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London to Canterbury Day Trips

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Guided Tour of Canterbury and Dover Castle from London

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£125

Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

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Mobile ticket

10 hr.

Transfers included

Join a day trip from London by a luxury coach to Kent and enjoy a guided tour of Canterbury Cathedral, Dover Castle and see the White Cliffs of Dover.
Visit the Canterbury City with traces of Roman architecture such as the cobbled streets, medieval-style timber-framed houses and ancient walls.
Enjoy a guided tour of Canterbury Cathedral, the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Learn about important events from history such as Operation Dynamo as you walk through the very tunnels where it was organized in Dover Castle.
Take in the breathtaking view of the majestic White Cliffs of Dover with its chalk grassland that’s home to so many unusual plants and insects

Join a day trip from London by a luxury coach to Kent and enjoy a guided tour of Canterbury Cathedral, Dover Castle and see the White Cliffs of Dover.
Visit the Canterbury City with traces of Roman architecture such as the cobbled streets, medieval-style timber-framed houses and ancient walls.
Enjoy a guided tour of Canterbury Cathedral, the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Learn about important events from history such as Operation Dynamo as you walk through the very tunnels where it was organized in Dover Castle.
Take in the breathtaking view of the majestic White Cliffs of Dover with its chalk grassland that’s home to so many unusual plants and insects

Inclusions

Full-day guided tour of Canterbury and Dover Castle
Expert English-speaking guide
Entry to Dover Castle
Entry to Canterbury Cathedral
Round-trip coach transfers from London

Tip: After the closing time of the Canterbury Cathedral, one can attend choral evensong and afterward, explore the cathedral precinct without the crowds.
Facilities: Wheelchair Accessibility, Pram/Stroller Accessibility.
Please Note: Sometimes this tour runs in reverse due to opening times at the cathedral or weather conditions.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

London To Canterbury Tours

London to Canterbury day trips | A complete guide

Looking for a quick escape from London? Canterbury delivers big on history! Start at Canterbury Cathedral, one of England's oldest churches, founded in 597 AD and recognized for its centuries-old stained glass. Then, head to Dover Castle, perched dramatically over the White Cliffs, with its ancient tower and secret WWII tunnels—both essential stops for history enthusiasts and architecture aficionados.

Why is a London to Canterbury day trip a must-do

Learn about decades of history: Canterbury is home to a 1,400-year-old cathedral that witnessed Archbishop Thomas Becket's martyrdom. Just 17 miles away stands Dover Castle, the "Key to England," with its medieval defenses and strategic wartime tunnels that played a crucial role in safeguarding the nation.
Check out the architectural treasures: From the soaring Bell Harry Tower to Canterbury's primeval cobbled streets and archaeological remains, the city takes you on a journey through Gothic elegance and Romanesque architecture at every turn.
Savor authentic Kentish meal: Enjoy comforting shepherd's pie paired with Kentish ale at a traditional pub like The Foundry, or relish a plate of fresh Whitstable oysters and artisanal cheese at The Goods Shed, a more modern cafe.
Unwind at the gardens: Take a lazy stroll along the Westgate Gardens by the River Stour or lounge around at Dane John Gardens, where you can have a chill picnic under sunshine or catch some live music at the Victorian bandstand.
Participate in the seasonal events: Canterbury's year-round events include a 150-stall Christmas Market, Easter egg hunt celebrations, and summer festivals like the Canterbury Festival, featuring live classical music performances and cooking demos.

Things to know before booking your London to Canterbury day trips

The Canterbury day trip starts at 9am, so plan your morning accordingly!
The experience is usually available on the weekend, but you can also snag a Wednesday spot in October and March if that works better for you.
Good news—this trip is stroller and wheelchair-friendly, so feel free to bring your little ones or roll in comfortably!
Plans changed? No worries! You can cancel up to 24 hours before the trip for a full refund.

