Canterbury’s Royal Heritage: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Canterbury , England

Canterbury’s Royal Heritage: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Active

1h - 1h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Canterbury’s medieval streets echo with tales of the kings, saints and ordinary folk who shaped English history.

On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll hear the hidden stories behind the bustling city where ancient walls and cobbled lanes hold centuries of intrigue.

The tour starts at the magnificent Christchurch Gate, the entrance to the majestic Canterbury Cathedral, where pilgrims have flocked for centuries. I’ll take you beyond the medieval centre and show you the other two historic places that form Canterbury’s UNESCO World Heritage Site: St Augustine’s Abbey and St Martin’s Church, which is England’s oldest site of continuous Christian worship.

You’ll follow the same streets where Roman legionaries once marched and see hidden gateways and ruined churches. The tour ends at St Augustine’s Conduit House, a masterpiece of monastic engineering, tucked away in a corner of the city that even locals rarely discover.

Available options

Canterbury’s Royal Heritage: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

What's included

Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

App for Android and iOS

Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour

Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Detailed itinerary

Walk down the charming Pound Lane, where you'll be surrounded by historic architecture and traditional British ambiance. This narrow lane leads you through one of Canterbury’s oldest quarters, offering a glimpse into the city's rich history and local life.

Stroll along Mill Lane and admire the quaint houses that line the waterway. This peaceful street runs beside the River Stour and is home to some of the town's oldest buildings, providing a quiet retreat from the bustle of the city.

Marvel at the tranquil beauty of Lady Wootton’s Green, a lovely public space in the heart of Canterbury. Originally a private garden, it’s now a peaceful spot where visitors can relax and enjoy views of the nearby historic buildings and the nearby city walls.

Walk through Burgate Lane and enjoy the beautiful, well-preserved medieval architecture. The street connects some of Canterbury’s most iconic sites, including St. George’s Church, and offers a step back in time to the city's medieval past.

Climb to the top of Dane John Mound for stunning panoramic views of Canterbury and its surrounding countryside. This ancient mound, once part of the city’s defensive fortifications, provides a historical perspective of the city’s strategic importance during medieval times.

Take a peaceful walk along the Westgate Gardens River Walk, where you’ll enjoy serene views of the River Stour and lush green gardens. The gardens, once part of a larger medieval estate, offer an escape into nature while revealing Canterbury’s rich horticultural history.

Stop 7 Pass by

Marvel at the grandeur of Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. As the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, this awe-inspiring cathedral has been a place of Christian pilgrimage for over a thousand years, with stunning stained glass, intricate stone carvings, and a rich history at every corner.

What's not included

Smartphone and headphones

Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour

Food and drink

Transportation

Available languages

Audio guide

Written guide

Important information

Service animals allowed

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

This tour starts at Christ Church Gate. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app

Create an account

Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes

Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE
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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About Canterbury

Canterbury is a historic English city known for its stunning cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its rich medieval heritage. The city is a vibrant blend of ancient and modern, offering a unique experience for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and casual visitors alike.

Top Attractions

Canterbury Cathedral

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest Christian structures in England, Canterbury Cathedral is a masterpiece of Norman architecture.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours £14

Canterbury Roman Museum

This museum showcases the rich Roman history of Canterbury, featuring artifacts and a reconstructed Roman townhouse.

Historical/Museum 1-1.5 hours £10.50

Canterbury Tales

An interactive attraction bringing to life the famous stories by Geoffrey Chaucer, using animatronics and live actors.

Cultural 1-1.5 hours £14.50

Westgate Gardens

A beautiful riverside park offering scenic walks, picnic spots, and views of the River Stour.

Nature 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

St. Augustine's Abbey

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the ruins of a former Benedictine monastery founded by St. Augustine in 597 AD.

Historical/Religious 1-1.5 hours £8.50

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kentish Pie

A traditional pie filled with locally sourced meats and vegetables, often including lamb or beef.

Main Course Contains meat and gluten

Hop Bine Vinegar

A locally produced vinegar made from hops, used as a condiment or in dressings.

Condiment Vegan and gluten-free

Kentish Crab

Fresh crab caught in the waters around Kent, often served with brown bread and butter.

Appetizer Contains shellfish

Popular Activities

Boat tours on the River Stour Cycling along the National Cycle Network Picnicking in Westgate Gardens Afternoon tea at a historic tea room Visiting Canterbury Cathedral Exploring the Canterbury Tales attraction Beach activities in nearby coastal towns Visiting Christmas markets

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season with warm weather, long daylight hours, and various festivals. The city is lively but can be crowded.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

British Pound (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Canterbury is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions.