In England's Southeast corner is the lovely garden province of Kent. With its rolling hills, fruitful orchards, beautiful coastline and the fascinating town of Canterbury, Kent is a beacon for many travelers. Take a private Canterbury shore excursion and discover the medieval and modern charms of this historic town, plus the many bucolic villages dotting the Kentish countryside.

Your local guide will make sure you don't miss the soaring spires of Canterbury Cathedral - an 11th century masterpiece recognised today as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy exploring the delightful narrow streets and alleyways that surround the cathedral. Your guide will suggest a pub lunch in one of Canterbury's many atmospheric ale-houses. In the afternoon, drive to Dover's white cliffs, stopping to admire the many picturesque villages along the way.

Your guide is eager to customize a private Canterbury Shore excursion that reflects your unique travel interests in this lively English town.

Canterbury

Castles and Cliffs Tour. Explore all three wonderful castles. All offering something unique and different.

This Dover Tour takes in and allows time to visits to all three unmissable castles along the Dover's, White Cliff's Coastline.
All too often but quite rightly, visitors to Dover are eager to visit the magnificent splendor and long history of Dover Castle but too often, due to time limitations, miss its (slightly younger and more dainty) sisters. This Dover Tour visits all three unmissable castles as well as a picturesque short walk along Deal Promenade, a drive through Kingsdown, the furthermost end of the White Cliffs of Dover and a one way, point to point walk along the Eastern Cliffs (South Forelands light house to Dover). Approximately 1/1. 5 hours (3. 2 miles) if you choose. You might rather just park and visit the cliff top pathway and visitor's centre.

Wild mushrooms in the woodland at Walmer Castle.

The Queen (Elizabeth 2nd) Mother's Garden.

The Broadwalk Garden at Walmer Castle. With what is affectionately called by my family, the 'cloud' or 'wobbly' hedge.

Peveril's Gate/Tower at Dover Castle. You can stay here if you are organised enough to book this accommodation via the English Heritage website.

Spring snow drops in the woodland walk at Walmer Castle.

Dry Moat with drawbridge at Walmer Castle.

View of Dover from the top of the Dover Castle's Keep.

Dover Castle's Norman Keep viewed through Colton's Gate.

View of Dover Port from the White Cliffs of Dover. Fan Bay Deep Shelter and Fan Bay Sound Mirror are top right and central, respectively.

View looking back towards Dover Port on the White Cliffs of Dover near the South Foreland Lighthouse.

Visits to all three famous castles local to Dover, Deal and Walmer as well a walk on the White Cliffs of Dover.

Medieval Rye with Cream Tea and Scenic Drive

The fortified Cinque Port of "Rye Royale" is one of the gems in our region and one of my favourite places. On this tour, we will find ourselves in this wonderful 700-year-old town that has seen it all from invasions to smuggling, flooding and shipwrecks. It is full of fascinating and quirky stories, which I will share with you. We will see the famous Mermaid Inn, whose cellars date from 1156 and which is considered to be one of the oldest public places in the country. If you venture inside, you will see pictures of many famous visitors to the Inn, including actors Johnny Depp, Michael Caine and Judy Dench. Perhaps, you will even spot a ghost or two.
Every time I visit Rye, I cannot help but feel like I have stepped back into the past. And of course, we cannot leave Rye without sampling one of our great traditions, a homemade English cream tea, at a charming tearoom.
I am sure you will love Rye as much as me and will take home some unforgettable memories from your time spent on this tour.

Private tour with a local Blue Badge driver-guide - Shore Excursion from Dover

Full Day Dover Tour of Canterbury Cathedral, White Cliffs of Dover and Dover Castle

Our journey starts with the City of Canterbury, one of the oldest and most famous Christian Structures in England, Canterbury Cathedral - I fell in love with this building as soon as I visited it, together we will see the ancient architecture and uncover the secrets of the cloisters and stained glass windows which tell their own story of times gone by.

We will visit the White Cliffs of Dover, I have never lived further than four miles away from the Cliffs and they are a symbol of my Heritage and my childhood where I often played.
I now fully appreciate the breathtaking views across the English Channel and can share this wonderful experience with my clients!

I will take you to the amazing Medieval Dover Castle which has stood through two World Wars and has a mystique of its own as it recreates the history of the Kings and Queens of the past.

My goal for the day is to make you feel welcome in my country and my part of the world and make sure you have the best memorable day possible!