A quick explainer of your London to Canterbury day trip ticket

Guided tour

Inclusions:

English-speaking guided tour

Entry to Canterbury Cathedral

Entry to Dover Castle

Round-trip in a luxury coach

Wheelchair accessibility

Strollers and prams allowed

Duration: Starts at 9am and it's a 10 hours trip
Meet-up point: Earls Court (7:30am), South Kensington (7:40am), Victoria (8:05am), Kings Cross (8:35am), London Bridge Bus Stop R (9am)
Mode of transfer: Luxury coach
Food and drinks included?: No
Best suited for: History buffs
Recommended tickets:

Guided Tour of Canterbury and Dover Castle from London

How to reach Canterbury from London

Getting from London to Canterbury is easy, whether by train, bus, or car. The 60-mile trip takes around 1-2 hours. For a stress-free experience, round-trip transfers included with your ticket are the way to go!

By bus

By train

By car

If you're taking the bus, National Express coaches leave Victoria Coach Station and arrive in Canterbury in about 2 hours and 20 minutes.
Bus tickets can go for as little as £5, which is perfect if you're on a budget.
For the ultimate day out, grab the guided tour ticket—it includes luxury coach transfers, entry to both Canterbury Cathedral and Dover Castle, and an English-speaking guide to lead the way. You can also choose your pick up point from the 5 given options: Earls Court, South Kensington, Victoria, Kings Cross, London Bridge Bus Stop R .

You have a few options for where to catch your train—London St Pancras International, London Victoria, and London Bridge all have services heading to Canterbury.
The quickest train takes 51 minutes, though some might take up to an hour and a half.
With about 145 trains running daily, you'll have plenty of flexibility. In addition, most trains are direct, so you don't need to worry about switching halfway. Just hop on and relax!
Train tickets start at around £12.90. If you go during off-peak hours, before 10am and after 5pm, you might score even better deals!

If you decide to drive, the trip via the M2 motorway will take roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes. It's a pretty straightforward route!
Parking in Canterbury can be a bit limited, especially on weekends, so it's a good idea to scout out some spots ahead of time. For your convenience, here are a few parking lots you can park your vehicle at: Queningate Car Park (0.2 miles), Castle Row Car Park (0.3 miles), and Castle Street Car Park (0.4 miles).

Best time to take a day trip from London to Canterbury

Peak season vs low season: Peak season from June to August means sunny adventures in Canterbury, but brace yourself for crowds and higher prices. On the other hand, if you fancy a quieter, more affordable trip, aim for the winter—think festive markets during Christmas or quieter streets in January and February.
Best season: Canterbury in spring is like a nature party, with blooming flowers and comfy temperatures—ideal for outdoor activities. Alternatively, autumn offers beautiful foliage and a quieter experience.
To catch the best events: Get your calendars ready! October brings the Canterbury Festival, a smorgasbord of performances and art you can't miss. Then, cozy up at the Christmas Market from late November to December, complete with mulled wine and handmade gifts!
When are the daylight saving hours: Summer days in Canterbury stretch long into the evening, giving you plenty of time to explore iconic sights like Canterbury Cathedral. So, visit during the months of June, July and August.
To avoid heavy crowds: Winter in Canterbury? Yes, please! From December to February, fewer tourists mean you can explore the city's festive decorations and cozy up in pubs without the crowd.

Best things to do in Canterbury

St Augustine’s Abbey

Founded in 598 AD, St Augustine’s Abbey played a crucial role in reintroducing Christianity to England. Once a burial site for Kentish kings and home to monks, its ruins, museum, and iconic Ethelbert’s Tower are part of Canterbury's UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ideal for: History enthusiasts
Duration: 1-2 hours
Hot-tip: Walk through the abbey’s 1500s layout using VR, gaining a fresh view of its historical and Christian importance in an interactive way.

Westgate Gardens

Tucked on the side of River Stour, Westgate Gardens combines centuries-old trees with Roman relics and colorful flowerbeds. It’s a charming green space in Canterbury, complete with historical markers, peaceful walking paths, and even the majestic Westgate Towers overlooking the scenery.

Ideal for: Nature lovers
Duration: Around 1-1.5 hours
Hot-tip: Keep an eye out for the Burma Star and Italy Star Memorials, paying tribute to WWII soldiers, plus a cool plaque marking where the old Roman London Gate once stood.

