A historical tour of canterbury's pubs history tour
Explore the History of canterbury's pubs
Pints and Pilgrims
On this walk we will be strolling in the footsteps of Thomas Beckett, Henry II, Chaucer and millions of pilgrims who have wound their way across the country to reach the Cathedral at Canterbury. Starting outside of Canterbury West Train Station we will make our way through the historic City of Canterbury stopping in four excellent pubs where you will be able to sample the finest selection of real ale, craft beer, wine and gin that Kent has to offer. We will finish our walk as many pilgrims have across the centuries at Canterbury Cathedral. Along the way you will hear tales of pubs past and present. This walk will also include tales of the struggles of pilgrims as they made their way through the city, a Saint with a lost head and what happened to the bones of Thomas Beckett amongst many other stories.
Saints and Sinners
On this walk we will be strolling in the footsteps of some heavenly Saints and some rather dastardly Sinners. Starting outside of Canterbury West Train Station we will make our way through the historic City of Canterbury stopping in at four excellent pubs where you will be able to sample a wide selection of real ale, craft beer, wine and gin. We will finish our walk back at Canterbury West. Along the way you will hear tales of pubs past and present. This walk will also include tales of the various heroes and heretics that have made their way through the streets under the shadow of the cathedral. Including tales of when a Plum Pudding started a riot, how a guidebook nearly levelled a city and how one woman’s marriage changed the history of religion in Britain amongst many others.
The details about A historical walk tour of canterbury's pubs
the details
Schedule
Dates: Various Dates
Cost: £25 (does not include any drinks you might purchase during this tour)
Meet and Start Time: 11:45 meet for 12:00 start
Walking time: 4 hrs
Walk Leader: Ben Crozier
Location
Meeting point: Canterbury West Station Road West, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 8AN
Finishing point:
Pints and Pilgrims: Canterbury Cathedral
Saints and Sinners: Canterbury West Station
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Car Parking: Charges not included
Route
Terrain: On the streets of Canterbury
Distance: Approximately 3 miles
Walk Type:
Pints and Pilgrims: Linear
Saints and Sinners: Circular
your kit list
- Suitable footwear (there will be some walking around the city)
- A waterproof coat/umbrella for rainy days
- Personal medication (Let us know confidentially about any medical conditions)
important notes
- We do not encourage or condone driving under the influence. By participating in our tours, you agree to respect local laws and prioritize the safety of yourself and others by securing non-driving transport.
- We take photos during our walks for promotional and training purposes. If you prefer not to be included, just let us know on the day.
- Cancellation policy states: Full payment becomes due if a user cancels within 7 days of the activity. Any person cancelling outside of 7 days, will receive a credit available to use within 90 days. Cancel at least 7 days before the event to receive a credit note for a future walk, valid for 90 days.
- This event is not suitable for under 18s.
- Please note that this is a tour and not included in loyalty cards discounts.
Learn more aboutthis wonderful EVENT
Historical Pub Tour of Canterbury — Discover the Stories Behind the Town’s Most Characterful Pubs
Join us for a relaxed daytime walking tour through the historic streets of Canterbury, where centuries of history, fascinating characters and traditional pubs come together beneath the shadow of the Cathedral.
Starting outside Canterbury West Station, we’ll explore the heart of this remarkable city, following in the footsteps of Thomas Becket, Henry II, Geoffrey Chaucer and the millions of pilgrims who have travelled to Canterbury over the centuries.
Along the way, we’ll visit four excellent historic pubs, where you’ll have the opportunity to sample a wide selection of real ale, craft beer, wine and gin from Kent if you wish. These pubs provide the perfect setting for stories of Canterbury’s past, from long-forgotten drinking establishments to the characters and events that have shaped the city.
There are two different storylines to choose from, each offering its own fascinating take on Canterbury’s history.
One route follows the footsteps of the pilgrims, exploring their journeys through the city and the struggles they faced along the way. Hear stories of Saints, Kings and pilgrims, including the saint who lost his head, what happened to the bones of Thomas Becket, and the events that unfolded in Canterbury following his infamous murder.
The other takes you on a journey through the stories of heavenly Saints and rather dastardly Sinners, uncovering some of the more unusual characters and events connected with Canterbury. Along the way, discover how a plum pudding started a riot, how a guidebook nearly levelled a city, and how one woman’s marriage helped change the history of religion in Britain, alongside many other colourful tales.
Whichever route you choose, expect a mixture of history, humour, fascinating characters and tales of pubs past and present, giving you a chance to see Canterbury from a very different perspective.
This guided tour is informative, social and easy-paced, with plenty of time to enjoy a drink at the pubs if you choose. It’s ideal for anyone who enjoys local history, traditional pubs, fascinating stories or simply wants to discover more about one of Kent’s most historic cities.
Depending on the route, we’ll finish either at Canterbury Cathedral, as generations of pilgrims have done before us, or back at Canterbury West Station.
A great day out combining Canterbury’s remarkable history with its historic pubs, colourful characters and stories that have been passed down through the centuries.
The tour starts promptly on time. If you’re running a little behind schedule, please give us a call to let us know. You’ll find our number on your booking confirmation if you’ve booked through the website, or you can message us via Meetup.