Small Group Canterbury, Dover Castle and Cliffs & Kent Villages Day Tour

Explore Canterbury, Dover Castle, and Kent Villages on an 11-hour small group tour from London. Discover history, stunning landscapes, and iconic landmarks.

Duration: 11 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Greenwich - We make a short stop in Greenwich on our way out of London. Greenwich forms part of our natural route out of the city and is a great place for us to stop and grab a coffee and use the bathroom before we get out into the countryside. Admire the Cutty Sark - a famous restored 19th century tea clipper sailing ship. Hear stories of Kings and Queens visiting, and learn about the observatory that gave birth to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and see the famous Royal Naval College.
  • Chilham Village - Wander round this beautiful example of a traditional English village. Full of charm and centred around a village square, with a church, pub and tearooms. Chilham is perhaps Kent’s most beautiful village
  • The White Cliffs of Dover - We bring you down to the shoreline under the world famous White Cliffs of Dover. One of England’s most iconic natural locations, and a welcome sight for soldiers and pilots returning home from warfare in history. Stroll along the pebble beach with the cliffs behind you, and weather permitting, a view 20 miles across the English Channel to France.
  • Dover Castle - Explore this glorious medieval castle - describes as the “Key to England”. Huge defensive significance throughout English history, and in use as a defensive position since the Iron Age 3000 years ago, also used by the Romans - evidenced by a Roman lighthouse on the site - the most complete standing Roman structure in England. You’ll have a couple of hours to visit this incredible castle - perhaps have a bite to eat in one of their cafes.
  • Canterbury Cathedral - We spend 2.5 hours in Canterbury. Time to explore this famous English city, perhaps do some shopping, have a bite to eat or a drink in one of it’s many charismatic pubs. Perhaps take the time to visit the spectacular UNESCO world heritage site cathedral - the enormous 11th century Canterbury Cathedral. Later, join your guide for a walking tour of the history and highlights of Canterbury, hear stories of Chaucer and the founding fathers, follow in the footsteps of pilgrims visiting the shrine of Thomas Becket, before we head off
What's Included
  • Optional walking tour in Canterbury (included in the price)
  • Professional guide. Fully commentated small group guided tour
  • Transport by luxury, air-conditioned mini coach & complimentary bottled water
What's Not Included
  • Optional entry to Canterbury Cathedral. Tickets can be bought on arrival. Adults £17 Child FREE
  • Tickets to Dover Castle not included. Cash/card payment taken on the day. See pricing below
  • 2nd Sep ‘24 - 30th March ‘25: Mon - Fri £14.50 child, £20.00 over 65’s/students, £22.70 adults
  • 2nd Sep ‘24 - 30th March ‘25: Sat/Sun & public holidays £16.30 child, £22.70 conc, £25.90 adult
  • Please note that works are currently underway at Dover Castle for a new visitor experience
Additional Information

Join our intimate group of no more than 16 people for an 11-hour day tour departing from London to Canterbury, Dover and various Kent villages. Journey with us through the ‘Garden of England’ county. Our trip takes us back in time, starting with a stopover at Greenwich, the birthplace of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). From there, we delve into the heart of stunning Kent landscapes and make a pause at the picturesque traditional village of Chilham. After Chilham, we take a breathtaking route to the renowned White Cliffs of Dover, where we journey down to the beach for a magnificent coastal view and a look at the dazzling white cliffs right behind us. From the cliffs, we head onwards to Dover Castle, bearing witness to over 2000 years of history spanning from the Roman period church to the Medieval defenses and war tunnels from World War II. Following that, we proceed to Canterbury city, boasting a globally renowned cathedral that dates back 900 years. Tour the cathedral with us and partake in a guided walkthrough of Canterbury before we head back to London after a memorable day of exploration.

