. Discover the city's highlights, explore hidden gems, learn some fun facts, and see things that most people just pass by.

As the activity is all self-guided through the app, you can start your Quest when you want and go at your own pace, stopping for breaks. It's an ideal activity for couples, families, and groups of friends.

Will you conquer the Quest?

Canterbury: Self Guided Walking Tour & Interactive Treasure Hunt

My tours take you through semi-ancient woodland, passing historic sites and exploring the rich biodiversity of Blean Woods. Along the way, we'll stop to discuss the plants, animals, and fungi we encounter, and I'll teach you how to identify a few. You'll also experience the calming benefits of forest bathing, fully immersing yourself in nature.

With my background in nature guiding and environmental advising, this is a hands-on experience where you'll get up close and personal with the wild. I keep group sizes small to ensure a personal, engaging tour—perfect for nature lovers, history buffs, and those looking to slow down and reconnect with the natural world

Guided Nature Walks through Blean woods

Enjoy a private, exclusive tour with your own local guide. Embark on a captivating 2-hour private walking tour through the enchanting and storied streets of Canterbury, where every cobblestone whispers tales of the past and every building holds secrets of centuries gone by. Immerse yourself in the city's rich heritage and vibrant culture as you traverse its historic thoroughfares, guided by a local guide. From the awe-inspiring Canterbury Cathedral Precincts, where the echoes of pilgrims past still linger, to the bustling energy of the lively Buttermarket, this curated tour promises an unforgettable journey through time. Delve into the architectural marvels and hidden gems tucked away in Canterbury's nooks and crannies, as you uncover the layers of history that have shaped this charming city into the cultural gem it is today.



Secrets of Canterbury: Discovering Gems on Private Walking Tour

View Canterbury's trio of UNESCO World Heritage sites on this fascinating walking tour which will include a stop at St Martin's Church*, the exterior of St Augustine's Abbey where the surviving medieval gates can be seen, plus a walk around the magnificent Cathedral Precincts and cloisters. 

Uncover the origins of Christianity in England, explore the oldest church in continuous use, now believed to also be the oldest building in England, and take in the iconic view of the Cathedral and St Augustine's Abbey from the steps of St Martin's on this captivating tour, led by a fully qualified Green Badge Guide.

*The inside may be viewed subject to opening & service hours

Please note this tour does not include entrance to St Augustine's or the Cathedral. Please ensure you check your messages via the Message centre after booking, for further information about your tour, including your Guide details.

Regrettably, large parts of St Martin's are inaccessible for wheelchairs and buggies.



Canterbury's World Heritage Sites Guided Walking Tour

Enjoy a private, exclusive tour with your own local guide. Explore the rich tapestry of Canterbury's history and culture on this immersive 90-minute private walking tour. Led by a local guide, you'll stroll through the city's storied streets, witnessing iconic landmarks such as the Beaney House of Art & Knowledge, the Statue of Geoffrey Chaucer, and the historic Westgate Towers Museum & Viewpoint. Delve into Canterbury's literary heritage in front of the Marlowe Theatre, admire the intricate carvings of Christ Church Gate, and learn about the city's Roman past in front of the Canterbury Roman Museum. Pass by the serene St. Thomas' of Canterbury RC Church and witness Saint George's Tower, concluding your tour in front of this iconic landmark.



Literary & Cultural Heritage: Canterbury Private Walking Tour

During the middle ages, Canterbury was considered as a pilgrimage site. Canterbury Cathedral is the headquarters of the Church of England, featuring Gothic and Romanesque architecture. Explore the ancient city walls, originally built by the Romans, encircle its medieval centre with the town's narrow medieval alleyways, riverside gardens, and timber-framed houses. Take this tour to enjoy a day out in Canterbury and explore the most significant historic places, particularly the world-famous St. Augustine's Abbey, St Martin's Church, and Canterbury Castle that are included in the World Heritage Site.


Canterbury Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide

Enjoy a private, exclusive tour with your own local guide. Embark on a 2-hour Christmas walking tour in Canterbury to discover the city's rich history and festive charm. Witness the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral, stroll through the Canterbury Christmas Market, immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere, browse unique gifts, and enjoy a vibrant atmosphere. As you wander through the historic city center, marvel at the Christ Church Gate, adorned with Christmas decorations. Take a moment to admire the picturesque Old Weavers House and end the tour in front of the iconic Westgate Towers Museum & Viewpoint. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and Christmas cheer in the beautiful city of Canterbury.

Things to do in Canterbury