Canterbury walking tour with a Green Badge guide

A guided walk of about an hour and a half round the centre of Canterbury, led by a Green Badge guide, a qualified local guide. The route follows the medieval lanes and the Cathedral Precincts, with stories from the city's past, including its medieval pilgrims.

It has a long and strong record of reviews, and a qualified guide is a good way to get your bearings on a first visit.

The listing does not say that entry to the cathedral itself is included, so book that separately if you want to go inside. Most of the walk is outdoors, so dress for the weather.

Best for: first-time visitors to Canterbury who want the history explained before they explore on their own.

A Green Badge is the qualification the Institute of Tourist Guiding gives to guides for a particular town or area, after a course of at least 80 hours and written and practical exams, so you are in the hands of someone who has studied Canterbury properly. The walk takes about an hour and a half through the medieval lanes and the Cathedral Precincts.

Walks run daily, whatever the weather, with extra afternoon walks at weekends and in summer. The walk goes through the Precincts but does not include going inside the Cathedral, which needs its own ticket; see our Canterbury Cathedral entry page.

High-speed trains from London St Pancras reach Canterbury West in under an hour, about 15 minutes' walk from the centre, and Canterbury East is five minutes' walk from the city centre. For wine the same day, Simpsons', Domaine Evremond and Barnsole are a short drive away; see our map of the North Downs and Canterbury vineyards.