Canterbury: Walking Tour With Green Badge Guide

Discover the rich history and captivating tales of Canterbury on this guided walking tour led by qualified Green Badge Guides. Over 1.5 hours, explore the city’s iconic sites, from the stunning Canterbury Cathedral to the narrow cobbled lanes steeped in stories of murder, ghosts, and royalty. Starting at the historic Buttermarket, this wheelchair-accessible experience offers engaging live commentary, showcasing Canterbury’s vibrant past while accommodating well-behaved dogs. With just $20.06 per person, this tour promises to immerse visitors in the architectural beauty and captivating narratives that have shaped the city’s storied legacy. But what secrets and surprises await those who embark on this journey through time?

Good To Know

• A guided walking tour of Canterbury led by qualified Green Badge Guides, lasting 1.5 hours and starting at $20.06 per person.
• Explore iconic landmarks like Canterbury Cathedral, old monastery ruins, and charming cobblestone lanes with immersive historical commentary.
• Tour includes wheelchair accessibility and well-behaved dogs are permitted at the guide’s discretion.
• Discover Canterbury’s vibrant past, including stories of murder, ghosts, and royalty, as you contrast modern and historic sites.
• Private tours for small groups can be pre-booked for £120, offering a more personalized experience.

Tour Overview and Details

Offering a guided walking tour of Canterbury, this 1.5-hour experience provides visitors an opportunity to explore the historic city. Priced from $20.06 per person, the tour departs from the Buttermarket, outside the main Cathedral Gate.

Led by qualified Green Badge Guides, the tour features live commentary in English and is wheelchair accessible. Private guided tours for small groups of up to 10 people are available for £120.

While video recording isn’t allowed, the tour promises an immersive experience, showcasing landmarks like the Canterbury Cathedral, the ruins of the old monastery, and a variety of narrow cobbled lanes and timber-framed buildings.

Guests are advised to dress appropriately and note that well-behaved dogs are permitted at the guide’s discretion.

Experience Highlights

The walking tour begins at the historic Buttermarket, a site that was once home to pilgrim inns and a bull stake.

From there, the guided group ventures to the iconic Canterbury Cathedral and the ruins of the old monastery.

As they explore the narrow, cobbled lanes, they’ll hear captivating tales of murder, ghosts, artists, and royalty that have graced these streets.

The tour also showcases more modern landmarks like the Marlowe Theatre, as well as historic sites such as the Crooked House, Old Weavers House, ducking stool, and Eastbridge Hospital.

Throughout the journey, the guide brings the city’s vibrant past to life through their live commentary.

Guided Tour Features

Led by qualified Green Badge Guides, the walking tours provide live commentary in English.

The tours are wheelchair accessible, and private guided tours for small groups of up to 10 people can be booked in advance for £120.

While the routes may vary due to access restrictions, the guides are accommodating and will ensure an enjoyable experience for all.

Plus, the tours operate in all weather conditions, and well-behaved dogs are allowed at the guide’s discretion.

• Qualified Green Badge Guides
• Live commentary in English
• Wheelchair accessible
• Private guided tours available for small groups

Historic Buttermarket and Attractions

The walking tour begins at the historic Buttermarket, which was once a bustling site for pilgrim inns and a bull stake.

Visitors will explore the narrow, cobbled lanes lined with timber-framed buildings, hearing stories of murder, ghosts, artists, and royalty.

The tour takes guests to the iconic Canterbury Cathedral and the ruins of the old monastery, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich history.

Along the way, they’ll admire architectural gems like the Crooked House, Old Weavers House, ducking stool, and Eastbridge Hospital.

The tour also includes a stop at the modern Marlowe Theatre, providing a contrast between Canterbury’s past and present.

Exploring Canterbury Cathedral and Monastery

One of the highlights of the walking tour is the exploration of the iconic Canterbury Cathedral and the ruins of the old monastery.

The group will marvel at the awe-inspiring architecture, including the famous stained glass windows and the cathedral’s stunning Gothic design. They’ll also uncover the cathedral’s rich history, from its role as a site of pilgrimage to its connections with infamous events like the murder of Thomas Becket.

Key highlights include:

1. Viewing the impressive 11th-century cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. Discovering the remnants of the once-thriving Benedictine monastery.
3. Learning about the cathedral’s turbulent past and its significance in English history.
4. Appreciating the architectural details and craftsmanship that have withstood the test of time.

Cobbled Lanes and Timber-Framed Buildings

Meandering through Canterbury’s charming cobblestone lanes, the walking tour group discovers a picturesque tapestry of timber-framed buildings that transport them back in time.

These historic structures, some dating back centuries, line the narrow streets, their intricate wooden frames and projecting upper stories creating a quaint, medieval ambiance.

The guides share captivating tales of the buildings’ past, from the Crooked House’s precarious lean to the Old Weavers House’s association with the region’s once-thriving textile industry.

As the tour winds through these atmospheric alleys, participants gain a vivid glimpse into Canterbury’s rich architectural heritage and the daily lives of its past residents.

Stories of Murder, Ghosts, and Royalty

As the tour progresses, the guide captivates participants with gripping tales of Canterbury’s sinister past.

From shocking murders to haunting ghost stories, the guide weaves a tapestry of Canterbury’s dark history.

Highlights include:

1. The brutal murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket within the cathedral walls.
2. The legend of the "Martyrdom Window", where Becket’s blood is said to stain the glass.
3. Accounts of ghostly sightings, including the spectre of a hooded monk roaming the cathedral’s cloisters.
4. The intriguing story of King Henry VIII’s tumultuous relationship with the city, marked by his dissolution of the monastery.

These captivating narratives breathe life into Canterbury’s storied past, leaving visitors with a deeper understanding of the city’s complex and often chilling history.

Important Information and Customer Feedback

When planning the walking tour, visitors should keep in mind a few important details.

The guided tour is wheelchair accessible, and well-behaved dogs are allowed at the guide’s discretion. Participants are advised to wear weather-appropriate clothing, as the tours operate in all conditions.

Most pavements along the route are narrow and uneven, with no steps or hills. Video recording isn’t permitted during the tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Participants can bring food and drinks on the tour, though it’s recommended to avoid consuming them during the walk to avoid disruptions. The tour guides generally allow reasonable snacking and hydration as needed.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities During the Tour?

The tour does not include any scheduled restroom breaks. However, participants are welcome to use the facilities at the starting point or other locations along the route at their own discretion during the 1.5-hour walking tour.

Is the Tour Guide Able to Provide Recommendations for Local Restaurants?

The tour guide is likely able to provide recommendations for local restaurants. They often have insider knowledge of the best dining options in the area to suggest to tour participants.

What Is the Policy on Tipping the Tour Guide?

The tour policy doesn’t mention tipping the guide. However, it’s customary to tip tour guides for good service, typically 10-15% of the tour price. Tipping is optional but appreciated by the guide.

Can I Take Photos Inside the Canterbury Cathedral?

According to the tour details, video recording is not allowed during the guided walking tour. However, visitors are generally permitted to take photos inside Canterbury Cathedral, though specific rules or restrictions may apply within the cathedral grounds.

Sum Up

Enjoy Canterbury’s captivating history on this guided walking tour. Explore iconic sites like the stunning cathedral, discover tales of murder and royalty, and admire the city’s architectural beauty. With a qualified Green Badge Guide, engaging live commentary, and accessibility for well-behaved dogs, this 1.5-hour experience offers an insightful and memorable look into Canterbury’s vibrant past for just $20.06 per person.