Private Guided Tour | Canterbury Cathedral | White Cliffs of Dover | Dover Castle | The ceiling in Bell Harry Tower at Canterbury Cathedral

Private Guided Tour | Canterbury Cathedral | White Cliffs of Dover | Dover Castle | The Arch Bishop of Canterburys Palace behind the Cloister at Canterbury Cathedral

Private Guided Tour | Canterbury Cathedral | White Cliffs of Dover | Dover Castle | Photo opportunity outside Canterbury Cathedral before the Tour

Private Guided Tour | Canterbury Cathedral | White Cliffs of Dover | Dover Castle | The Great Tower, Inner Bailey & Constables Gate at Dover Castle

Private Guided Tour | Canterbury Cathedral | White Cliffs of Dover | Dover Castle | Dover Harbour in the distance from the White Cliffs of Dover

Private Guided Tour | Canterbury Cathedral | White Cliffs of Dover | Dover Castle | St Margarets Bay

Private Guided Tour | Canterbury Cathedral | White Cliffs of Dover | Dover Castle |

Private Guided Tour | Canterbury Cathedral | White Cliffs of Dover | Dover Castle | Friends on the Steps of the Great Tower at Dover Castle

Private Guided Tour | Canterbury Cathedral | White Cliffs of Dover | Dover Castle | The magnificent Quire at Canterbury Cathedral

Private Guided Tour | Canterbury Cathedral | White Cliffs of Dover | Dover Castle | Best spot for a Selfie on the White Cliffs of Dover

Private Guided Tour | Canterbury Cathedral | White Cliffs of Dover | Dover Castle | Perfect day for the White Cliffs of Dover

Private Guided Tour | Canterbury Cathedral | White Cliffs of Dover | Dover Castle | Ready to tour the Great Tower at Dover Castle

Private Guided Tour | Canterbury Cathedral | White Cliffs of Dover | Dover Castle | Great photo opportunities on the White Cliffs of Dover

Private Guided Tour | Canterbury Cathedral | White Cliffs of Dover | Dover Castle | Enjoying a walk on the White Cliffs of Dover

Private Guided Tour | Canterbury Cathedral | White Cliffs of Dover | Dover Castle | Enjoying the views across the English Channel before their Disney Magic Cruise

History, Heritage & Natural Wonders

Canterbury, often described as 'The Cradle of Christianity' and, today, home of the Mother Church of the Anglican Communion. Still retaining its Medieval heart where you can trace the footsteps of kings and queens, or humble pilgrims, all of whom made their way to visit the Cathedral and the Shrine of St Thomas Becket. It began as a city under Roman rule, and we can still see evidence of this today. However we are also a modern, bustling city with theatre, shops, bars, restaurants, a thriving student community.

I am passionate about Canterbury and have lived or worked here for many years. I love to share my Canterbury Tales, off the beaten track, enjoying the key highlights, but finding the hidden gems and the tranquil back streets. I also include a personal guided tour of Canterbury Cathedral, sharing some of the secrets since its beginnings in 6th Century England. This tour offers a fun, but informative visit to this delightful city which has played such an important part in England's rich history.

Altar in the Martyrdom - where Thomas Becket was murdered in 1170

Sights, Sounds, Smells and Tastes of Canterbury including Private Cathedral Tour

My Canterbury Tales

Saints & Sinners of Canterbury - Walking Tour

See the oldest stained glass in the whole world!
Hear stories from the past of both Saints and Sinners!
Discover why Canterbury is the number one Cathedral!

Lying on the picturesque River Stour, a chalk river, Canterbury became a Royal City in the 6th Century and has attracted pilgrims 'to pay for sins or keep a promise' ever since.

Canterbury has so much to offer and on a private tour with me, you will see some of its highlights. I have been guiding around the City since 2011 and know from experience that my travellers appreciate both time and space to enjoy their visit.

View of Canterbury Cathedral from the Precinct looking South West

Just 1 Hour from London!

Canterbury Historic Highlights in a Half-Day Private Tour

Canterbury is a small city, and it is easy to walk around. Your historic tour starts from the moment I meet you.

There is so much to see, and history everywhere we walk. . . . Ancient Britons, Romans, Medieval life, Royal and Literary connections and of course, Canterbury Cathedral with me, your own personal guide.

You will see all the highlights and more, and we will take different routes to avoid the crowds!

I am a Cathedral Guide, so there is no waiting around. You will not have to join a group or book a separate Cathedral Guide with the cathedral - I am endorsed and qualified to be your private guide by Canterbury Cathedral.

Canterbury Cathedral and so much more!

To live in a city as historic as Canterbury is quite something: a walk to the pub can take me past one of the finest gothic cathedrals in Europe, and depending on choice, the pub itself may date back to Chaucer's day over six hundred years ago. Let me share a local's knowledge with you by introducing you to Canterbury's most historic highlights as well as several hidden gems off the main tourist drag.

One of my favourite destinations outside of the city is the ancient Cinque port of Sandwich - reputedly home to more listed historic buildings than any other town in England - once the embarkation point for more than one medieval monarch crossing to France in the Hundred Years War and now a delightfully sleepy gem of a town with winding lanes and a fascinating mix of architectural styles. I shall let you soak up the ambience of this historic place before taking you even further back in time to one of the best-preserved Roman sites in Britain which lies just outside of Sandwich.

Cinque port excursion

Canterbury Day Tour and beyond

Rochester its Cathedral,Castle and Medieval City. A Jewel of Kent.

