Canterbury's World Heritage Sites Guided Walking Tour

2–3 hours Free cancellation Private tour

Canterbury's World Heritage Sites Guided Walking Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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.

Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Archaeology Tours Short term availability Weather Dependent - Low

At a glance

Duration: 2–3 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–6
Guide: English
Operated by: Canterbury Guided Tours

What is included

Included

Included: Possible access to St Martin's, subject to opening & service hours
Included: Fully qualified Green Badge Canterbury City Guide
Included: Access to Cathedral Precincts (outside of Cathedral)

Not included

Not included: Entrance to Cathedral (interior) and St Augustine's Abbey

Itinerary

Lady Wootton's Green

10 min

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.
St. Augustine's Abbey

30 min Admission not included

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.
St. Martin's Church, Canterbury, Kent

30 min Admission not included

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.
The Buttermarket square

15 min

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.
Canterbury Cathedral

30 min Admission not included

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.