A Canterbury Historic River Tour is one the best ways to spend 40 mins!

Staff pride themselves on offering one of the most enjoyable insights into Canterbury's historic past which can capture the imagination of people of all age groups.

As one of the main attractions in one of England's principal tourist cities, the tour provides both visitors and locals with a unique vantage point to some of Canterbury's most stunning and important architecture allowing you to discover parts of the city that are only accessible by the tour.

Each boat is chauffeured by your guide, who presents the historical facts of the passing buildings and monuments in a light-hearted and entertaining manner.
Firstly, you will be guided up to a small Franciscan island at one end of the city, which is also known as The Greyfriars. The island is home to a wonderful little chapel from the 13th century which spans the river, and is the oldest example of Franciscan architecture in the country.

The tour then passes under the 12th century Eastbridge Hospital and the King's Bridge (1134), continuing down river past some industrial buildings from the medieval period, including The Old Weavers House, The Kings Mill, and the Cromwellian iron forge.

After some wonderful views of the cathedral, the tour then passes through the Dominican priories which were built by the Blackfriars in the 14th century, and ends up in a peaceful garden area, that was the site of the old Abbots Mill in the city.

The boat returns to the starting point which is home to the infamous ducking stool.

Throughout the season, from March to October, tours leave every 15 to 20 minutes. Unless you are a group of more than 12 people ( see group bookings on www.canterburyrivertours.co.uk ), there is no need to book in advance. Simply visit a member of staff at the King's Bridge, outside The Old Weavers House to find out the next available tour time.