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London To Canterbury Tours

Journey from London to Canterbury. Dive into medieval lanes, Cathedral Precincts, and tales of history. Visit Canterbury Cathedral for a blend of architectural styles.
London To Canterbury Tours
Canterbury cathedral From london
Gothic interior of Canterbury church
Dover castle from london
Dover castle from london
Dover castle from london
Dover castle interior
White Cliffs of Dover
White Cliffs of Dover
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  • Journey to the heart of the British countryside with round-trip bus transfers from London with an expert English-speaking guide.

  • Enter the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Canterbury Cathedral and admire its gothic-style dating back to 597 AD, now a seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury.

  • Visit the 11th-century Dover Castle also known as the 'Key to England' and walk through the tunnels and hospital rooms that were used during WWII.

  • Witness the striking and majestic White Cliffs of Dover at a short distance from the coach drop-off point.

  • Fun Fact: The Dover Castle has been used as a filming location by productions such as the Doctor Who episode The Mind of Evil, Wolf Hall, and The Hollow Crown.

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  • Journey to the heart of the British countryside with round-trip bus transfers from London with an expert English-speaking guide.

  • Enter the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Canterbury Cathedral and admire its gothic-style dating back to 597 AD, now a seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury.

  • Visit the 11th-century Dover Castle also known as the 'Key to England' and walk through the tunnels and hospital rooms that were used during WWII.

  • Witness the striking and majestic White Cliffs of Dover at a short distance from the coach drop-off point.

  • Fun Fact: The Dover Castle has been used as a filming location by productions such as the Doctor Who episode The Mind of Evil, Wolf Hall, and The Hollow Crown.

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London To Canterbury Tours Guide

London is one of the most visited travel destinations in the world. It is also home to some of the most recognizable landmarks like the London Eye, Big Ben and the Tower of London. However, we often forget that there is much to explore outside the city limits as well.
The outskirts of London offer a plethora of picturesque destinations that are truly worth visiting. One such destination is the cathedral town of Canterbury, immersed in history and culture. With its ancient buildings, stunning cathedral and scenic landscapes, a day trip from London to Canterbury should not be missed.
  • Day Trips From London To Canterbury - In A Nutshell
  • Why Take A Day Trip From London To Canterbury?
  • How To Reach Canterbury From London - All Your Options Listed
  • Best Guided Tours From London To Canterbury
  • Things To Do In Canterbury In A Day
  • Where To Eat In Canterbury
  • Consider Before Going On A Day Trip From London To Canterbury
  • Quick Tips For Your London To Canterbury Day Trip
  • FAQs
Best Time to Visit Canterbury: May to September
Distance from London to Canterbury: 87 Km
Travel Duration: 1.5 Hours
Cheapest Way to Travel from London to Canterbury: By Bus
Fastest Way to Travel from London to Canterbury: By Train
Guided Tours: Available

An Ideal Day Trip Destination from London

A mere 100 km away from London, Canterbury can be reached in under 2 hours by public transport. To make your journey even easier, there are high-speed trains that will take you to Canterbury in just 50 minutes. Owing to its convenient location and great public transport connectivity, Canterbury is ideal for a day trip from London.

Historic Relevance

This city holds great historical significance as well. It was here in Canterbury that St. Augustine, the Apostle to the English, founded the Christian church. His burial place, St. Augustine’s Abbey, along with the famous Canterbury Cathedral and St. Martin’s Church have been included in the list of UNESCO Heritage Sites.