Canterbury Roman Museum

At the Canterbury Roman Museum, time-travel to the days of Durovernum Cantiacorum! From breathtaking mosaics to a treasure-filled silver hoard, you’ll love exploring Roman jewelry, pottery, and lively recreations of a bustling marketplace.

Ideal for: Archaeological buffs
Duration: 1-2 hours
Hot-tip: Participate in interactive workshops where you can make Roman bracelets, design mosaics, or even mint coins. Get crafty!

St. Martin's Church

St. Martin’s Church is the oldest active church in Britain, dating back to the 4th century! Once a Roman chapel, it’s wrapped up in innumerable historical tales, featuring medieval architecture, a 900-year-old font, and connections to Queen Bertha and St. Augustine.

Ideal for: Spiritual seekers
Duration: 1-1.5 hours
Hot-tip: Meander through the churchyard! Keep your eyes peeled for the graves of illustrious locals like Thomas Sidney Cooper and Mary Tourtel, the beloved Rupert Bear creator.

Tips for making the most of your day trip from London to Canterbury

Before you head out, take a moment to check the weather forecast for the day. This will help you dress appropriately and ensure you pack any essentials, like sunscreen or an umbrella, to stay comfortable and prepared for whatever the day brings!
Bring only the essentials you need, like water, snacks, a power bank, and a compact first-aid kit, while keeping your bag light and easy to carry. This way, you're prepared without the extra weight!
On the day of your tour, aim to arrive at the pick-up point 15 to 20 minutes ahead of the scheduled departure time.
Be sure to visit local dining gems that showcase regional specialties. For example, enjoy a hearty traditional pub meal at The Parrot or savor delicious local pastries at cozy cafés such as The Veg Box Café and Tiny Tim's Tearoom.
When searching for souvenirs, seek local artisan shops to discover unique keepsakes. Consider picking up handmade crafts, tasty local food products like jams and honey, or traditional clothing and accessories that beautifully capture the spirit of Canterbury!
Understanding local customs can enhance your experience, so dress modestly when visiting religious sites and embrace the charm of politeness by using basic greetings in the local language whenever possible.
Keep your energy up by sipping water regularly throughout the day and taking breaks to recharge when necessary.

Frequently asked questions about day trips from London to Canterbury

How far in advance should I book to secure a spot on the day trip from London to Canterbury?

It's recommended that you book your tickets at least one week in advance to ensure you secure a spot for your day trip from London to Canterbury.

What should I do if I'm late or miss the departure for the London to Canterbury trip?

If you miss your departure, you will need to purchase a new ticket for the day trip. To avoid this, it's always a good idea to arrive early!

Are there any age restrictions for day trips from London to Canterbury?

No age restrictions exist for day trips from London to Canterbury. Families are encouraged to visit, and many attractions offer complimentary entry for children under 18 when accompanied by an adult.

How can I manage motion sickness during the bus trip from London to Canterbury?

To ease motion sickness while traveling by bus from London to Canterbury, try sitting near the front, keeping your gaze fixed on the horizon, and staying hydrated. It's also helpful to avoid reading or looking at screens during the journey.

Are meals included in the day trip, or should I bring my own food?

Meals are not included in the day trip, so you can either bring your own snacks and lunch or enjoy a meal at one of the local eateries in Canterbury. It's a great chance to try some regional specialties!

What's the best local dish or food item I should try during the trip to Canterbury?

Be sure to sample Whitstable oysters at Wheelers Oyster Bar for an authentic taste of Canterbury's renowned seafood delicacy.

How can I learn about the stories and legends associated with the places I visit?

Your day trip ticket includes an English-speaking expert guide who will share captivating stories and intriguing legends as you explore Canterbury Castle, Dover Castle, and the White Cliffs of Dover.

Will there be any free time during the day trip?

Yes, the London to Canterbury day trip lasts about 10 hours, giving you ample free time to explore between visits to Canterbury Cathedral and Dover Castle.