Canterbury’s top city tours deliver history with clarity and comfort. The standout options include a brisk running tour that keeps you moving while learning (perfect for active travelers), and an excellent private guided walk featuring privileged Cathedral access.
Our favorite is the concise 90-minute walking tour – it’s efficient, informative, and hits all the essential spots without overwhelming you with details.
Let’s explore the best tours in Canterbury worth your time and money.
Key Points
- The highly-rated Small-Group City Running Tour provides an engaging way to explore historic Canterbury while exercising with personalized attention for all running levels.
- The private Canterbury City & Cathedral Tour led by qualified Green Badge guides offers a comprehensive 165-minute journey covering over 2,000 years of history.
- The 90-minute Canterbury City Highlights Guided Walking Tour showcases the iconic Canterbury Cathedral and medieval Westgate Towers, ideal for first-time visitors.
- The Canterbury tours cater to various interests, from active exploration to in-depth historical insights, ensuring a memorable experience for visitors.
- Across the different tour options, Canterbury offers well-reviewed guided experiences that allow visitors to discover the city’s rich heritage and landmarks.
Small-Group City Running Tour in Canterbury
The Small-Group City Running Tour in Canterbury offers an engaging way to explore the historic city while getting in a workout. This highly-rated tour, with a 100% traveler recommendation, provides a unique opportunity to combine sightseeing and exercise.
Groups are kept small, with a maximum of 5 runners, ensuring personalized attention from the guide. Runners of all levels, from beginner to expert, can participate and enjoy the tour at a pace suited to their abilities.
Along the way, you’ll discover hundreds of years of Canterbury’s rich history as you run past iconic landmarks. The inclusion of digital group photos and an animated route video means you’ll have lasting memories of your experience.
The tour is accessible to those who can participate in light exercise, and the meeting point is conveniently located near public transportation.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reasonable price, the Small-Group City Running Tour in Canterbury is an excellent choice for those seeking an active and engaging way to explore the city.
Read our full review: Small-Group City Running Tour in Canterbury Review
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Canterbury City & Cathedral – Private Guided Tour
Explore Canterbury’s rich history and architectural gems on this private guided tour. Led by qualified Green Badge city and Cathedral guides, you’ll embark on a 165-minute journey through over 2,000 years of history.
The tour begins with a 90-minute guided walking tour, highlighting landmarks like Butchery Lane, Mercery Lane, and the Eastbridge Hospital. You’ll also stop for photos at the High Street and the iconic Marlowe theatre.
Next, you’ll head inside the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral for a 75-minute guided tour. Admire the Perpendicular Gothic Nave, the atmospheric Crypt, and the Trinity Chapel, while learning about the cathedral’s history, including the infamous murder of Thomas Becket in 1170.
Throughout the tour, your guide will bring the city’s past to life with engaging storytelling about famous characters, pilgrims, and historical events.
Priced from $264.37 per group (up to 2 participants), this private tour offers a flexible and immersive experience, with the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Wheelchair users can also join, though some uneven paving due to cobblestones may be encountered.
Read our full review: Canterbury City & Cathedral – Private Guided Tour Review
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Canterbury: City Highlights Guided Walking Tour
A 90-minute guided walking tour allows you to discover Canterbury’s captivating city highlights.
Led by a knowledgeable Green Badge guide, the Canterbury Walking Tour offers an in-depth exploration of this historic city. You’ll stroll through the charming streets, learning about the city’s rich history and architectural gems.
The tour showcases the iconic Canterbury Cathedral, a magnificent Gothic structure that has stood for over 1,400 years. You’ll also visit the medieval Westgate Towers, once part of the city’s defensive walls, and admire the half-timbered houses and quaint cobbled lanes that give Canterbury its unique character.
Along the way, your guide will share fascinating insights, bringing the city’s past to life.
At just $18.88 per person, this guided tour provides excellent value, with an average rating of 4.8 from 425 reviews.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or looking to delve deeper into Canterbury’s history, this walking tour is a must-do activity to get the most out of your time in this enchanting city.
Read our full review: Canterbury: City Highlights Guided Walking Tour Review
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Recap
Canterbury offers a variety of engaging city tours for visitors. Whether you prefer a guided running tour, a private walking tour, or a highlights-focused walk, there are options to suit different interests and fitness levels. These tours provide an insightful exploration of Canterbury’s historic landmarks, architecture, and local culture, making them a great way to experience the city’s charm.