Great Places to Visit Nearby

Canterbury is surrounded by picturesque little towns that you should not miss out on. Whitstable is a seaside town known for its delicious oyster dishes while Herne Bay is perfect for a picnic on a sunny afternoon. Both are located a mere stone's throw away from Cantebury and would make the perfect addition to your London to Cantebury day trip.
Whether you're planning to travel via public transport, indulge in a road trip or join an organized tour group, here are all your options for going from London to Canterbury.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Nearest station: Canterbury West, Canterbury East
London to Canterbury by train takes around 1.5 hours. Most of London’s popular stations such as St Pancras, Charing Cross and Victoria have several trains plying to Canterbury every day. Visitors can either get down at Canterbury East or Canterbury West and walk towards the city center.
Duration: 2 hours
Nearest station: Canterbury Bus Station
London to Canterbury by bus takes a little more than 2 hours and is one of the cheapest modes of conveyance. You can catch the bus in London from Victoria Station, with connections to the Circle, Victoria, and District lines of the Underground. The bus stop in Canterbury is just a short walk away from the city center.
Duration: 2 hours
Although Canterbury is just an hour and a half away from London, navigating through the busy roads of London might become a problem. If you plan to cover only Canterbury on your day trip from London, it is better to use public transport and save yourself the hassles that come with bringing a car, including parking, gas prices, and tolls
Duration: 10 - 12 hours
A pre-booked day trip from London to Canterbury comes with transportation included, which is perfect if you are looking for a budget-friendly option. Similarly, day trips tend to be extensive and are often conducted by local guides who are familiar with the region. This becomes especially important while visiting a city like Canterbury which has deep roots in history.
Considered to be the oldest church in England, the Canterbury Cathedral has been a place of worship for over 1500 years. Founded by the first Archbishop of Canterbury St. Augustine, the cathedral has become a historical landmark over the years.
St. John Boys House, popularly known as the Crooked House of Canterbury is one of the many unique experiences this historic town holds. With its lopsided appearance, it seems as if the house is about to fall over. Today, it is home to a bookshop that raises money for the poor.
One of the main tourist attractions of Canterbury, the Stour river offers a unique opportunity for visitors to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The Canterbury Historic River Tours company provides 40-minute boating trips from the months of March to October, a must-try for all those who love the outdoors.
Complete with formal gardens and picnic sites, the Westgate Gardens is one of England’s oldest parks. There is no better way to enjoy the great outdoors than to take a walk along the beautiful waterfront and grab a picnic lunch overlooking the Stour river. The best time to visit is during the spring, when the garden in full bloom.
Founded by St. Augustine, this abbey marks the rebirth of Christianity in England. Situated in the outer city, it is part of the Canterbury World Heritage Site. A visit to this impressive abbey will leave you marveling at the intricate stone carvings and other historic artifacts on display.
Travel back in time to 14th century England and watch Geoffrey Chaucer’s characters from his famous Canterbury Tales come to life before your eyes. This tour is a great way to learn about the city and the stories surrounding it and takes you to all the major landmarks.
The medieval town of Canterbury is full of quaint little cafes and eateries. If you are wondering where to eat in Canterbury, here are our top picks for the best restaurants in the city.

KATHTON HOUSE

A fine-dine restaurant that runs completely on local produce, Kathton House is famous for its local as well as continental cuisine. Everything is homemade here, from oven-fresh breakfast rolls to desserts.

CAFE ST. PIERRE

This tiny French cafe is a local favorite and serves delicious pastries, baguette and cakes. They have a small garden-front seating area, which is the perfect place to unwind after a long day of sightseeing

PREZZO

Located in a historic 18th-century building, this Italian restaurant offers a wide variety of gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian dishes. They also have an extensive dessert menu featuring ice creams, pastries, cheesecakes and more.

THE CORNER HOUSE RESTAURANT

A cozy restaurant located at the heart of the village, they have a locally sourced menu that changes according to the seasonal availability of ingredients. This intimate restaurant is perfect for a romantic dinner after a day in Canterbury.

Best time to visit

The months from May to September are considered to be the ideal time to visit Canterbury. May and June are pleasantly warm and perfect for sightseeing. July and August, however, tend to be quite hot as well as busy. If you are visiting Canterbury during these months, expect a large crowd. The temperature starts dropping in September, with the onset of autumn.

Guided vs Self-guided tours

The months from May to September are considered to be the ideal time to visit Canterbury. May and June are pleasantly warm and perfect for sightseeing. July and August, however, tend to be quite hot as well as busy. If you are visiting Canterbury during these months, expect a large crowd. The temperature starts dropping in September, with the onset of autumn.
  • Visit the lesser known attractions: Since Canterbury Cathedral is undoubtedly the most popular attraction of the city, visitors often miss out on the other lesser-known but equally worthwhile attractions such as the Greyfriars Chapel and the Rochester Castle.
  • Visiting Canterbury Cathedral: While visiting the cathedral, keep in mind that it is one of the most popular attractions of Canterbury. This means that it tends to get quite crowded on most days.
  • Avoid sundays: The Canterbury Cathedral is closed to the public on most Sundays.
  • Age old breweries: Kent is home to some of the oldest breweries of Britain. Don’t forget to check them out on your day trip to Canterbury.

How far is Canterbury from London?

Canterbury is around 87 km from London and will take aproximately 1.5 hours to cover.

Are day trip tickets from London to Canterbury refundable?

Headout offers day trip tickets from London to Canterbury that are refundable.

How long does it take to cover Canterbury on a day trip from London?

It takes around 10 hours to cover Canterbury on a day trip from London.

Are transfers included in day trips from London to Canterbury?

Headout offers day trips from London to Canterbury with transfers.

When should I visit Canterbury?

The ideal time to visit Canterbury is during the months of May to September.

How long is the train ride from London to Canterbury?

The train ride from London to Canterbury takes around 1.5 hours.

What is Canterbury most famous for?

Canterbury is most famous for the Canterbury Cathedral. However, there are many other attractions in Canterbury and its nearby areas that you cannot miss.

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