TOURS OVERVIEW
Most Tours Runs Through The Heart Of The Historic City Center Along The Hidden Rivers Tour. A Normal Tour Duration Is 45 Minutes. This Is The Most Popular Route As It Includes Unique Historic Buildings. Alternatively, You Can Book A Nature Tour Which Runs Through The Countryside, Or A Ghost Tour Which Focus Only On Story Telling.
INTERACTIVE MAP OF THE SITES
Simply Click On Each Of The Sites Numbered 1-9 To Find Out What The Tour Includes. As Well As The Main 9 Sites You Will Also See Many Other Fascinating Sites & Hear Other Interesting History From Our Guide.
Greyfriars Chapel
Originally built in 1267, it is the oldest Franciscan building in Europe. After being surrendered to Henry VIII, it was sold to a wealthy family who fled Canterbury after the civil war, leaving it in disrepair.
Poor Priests Hospital
Originally built in 1177 as a tannery, it became a charitable almshouse, then a place for priests to live. After being surrendered to the crown during the 16th century, it became a workhouse.
Eastbridge Hospital
Founded in 1190 as a place for pilgrims visiting the cathedral where Thomas Becket was Martyred by the Swords of the King’s Knights. Chaucer, who wrote “The Canterbury Tales”, probably visited here.
Old Weavers House
The Old Weavers House takes its name from the influx of Flemish and Huguenot weavers who settled in the area after fleeing from religious persecution during the 16th and 17th centuries. Weaving centres were established in Canterbury in the 16th century when Walloon and Huguenot refugees settled here, as elsewhere.
50 Yard Tunnel
This used to be a mill run which channelled water past a water wheel. Nowadays it is a great place to tell ghost stories! This part of the tour is only available in our smaller punts.
Blackfriars Dominican Priory
In 1237, Henry II granted land and money to the Dominicans to build their priory. It covers both sides of the river. Nowadays it is part of The King’s School.