- Canterbury Cathedral - We depart London Victoria at 8:30 am by train. This is the fastest way to leave London for Canterbury and the only way to avoid London’s traffic. We will soon head across the Thames and into the very historic county of Kent. From the comfort of the train, you will pass through the picturesque Kent countryside. After the 90-minute train ride, we will arrive at Canterbury a true medieval walled city. It is a very leisurely 8-minute walk from the Station.
Upon entering the Cathedral you will be overwhelmed by the sheer scale and magnificence of this World Heritage Site. It is simply breathtaking to see the glory of the stone vaulting, the grandeur, the artistry, craftsmanship of this church. It was built over centuries and Dr Geoff will explain the differences that you will see.
After our tour, the group will have a choice to eat at a 500-year-old pub in Canterbury. We then head, by bus to the charming village of Hever, Kent which Anne Boleyn called home before marrying Henry VIII.
- Hever Castle & Gardens - We will board the coach at around 1:30 pm for a 1-hour drive to Hever Castle. There we will pass through its stunning gardens on the way to this 15th-century castle and manor.
Here Dr Geoff will walk you around the castle to understand its construction and how it was at one time a military fortress but later a home of one of the wealthiest families of the Gilded Age in America. It was in 1903 one of the homes of William Waldorf Astor the famous millionaire. As the passageways and rooms are very narrow and small you will follow a self-guided audio tour Inside the castle. Dr Geoff will be available to respond to all questions as required.
After the tour, we will resume our discussion outside and have a chance to wander the sumptuous gardens to naturally discuss Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, her execution at the Bloody Tower, and all other things Tudor.
We head back to London around 4:30 via train to avoid the London traffic arriving around 6 pm.
- Oxford PhD Historian - Expert Guide
- Return train/coach/bus transportation from London Victoria to Canterbury, and Hever Castle
- Cathedral Ticket £17 pp and Castle Ticket £20-23 pp
- Lunch
Your guide, Dr. Geoff, is a specialist in medieval church architecture and has authored a book on the topic. With his expertise, he will introduce you to all the features of this magnificent building. You’ll discover not only the reasons behind its construction but also the methods used.
Additionally, you’ll learn about the cathedral’s dark history as a murder site! In 1170, Archbishop Thomas Becket was slain by four knights within its walls. Was King Henry II truly responsible? You be the judge! You’ll visit the exact location of the murder and see where the shrine to the Saint was established.
Furthermore, you’ll understand why Canterbury held such significance in English history. Dr. Geoff presents everything in a clear and engaging manner, which has earned him consistent 5-star ratings on Tripadvisor for his other tours.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