This tour offers a great slice of British history in such an inviting and small space, all in such close proximity we have a Magnificant Cathedral whos founding goes back to 604ad, a Norman Castle , a gorgeous Medieval high streeet with great pub stops and lovely Tea Rooms all set on the River Medway, a tributory of the Thames.
This was a favourite haunt of Charles Dickens , whose father worked nearby in Chatham dockyards.
We will walk the grounds of the Castle and if you are able we will climb the castle steps to the Turrets.
Wander the quant streets, full of great shops, charity shops antiques and more.
Rochester has been place of great importance through the ages for anyone travelling from the South Coast and from Canterbury on thier way to London. We will visit the place of the Templars rest.
This is a little gem is great for those day trips from Dover, Tilbury and London.
I love Rochesters history and all it has to offer.

From the Roman invasion through the Normans , knights Templar and beyond.

Rye is one of my very favourite places to visit in East Sussex and a place I often visit with my husband and our dog Clover.

During this walking tour, you will enjoy playing the Penny Pier Arcade in the Rye Heritage Centre, see the famous Mermaid Inn and visit Rye Pottery - did you know it is one of the oldest in the UK? Together we will also visit St Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church and listen to stories from smuggling, an attempted murder and a love story!

Discover one of the prettiest medieval towns in England with me.

The following itinerary can be customized to suit your needs. Do not hesitate to message me.

Discover the jewel of the South-East

Tales of Old Rye - Walking Tour

Unmissable Dover (Explore the Unmissable attractions in Dover with your local guide)

This Dover Tour takes in the quintessential areas that, if you're only coming to Dover once, you just can't miss.
Timings are flexible and you can choose to spend more or less time at any one place, depending on your preference.
The order of your visits may vary depending on our start and finish time, so can be offered to meet your needs. Dover Castle opens at 10 am so a tour with an early start would typically start at the White Cliffs or St Margret's Bay and would then work back from there. These attractions are the main focal points of your tour.

However, Samphire Hoe and the Battle of Britain Memorial are available depending on the time and choices that you make throughout the day. I'd always choose to get you to these two places too if I possibly can.
The three key areas are guaranteed to be included.
There's a bit more information in my Bio about these attractions.
Important Notice.
Dover Castle is only open on weekends from November 2022 until Mon 13th Feb 2023.

Bertrand Ramsey. Operation Dynamo and D-Day allied landings.

Romans Lighthouse. Church of St Mary in Castro.

Houses on St Margret's Bay. Owned and occupied by both Noel Coward and Ian Fleming.

Replica planes at the Battle of Britain Memorial.

Dover Castle, The White Cliffs of Dover and St Margret's Bay. Plus several other unmissable sites.

Medieval Rye and Sissinghurst Castle Garden

This tour combines two of my favourite places in the southeast of England.

The Cinque Port of Rye with its quaint cobbled lanes has seen many events throughout its long, turbulent history. On our walking tour, I will bring the ancient town alive by telling you stories about invasions and smuggling, flooding and shipwrecks, murders, and royal visits.

After traveling through some of the most beautiful countryside of East Sussex and Kent, you will find yourselves at Sissinghurst, a world-renowned garden and iconic refuge that is dedicated to beauty.

Sissinghurst Castle comprises a sixteenth-century tower and other buildings, surrounded by the most famous twentieth-century garden in England. Vita-Sackville West, a poet and garden writer, took responsibility for all the planting within the 'garden rooms', which her husband Harold Nicholson, a diplomat and author, laid out in the 1930s.

Hopefully, you will be able to share my enthusiasm and love of gardens in a personalised introduction to this amazing site.

Entrance tickets to Sissinghurst Castle Garden

Ladybird poppies in Sissinghurst Castle Garden

Canterbury is a place very close to my heart. I've lived here for over 20 years and as a child would visit as a treat. It is now my privilege to guide people here. Set in the garden of England, dotted with delightful villages, fruit orchards and gentle rolling landscape which few visitors venture out to explore. So this tour is an opportunity, a day of contrasts combining the awe inspiring cathedral, medieval city and Kentish countryside.

At its centre is the Cathedral, what a history! Part of a World Heritage Site, it goes back to 597AD. The medieval streets of Canterbury are great fun to explore. I'll regale you with stories both ancient and modern at every turn and twist of the way. Then with private transport we'll journey through some of the lesser known, picturesque villages of Kent where you may like to stop off at a local pub or teashop for lunch. We'll round off the day with a breathtaking stroll along the White Cliffs of Dover.

Canterbury tours

Explore with 52 tours and 14 guides.

Stephen M.

$ 688 (USD)

Tanya F.

$ 730 (USD)

Gary P.

$ 901 (USD)

Yvonne L.

$ 413 (USD)

Susan D.

$ 399 (USD)

Maxine F.

$ 399 (USD)

Mark G.

$ 1,651 (USD)

Rachel M.

$ 850 (USD)

Susan D.

$ 399 (USD)

Stephen M.

$ 688 (USD)

Tanya F.

$ 1,017 (USD)

Liz F.

$ 926 (USD)

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