Historic Tour
Canterbury’s rich history told with insight and humour.
Availability
Our private Historic Tours are now available for groups of up to 12 passengers per boat. We intend to run them until Sunday, 7 November 2021, weather and river conditions permitting.
All of our online bookings are for private tours.
Shared tours are now available and can be booked on the day by approaching a member of staff on the King’s Bridge and asking them to book you onto the next available shared tour.
Please see the live availability panel for up-to-date information as to when the tours will run.
About the Tour
Experience Canterbury’s unique history from a different angle on one of our guided river tours. Sit back and relax as our tour guides take you under the King’s Bridge, one of the oldest working road bridges in Britain, up towards the hidden serenity of the Greyfriars’ Island, once the home to the Franciscans, one of Canterbury’s many religious orders.
As you journey back downstream, you pass by sites such as the sixteenth century Old Weavers’ House as well as our replica ducking stool, an infamous part of England’s long and turbulent history.
Past the Marlowe Theatre, the newest addition to Canterbury’s skyline, you are treated to such views as the old Blackfriars’ Monastery, now a proud extension to the prestigious King’s School, which connects onto the scenic and quiet Solly’s Orchard.
Enjoyable time on the river
Matthew was our guide, rowing our boat along under the bridges and still giving us a fascinating, animated and enjoyable narrative of the turbulent history of this part of the river in Canterbury. I would love to hear him do a tour based on Christopher Marlowe!
Date of experience August 2019
Great Tour!
We very much enjoyed our tour with Rob. During the 45mins he explained very interesting facts about Canterbury's and Englands history. His sense of humour and the beautiful view from the boat added to a lovely experience!
Date of experience September 2019
Great Fun!
There were 8 of us from work and our guide was Jacob very funny and entertaining. The ride down the river was really relaxing and a great way of seeing a bit of the city. Getting in and out of the boat was quite entertaining too but we all loved it, great experience highly recommended.
Date of experience October 2019
Fantastic!
We thoroughly enjoyed our tour with Hunter. He is a fabulous captain and excellent at giving historic information all whilst being comedic. We learned a lot of interesting historic facts and the scenery was lovely. A must visit!
Date of experience October 2019How to book your tour
Please simply follow the instructions below/opposite to book one of our multi-award winning tours.
Select Your Tour
Need help?Call us on 0044 (0)1227 379 600 or 0044 (0)7790 534 744
Canterbury's Perfect Visitor Attraction
For Visiting Groups
1. View our availability and book online (or call)
Find your perfect tour and time and book your places online. We only accept online bookings for our Historic tour 2 hours in advance or 48 hours in advance for Evening tours, though we may be able to accommodate you if you call or email us within those timeframes.
2. You’ll receive your E-ticket via email
Within a few minutes, you’ll receive your booking confirmation to your email. This contains your e-ticket which you can print or show on your phone.
3. Meet at the King’s Bridge on Canterbury's High Street, between the Old Weavers’ House and ASK restaurant
Bring your ticket to our jetty around 5-10 minutes before your allocated time, then sit back and enjoy the tour.
Find our friendly crew on the King’s Bridge on Canterbury’s High Street
(in-between ASK and the Old Weavers’ Restaurant)You can find us on the King’s Bridge every day from 10am until 5pm, and on selected evenings from 28 May until 28 August 2021. Our Chilling Tales tour will be available on selected evenings throughout October 2021.
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“One of Kent & Canterbury’s Favourite Things to do!”