Canterbury's World Heritage Sites Guided Walking Tour

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2 to 3 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

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.

What's Included

Possible access to St Martin's, subject to opening & service hours
Fully qualified Green Badge Canterbury City Guide
Access to Cathedral Precincts (outside of Cathedral)
Entrance to Cathedral (interior) and St Augustine's Abbey

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

End point

You will finish in central Canterbury, however your Guide will be happy to point you in the right direction for your next stop.

Itinerary

Duration: 2 to 3 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Lady Wootton's Green

    Follow the path travelled by Queen Bertha, whose influence led to the Christianisation of Anglo-Saxon England, in the 6th century on her way from the royal palace to St. Martin’s Church. View the statues of Queen Bertha, and her husband King Ethelbert.

    10 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 2
    St. Augustine's Abbey

    Founded in 598, St Augustine's Abbey served as a monastery for St Augustine and his monks after arriving in England on a mission to convert the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity, plus a burial place for Anglo-Saxon kings of Kent. During the tour you will be able to see the site and buildings from several different vantage points, including viewing the extent of the footprint of the 3 churches, plus the most impressive remaining features, the medieval gates. The tour does not include entry to St Augustine’s Abbey.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
  • 3
    St. Martin's Church, Canterbury, Kent

    St Martin's Church is the oldest church in continuous use in England, having welcomed worshippers since before 597AD. When Queen Bertha, who was a Christian, married King Ethelbert in around 580AD, he restored St Martin's for her to pray in. It was then used by St Augustine and his monks, on their mission to convert the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity. The tour will take you uphill to St Martin's Church where there is a steep climb up a series of steps. Please also note the churchyard ground is uneven. Sturdy shoes are recommended. Subject to church opening and service hours, your Guide will be able to take you inside St Martin's. Please note the church request a donation of £5 per person, payable on entry.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
  • 4

    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.

    15 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 5
    Canterbury Cathedral

    See the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral as your route takes you on a journey through the Cathedral Precincts, the Cathedral cloisters, and past ruins of the old monastery. Admission into the Cathedral itself is not included.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket not included

Additional info

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Supplied by Canterbury Guided Tours

Tags

Private Sightseeing Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Archaeology Tours
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

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

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