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

Canterbury, England
Duration1h - 1h 30m
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

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.

What's included

  • Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • App for Android and iOS
  • Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
  • Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
  • Smartphone and headphones
  • Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour
  • Food and drink
  • Transportation

What to expect

  1. The Pound at One Pound Lane
    Pass by
    Walk down the charming Pound Lane, where you'll be surrounded by historic architecture and traditional British ambiance. This narrow lane leads you through one of Canterbury’s oldest quarters, offering a glimpse into the city's rich history and local life.
  2. Abbots Mill Garden
    Pass by
    Stroll along Mill Lane and admire the quaint houses that line the waterway. This peaceful street runs beside the River Stour and is home to some of the town's oldest buildings, providing a quiet retreat from the bustle of the city.
  3. Lady Wootton's Green
    Pass by
    Marvel at the tranquil beauty of Lady Wootton’s Green, a lovely public space in the heart of Canterbury. Originally a private garden, it’s now a peaceful spot where visitors can relax and enjoy views of the nearby historic buildings and the nearby city walls.
  4. Burgate Books
    Pass by
    Walk through Burgate Lane and enjoy the beautiful, well-preserved medieval architecture. The street connects some of Canterbury’s most iconic sites, including St. George’s Church, and offers a step back in time to the city's medieval past.
  5. Dane John Mound
    Pass by
    Climb to the top of Dane John Mound for stunning panoramic views of Canterbury and its surrounding countryside. This ancient mound, once part of the city’s defensive fortifications, provides a historical perspective of the city’s strategic importance during medieval times.
  6. Westgate Gardens
    Pass by
    Take a peaceful walk along the Westgate Gardens River Walk, where you’ll enjoy serene views of the River Stour and lush green gardens. The gardens, once part of a larger medieval estate, offer an escape into nature while revealing Canterbury’s rich horticultural history.
  7. Canterbury Cathedral
    Pass by
    Marvel at the grandeur of Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. As the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, this awe-inspiring cathedral has been a place of Christian pilgrimage for over a thousand years, with stunning stained glass, intricate stone carvings, and a rich history at every corner.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

This tour starts at Christ Church Gate. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

End point

This self-guided audio tour ends at St Augustine's Conduit House.

Additional information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
From
$11.99 per person
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
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