  • Minimum age is 3 years
  • A moderate amount of walking is involved, and across some uneven surfaces
  • No large items of luggage are permitted, luggage compartment is limited
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Maximum group size 16 people
  • Comfortable clothes and walking shoes - warm and waterproof clothes
  • Please do not travel if unwell and/or experiencing symptoms of Covid-19
Location
5 Belvedere Rd
Belvedere Road
LONDON EYE departure point: Belvedere Road, next to the London Eye and near the corner of Belvedere Road and Chicheley Street, Waterloo – SE1 7BP.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.9
(153 Ratings)
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F4108hkgerardb
Jul 12, 2024
Great Experience!!! - This trip was absolutely wonderful. The village we went to was fascinating, not to mention Canterbury Cathedral, and our guide, John, was perfectly knowledgeable and very personable. Loved, loved, loved it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Susann400
Jul 8, 2024
English Bus is the way to go! - Cara was an amazing host and made us feel like family. We had a wonderful time at Dover, Canterbury, and traveling throughout the countryside. Honestly, Cara was a delight and made the tour so much better! She cared for all members of my group, which included teens and a senior. A wonderful day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alberth846
Jun 27, 2024
English Bus Canterbury, Dover Castle, White Cliffs of Dover, and Kent Villages Tour Review - My wife and I took the English Bus Canterbury, Dover Castle, White Cliffs of Dover, and Kent Villages Tour with Tony as our guide. First, Tony made the tour extremely enjoyable with the information he presented to us. Tony is very familiar with the attractions we were visiting. Greenwich: We got to see a good portion of London on our way for a quick stop in Greenwich. We got an opportunity to view and get some photos of the famous Cutty Sark as well as some street views, a snack and a restroom break. County of Kent to White Cliffs of Dover: The countryside on the way to the Cliffs of Dover was interesting with one-lane roads, hedgerows that grow right to the edges of the road, while still maintaining 2-way traffic, and rolling farmland. I have read about this, but it was great to experience it. White Cliffs of Dover: The bus used by The English Bus is small enough to take a road right down to the English Channel. This is a view that larger tour bus groups cannot see as they need to stay on top. The views of the cliffs are beautiful, and Tony allowed ample time to take photos and explore a bit. Nature was fickle that day and we were not able to see the French coast due to the fog, but hopefully next time. Dover Castle: Dover Castle was a great place to visit, it was fog enshrouded that day we went, which added to the mysterious feel like we were in the distant past. We had plenty of time to get some lunch, and explore the church, castle, other buildings, and areas related to the World Wars and take a lot of photos. City of Canterbury and Canterbury Cathedral: We then made our way to the City of Canterbury which was really the highlight of the tour. First stop was the Canterbury Cathedral, which was an awesome sight. This is an historical UNESCO site, the site of a notorious murder, and stunning architecture. The City of Canterbury is a beautiful town, dating from 2000 years ago, but mostly has buildings from the Middle Ages. It is a great place to walk through and take photos. We had a snack of the best fish and chips we ever ate at a small "chippie" shown on the map that Tony provided. This trip was worth while to take, the tour leader, Tony, was friendly, knowledgeable, and answered any and all questions regarding the areas we visited. We highly recommend it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
G4246estinad
Jun 25, 2024
100% Recommend! - Thoroughly recommend The English Bus for the best tour experience. This is my second time, having previously been on the Stonehenge+Bath tour a couple of years ago with Tony. If you enjoy learning about history you will love the wealth of knowledge their guides have to share. So much is covered in this tour and it was my favourite so far, Greenwich the white cliffs seaside at Dover, Dover castle, Kent village and countryside and Canterbury. Our wonderful guide Lucy shared her remarkable depth of knowledge with passion and care. She is a gorgeous human being who was an absolute joy to spend the day with. Thanks so much for creating lovely memories Lucy.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
134mikeh
Jun 21, 2024
Out tour was outstanding. - We were vacationing in London and found this at the last minute to do something different and we are so glad we did. Cara knows her stuff. She was enthusiastic and interesting and we had an incredible time. Take her food suggestions too. We had the best, and I'm not kidding, the best scones we've ever had in one of the tiny towns we stopped in. It was a fully day, and we were exhausted, but we had the best time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
David_k
Jun 12, 2024
Do not miss this one - Andy the tour guide was amazing. He was so knowledgeable and yet he was also a regular guy. He had all of the best tips and secret insights. What a brilliant day! Dover castle AMAZING. Cliffs of Dover and shore of France AMAZING. Canterbury Cathedral an amazing step back in time and brought to life by Andy’s wonderful stories
Review provided by Viator
Dijohn555
Jun 8, 2024
Outstanding experience of England beyond London ... and a wonderful guide! - The tour was excellent, all-encompassing and was aided by the use of a small vehicle. However, the high point of the tour was the enthusiastic, knowledgeable and carefully driving guide, Cara Withers. She made the sites come alive and her energy and engagement kept us all involved. Would definitely recommend The English Bus tours and, if you are fortunate to get Cara, all the better.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stephaniemj7352hk
Jun 8, 2024
Spectacular view of Cliffs of Dover from beach - Spectacular views from bottom of cliffs. Specifically took The English Bus as it was small van that could access beach below cliffs. Was so beautiful as were all the other stops. Cara our tour guide was the loveliest person and full of knowledge. A tremendous day and the time just flew by. I do not like the big tour buses as they can’t get to certain spots nor could they go thru the beautiful countryside that the smaller van could. Cara is a delight so try and get her for your guide!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rstgibson1328
Jun 8, 2024
Animated and fu - Cara was an excellent guide. So animated and fun. Great way to see the cliffs. Dover castle and the countryside.
Review provided by Viator
Christine_h
Jun 7, 2024
Escape to Serenity and RICH History! - A perfect day trip to England's countryside and oldest castle. Best option to see Dover Cliffs. Very knowledgeable and friendly guide. A serene escape from London's hustle and bustle. Highly recommended!"
Review provided by Viator
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