Lords of the Ring Self-Guided Canterbury City Walls Tour
Active
1h - 2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Walking the walls that encircle Canterbury is one of the most exciting historical experiences in England. Attacked on at least seven occasions by invaders, from the Danes to the Nazis, the walls have been used to protect residents for over 1,700 years.
On this self-guided walking tour, you'll follow Canterbury‘s historic city walls and dive into the city‘s story of violence, cruelty, fire, and destruction – but also extraordinary hope and progress.
You‘ll discover the gruesome fate of Archbishop Simon Sudbury, who paid for the wall with his head. I‘ll show you the statues of King Ethelbert and Queen Bertha, who famously converted pagan England to Roman Christianity. You‘ll also hear about the Canterbury Blitz of 1942, when German bombers devastated the medieval city. The tour ends at the Westgate Bridge where you‘ll see the enigmatic Alluvia, the haunting underwater sculpture inspired by Millais‘ Ophelia and linked to Judge Sir James Hales‘ 1554 suicide.
Available options
Lords of the Ring Self-Guided Canterbury City Walls Tour
What's included
Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
App for Android and iOS
Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
Detailed itinerary
1
You’ll pass by Lady Wootton’s Green, a peaceful public green space near Canterbury Cathedral, offering open lawns and benches beneath mature trees. Any costs related to visiting the area are not covered in this tour.
2
You’ll pass by Abbott’s Mill Weir, a picturesque spot along the River Stour where the flowing water creates a small cascade beside the historic mill. Any costs related to visiting the area are not covered in this tour.
3
You’ll pass by Lady Wootton's Green, a peaceful public green space near Canterbury Cathedral, offering open lawns and shaded seating areas. Any costs related to visiting the area are not covered in this tour.
4
You’ll pass by St Augustine's Abbey, the atmospheric ruins of a former Benedictine monastery founded in the 500s and part of Canterbury’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. Please note that admission to the abbey is not included in this tour.
5
You’ll walk alongside the Canterbury City Wall, one of the best-preserved medieval city walls in England, with surviving towers and sections tracing the city’s historic boundary. Any costs related to visiting the area are not covered in this tour.
6
You’ll pass by Canterbury Castle, the ruins of a Norman stone keep built shortly after the Battle of 1066. Please note that admission to the castle is not included in this tour.
What's not included
Smartphone and headphones
Available languages
Audio guide
EN
Written guide
EN
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
This tour starts at the Westgate Towers Museum. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.
Important notes
VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.
This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.
DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:
Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
Create an account
Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
Enter your code then select Download Now
PLEASE NOTE
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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.
This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.
When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.
Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.
SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me
About Canterbury
Canterbury is a historic English city known for its stunning cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its rich medieval heritage. The city is a vibrant blend of ancient and modern, offering a unique experience for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and casual visitors alike.
Top Attractions
Canterbury Cathedral
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest Christian structures in England, Canterbury Cathedral is a masterpiece of Norman architecture.
Historical/Religious
1-2 hours
£14
Canterbury Roman Museum
This museum showcases the rich Roman history of Canterbury, featuring artifacts and a reconstructed Roman townhouse.
Historical/Museum
1-1.5 hours
£10.50
Canterbury Tales
An interactive attraction bringing to life the famous stories by Geoffrey Chaucer, using animatronics and live actors.
Cultural
1-1.5 hours
£14.50
Westgate Gardens
A beautiful riverside park offering scenic walks, picnic spots, and views of the River Stour.
Nature
30 minutes to 1 hour
Free
St. Augustine's Abbey
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the ruins of a former Benedictine monastery founded by St. Augustine in 597 AD.
Historical/Religious
1-1.5 hours
£8.50
Must-Try Local Dishes
Kentish Pie
A traditional pie filled with locally sourced meats and vegetables, often including lamb or beef.
Main Course
Contains meat and gluten
Hop Bine Vinegar
A locally produced vinegar made from hops, used as a condiment or in dressings.
Condiment
Vegan and gluten-free
Kentish Crab
Fresh crab caught in the waters around Kent, often served with brown bread and butter.
Appetizer
Contains shellfish
Popular Activities
Boat tours on the River Stour
Cycling along the National Cycle Network
Picnicking in Westgate Gardens
Afternoon tea at a historic tea room
Visiting Canterbury Cathedral
Exploring the Canterbury Tales attraction
Beach activities in nearby coastal towns
Visiting Christmas markets
Best Time to Visit
June to August
Summer is the peak tourist season with warm weather, long daylight hours, and various festivals. The city is lively but can be crowded.
15°C to 25°C
59°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
British Pound (GBP)
Time Zone
GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Canterbury is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
Getting there
By air
- London Gatwick Airport • 70 miles (113 km)
- London Heathrow Airport • 65 miles (105 km)
By train
Canterbury East, Canterbury West
By bus
Canterbury Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the primary mode of public transport within Canterbury. The network is efficient and covers most areas.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
City Centre
Westgate Gardens
Northgate
Wincheap
Day trips
Dover Castle
20 miles (32 km) • Half day to full day
A historic castle with a rich past, offering stunning views of the White Cliffs of Dover.
Leeds Castle
35 miles (56 km) • Full day
One of the most beautiful castles in England, surrounded by beautiful gardens and a large lake.
Rochester
30 miles (48 km) • Half day to full day
A charming medieval town with a rich history and a beautiful cathedral.
Festivals
Canterbury Festival • October
Canterbury Oyster Festival • July
Canterbury Christmas Market • December
Pro tips
- Visit the Canterbury Cathedral early in the morning to avoid crowds
- Explore the city on foot to discover hidden gems and scenic spots
- Try local specialties like Kentish Pie and Hop Bine Vinegar
- Take a boat tour on the River Stour for a unique perspective of the city
- Visit the Canterbury Roman Museum to learn about the city's rich history
$10
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
