Private tour in Canterbury Mark G

Full Day Best of Canterbury Walking Tour

5.0

(4) reviews

-
Hours icon 6 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 6 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Mark G.

5.0

Guide rating

11

Reviews

Tours delivered

8 hrs

Avg. response time

My acquaintance with Canterbury began with childhood day trips from London with my family, and the city's historic architecture and ambience made a lasting impact on me. Subsequent visits as I grew older, supplemented by long, enjoyable evenings with friends in Canterbury's many venerable pubs and varied restaurants, made me form a resolution to one day make my home in the city, one which I achieved in 2001 and from which I have never looked back. I am a huge fan of both Geoffrey Chaucer ( 'The Father of English Poetry', whose most famous work, 'The Canterbury Tales', will for ever be associated with the city ) and Christopher Marlowe ( born in Canterbury in the same year as Shakespeare and famed for his plays before the latter was ) so living in a location associated so inextricably with both writers always feels evocative, and I would be thrilled to share the words and stories of each with those curious enough to hear them. I was a professional actor for twenty years and am now a freelance teacher at two of Canterbury's most famous schools, as well as examining for one of the country's leading drama schools, all of which ensure that I shall bring animation, energy and plenty of eye-catching detail and colour to your tour. In 2018 I embarked on a training course accredited by the Institute of Tourist Guiding to earn my guiding Green Badge, the U. K. Gold Standard of city guiding. It was easily the most rigorous undertaking since studying for my degree, but was hugely valuable, enabling me to offer you the high standard of guiding expected by the I. T. G. . I have a keen personal interest in history, architecture, art and literature as well as all things food and drink related, which will help me to apply plenty of variety to your guiding experience. Living as I do within earshot of Canterbury cathedral's bells, I truly am a local - a proud and passionate one at that - and I look forward to introducing you to both the city's iconic sights as well as its more hidden gems. All my tours can be customized upon request. Feel free to contact me. Green Badge guiding qualification for the City of Canterbury (2019) Institute of Tourist Guiding B.A. Hons English Literature, First Class (1994) University of London Associate member of the Institute of Tourist Guiding Private guiding inside the cathedral is not permitted since the cathedral uses its own trained guides.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Mark G.

Overview of your Canterbury tour

Let this proud local introduce you to one of Britain's most historic cities, one on which all of the members of English history's Hall of Fame - Celts, Romans, Anglo Saxons, Vikings, Normans, Plantagenets, Tudors, Stuarts et al - have made an impact or left a lasting mark. We'll encounter the good, the bad and the ugly in the city's colourful story, discovering how a bloody murder made Canterbury the fourth most renowned Pilgrimage destination in Christendom and how Tudor tyrants, Puritan zealots, parliamentary armies and Luftwaffe pilots brought waves of destruction to the city, from which it's always manage to rise anew. For a city of modest size, Canterbury really punches above its weight, being home to no fewer than three UNESCO World Heritage sites and four universities, giving it Britain's largest student population in Britain and a youthful dynamism that enlivens the ancient streets and lanes. I'll show you the best that Canterbury has to offer; whatever your tastes, there's something here for you.

Recent Reviews

David T.
July 2025

Mark G was fantastic. He took into account all of our needs. He was full of information and was able to pivot as needed. D.

Stacy L.United States
July 2023

If we could give Mark more than 5 stars, we would. His depth of knowledge of European history and its influence on Great Britain was extensive. His performance of some parts of the Canterbury Tales was so fun, and he was very adaptable to help us with some issues we had. We loved everything about our day in Canterbury, which was largely due to Mark!

James H.United States
March 2022

Mark provided us with a superior tour. He is a historian/teacher, a perfect guide. His panoramic tour of the City took us well beyond "Pilgrimage Canterbury," and opened to us Kent's pivotal role in the development of modern England. Canterbury is a very easy day-trip from London (St. Pancras) on the high-speed train. Mark is an ideal host for anyone hoping to learn about this amazing town. AND he has mastered a quite authentic "Middle-English" accent for those fans of the Canterbury Tales!

Loraine B.United Kingdom
March 2022

We had a highly enjoyable, customised walking tour with Mark, learning about Canterbury's long and fascinating history. Mark is a teacher at The King's School, a top local public school, and he's a former professional actor. This is a perfect combo because Mark is both highly animated and knowledgeable, able to quote passages from The Canterbury Tales and up on all the historic events and dates. He's new to ToursbyLocals but used to work with a different tour guide company. Thanks for a great day, Mark!

Your Canterbury tour itinerary

* Walk the medieval city walls; optional climb of the Dane John mound which offers impressive views of the city. * View the remains of Canterbury's Norman castle. * Visit the medieval West Gate and adjacent gardens by the River Stour. * 12th century Eastbridge Hospital and Greyfriars gardens * Canterbury Cathedral and precincts. * St. Augustine's Abbey. * Optional rest and refreshment breaks will be incorporated at your convenience. All my tours can be customized upon request

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Walking

Walking tour only.

What's included
Other: Admission to the cathedral and St. Augustine's Abbey.
Private Guide
Tickets: Site admission
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. Several sites cannot be pre-booked and admission needs to be paid on arrival.
Public Transportation
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location

Canterbury, England, United Kingdom

To be confirmed

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
History
City Highlights
Architecture
Tour reference number
865606
Languages
English
Activity level
Light
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Wheelchair Accessible

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Canterbury best suited for?

This private tour in Canterbury is perfect for history enthusiasts and those interested in exploring one of Britain's most historic cities. It's also ideal for travellers who want to connect with a local guide, Mark G., for deeper insights into the city's rich past. The tour is suitable for families, including kids, and is wheelchair accessible, making it a great choice for seniors or travellers with mobility concerns.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in Canterbury be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 6 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 6 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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