View Canterbury's trio of UNESCO World Heritage sites on this fascinating walking tour which will include a stop at St Martin's Church*, the exterior of St Augustine's Abbey where the surviving medieval gates can be seen, plus a walk around the magnificent Cathedral Precincts and cloisters.
Uncover the origins of Christianity in England, explore the oldest church in continuous use, now believed to also be the oldest building in England, and take in the iconic view of the Cathedral and St Augustine's Abbey from the steps of St Martin’s on this captivating tour, led by a fully qualified Green Badge Guide.
*The inside may be viewed subject to opening & service hours
Please note this tour does not include entrance to St Augustine's or the Cathedral. Please ensure you check your messages via the Message centre after booking, for further information about your tour, including your Guide details.
Regrettably, large parts of St Martin’s are inaccessible for wheelchairs and buggies.
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Follow the path travelled by Queen Bertha, whose influence led to the Christianisation of Anglo-Saxon England, in the 6th century on her way from the royal palace to St. Martin’s Church. View the statues of Queen Bertha, and her husband King Ethelbert.
Founded in 598, St Augustine's Abbey served as a monastery for St Augustine and his monks after arriving in England on a mission to convert the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity, plus a burial place for Anglo-Saxon kings of Kent. During the tour you will be able to see the site and buildings from several different vantage points, including viewing the extent of the footprint of the 3 churches, plus the most impressive remaining features, the medieval gates. The tour does not include entry to St Augustine’s Abbey.
St Martin's Church is the oldest church in continuous use in England, having welcomed worshippers since before 597AD. When Queen Bertha, who was a Christian, married King Ethelbert in around 580AD, he restored St Martin's for her to pray in. It was then used by St Augustine and his monks, on their mission to convert the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity. The tour will take you uphill to St Martin's Church where there is a steep climb up a series of steps. Please also note the churchyard ground is uneven. Sturdy shoes are recommended. Subject to church opening and service hours, your Guide will be able to take you inside St Martin's. Please note the church request a donation of £5 per person, payable on entry.
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Your Guide will be wearing a red sash