4.9(480)· Canterbury· By Canterbury Guided Tours Free cancellation
Canterbury Guided Tours offers engaging 90-minute tours for visitors to the historic city of Canterbury, led by fully qualified Green Badge Guides.
We are proud to be the official city walking tour, and the only tour that includes the grounds of the majestic Cathedral.
Join us for a journey back in time through narrow medieval lanes, past pilgrim inns and Tudor houses, through the iconic Christ Church Gate and into the Cathedral Precincts.
Discover how the city has evolved over the years and the stories of the many colourful characters who have lived in or visited the city, from St Augustine, Becket and Chaucer to Marlowe and Dickens.
Founded in 1948, Canterbury Tourist Guides Ltd is an independent company dedicated to conducting high-quality guided walking tours in Canterbury.
Our tours are the official tours of the city and the only ones to include access to the magnificent Cathedral's Precincts.
- ✓Children's Activity Sheet & History Trail - Ask your guide on arrival
- ✓Entertaining 90-minute guided tour of the historic city centre
- ✓Fully qualified Green Badge Canterbury City Guide - the best of the best!
- ✓Entry through the Christ Church Gate into the famous Cathedral Precincts (grounds)
Activity Schedule
1 h 30
Our professional Green Badge Guides will bring history to life as they take you on a 90-minute journey through the medieval lanes, the Cathedral Precincts, and grounds of the historic King's School, regaling you with tales of pilgrims, royals, plagues, and murder, plus of course the many famous historical characters, writers, and artists who have lived here or visited in the past, from St Augustine, Becket, and Chaucer, to Marlowe and Dickens.
Wander through the medieval streets and discover its very often bloody past!
See the largest medieval gateway in England, explore the precincts of Canterbury Cathedral, and its fascinating story.
Find out about Canterbury's colourful characters - Becket, Chaucer, Marlowe. All the Kings & Queens that have passed through our gates. Pilgrims, plague to peasants' revolts, and much more!
Come and join the Official Canterbury Guided Tour!
Daily at 11 am, with an additional 2 pm tour from April to October, plus seasonal holidays.
Private guided tours are available for small groups - see our other listings (Available for advance bookings only).
Mobile or paper ticket accepted. One per booking
Daily Tour: Please meet your Guide in the Buttermarket, outside the main Cathedral Gate. Guides wear a red sash. Please note you may finish your tour in a different location (usually the High Street).
Daily Tour: Please meet your Guide in the Buttermarket, outside the main Cathedral Gate. Guides wear a red sash. Please note you may finish your tour in a different location (usually the High Street).
Please show your ticket/booking confirmation to the Guide. Please note, mobile phone signal is very poor in Canterbury.
Your ticket entitles you to discounts at various local cafes and attractions, please check www.canterburyguidedtours.com/Offers-and-Discounts for details.
If you are running late and are unable to contact the office, please note the first stop for the tour will be outside the Roman Museum in Butchery Lane.
Tours go ahead in all weather - rain, wind, sun and snow! (Unless there has been an official weather warning to stay indoors). Please dress appropriately for the weather.
Saturday and Sunday tours only: If you book 11 am by mistake, or miss your 11 am tour, you may use your ticket for the 2 pm tour if there is space. Please talk to the 2 pm guide. (If this happens for a tour Monday to Friday, please contact the office).
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Carer Policy: We extend our concessionary rate to guests with a disability. Free entry is offered to carers accompanying those with a disability. To book a daily tour online, please book your concessionary place. Let us know you will be bringing a carer with you (no carer ticket will be required on arrival).
- At the guide's discretion, well-behaved dogs on short leads are welcome. Please contact us in advance where possible if you intend to bring your dog.
Official Canterbury Guided Walking Tour - 11.00 Tour
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking.
- Dress appropriately for the weather, as tours operate in all conditions.
- Arrive at the meeting point on time.
- Bring your booking confirmation.
- Check the website for discounts at local cafes and attractions.
- Consider booking in advance, especially during peak season.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 201070P2
Activity offered by Canterbury Guided Tours via Viator.
- History enthusiasts
- Tourists
- Families
- Visitors interested in medieval history
- Individuals of all fitness levels
- Official Canterbury walking tour
- Includes access to Cathedral Precincts
- Led by qualified Green Badge Guides
- Journey through medieval streets
- Tales of historical figures and events
- 90-minute duration
- Population
- 54,880 (2011)
- Elevation
- 3 m
- Currency
- pound sterling
- Driving
- on the left
- Power plugs
- G · 230 V
- Emergency number
- 999
- Capital city
- London
Average temperatures- 6°Jan
- 6°Feb
- 7°Mar
- 9°Apr
- 12°May
- 15°Jun
- 17°Jul
- 18°Aug
- 16°Sept
- 13°Oct
- 10°Nov
- 7°Dec
Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is the duration of the tour?+
The tour lasts for 90 minutes.
Where does the tour start and end?+
The tour starts in the Buttermarket, outside the main Cathedral Gate. You may finish your tour in a different location, usually the High Street.
Does the tour go ahead in bad weather?+
Yes, tours go ahead in all weather conditions unless there has been an official weather warning to stay indoors. Please dress appropriately.
Are there any discounts available?+
Your ticket entitles you to discounts at various local cafes and attractions. Please check www.canterburyguidedtours.com/Offers-and-Discounts for details.
Can I bring my dog?+
Well-behaved dogs on short leads are welcome at the guide's discretion. Please contact us in advance if possible.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?+
Yes, all areas and surfaces, as well as transportation options, are wheelchair accessible.
Reviews provided by Viator, written by travellers on Viator and Tripadvisor.
★★★★★Tripadvisor review
Wonderful walking tour
Pathfinder819157, October 2026
Knowledgeable guide who obviously enjoys the history and meeting new people. He spent extra time with our group and was very relaxed. Highlight of Canterbury.
★★★★★Viator review
Excellent - professional, engaging, great insight
Maureen_B, October 2026
Interesting, detailed, well-informed and engaging your. Possibly the best city walking tour I've ever done (and I'm keen on them!) Julian was a superb guide, knowledgable but nuanced as to how much detail people were comfortable with. Humourous, personable.
★★★★★Viator review
Another excellent tour,...
Gary_H, October 2026
Another excellent tour, this time in the lovely historical city of Canterbury. Susan the guild was knowledgeable & enthusiastic and I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending this experience, many thanks.
★★★★★Tripadvisor review
Thanks to the wonderful guide Ethel
900inev, October 2026
Super good guide Ethel was amazing, very expert. Really recommended!
★★★★★Tripadvisor review
History Tour of Canterbury
Maestas123, October 2026
Wonderful tour, especially for those visiting Canterbury for the first time. Sam, our official guide was terrific. Do this tour if you love history!!
Response from the operator · CanterburyGuidedTour
It's so lovely to hear how much you enjoyed your tour - thank you for taking the time to leave a review.
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