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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Cultural Tours in Canterbury