Canterbury Cathedral and Leeds Castle Private Full Day Tour

Canterbury is the oldest cathedral city in England and the UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of the Kent area and is situated on the Stour River. Due to the importance of St. Augustine as the apostle of the pagan Kingdom of Kent at the turn of the 7th century, the Archbishop of Canterbury is the primate of the Church of England and the worldwide Anglican community. Following the 1170 martyrdom of Thomas Becket, the cathedral became a major focus of pilgrimage, but since the killing of Saint Alphege by King Canute in the year 1012 it had already been trodden by the pilgrims. Canterbury is a popular destination for tourists as one of the United Kingdom's most visited cities. The economy of the city relies heavily on tourism. Today we will discover this lovely former pilgrimage city together with its narrow streets and lovely waterways on Stour River.

The Westgate is England's largest remaining town gate. In Victorian times it survived an attempted demolition for a road extension scheme. Westgate is a mediaeval gateway with its 60-foot (18 m) high walls. The last survivor of one of seven mediaeval gates of Canterbury was constructed from Kentish ragstone in 1379. The tower is still very well preserved and one of the most distinguished sites of the county. Between its towers, the road welcomes visitors from all around the world.

Canterbury Cathedral is one of the most important religious centres in England. Canterbury was a prime destination over the centuries, and it is always possible to see traces of that title in the town. As you walk towards the Cathedral, you will notice the richness of history and architecture, especially after WWII in this pretty town. Buttermarket is an ancient market spot in the town where you can also see the trace of the pilgrimage role of Canterbury. Canterbury Cathedral is the oldest Cathedral in England. Therefore, the Archbishop of Canterbury has always had a significant status in England at all times. The Cathedral was an important Roman Catholic Church before it became the headquarters of Anglican Church. Founded in 597, the cathedral was completely rebuilt between 1070 and 1077. The tumultuous history of Britain during the Tudor dynasty lead to hard times in the history and Canterbury Cathedral has a very important religious background.

It’s time to take a lazy boat ride through the Stream of Stour River. There are two important and very different punting tours. If you enjoy nature, there are 45 minutes or 60 minutes choices that you can admire the wetland of Canterbury. This is a wonderful natural experience in this town. If you enjoy urban life then Tourope UK's guide would suggest Venice like boating experience throughout the channels of Stour River. The ride will take you to the fancy streets of Canterbury and shows the other side of the town which you can’t reach by walking. Both experiences are amazing and totally different from each other. This is why we advise you to pick based on your personal interest and choice: Nature vs city life.

Canterbury Castle is a purely Norman Castle. This was one of Kent's three main castles, whilst the others are Rochester Castle and Dover Castle. They were all built on the main Roman road from Dover to London shortly after the Battle of Hastings. It was William the Conqueror's path in October 1066. Canterbury Castle originally designed to protect this important road, it was a motte-bailey type of castle and played a significant role in Britain's history. In Henry I's reign, the great stone preserve was largely established as one of three Royal castles in Kent. This massive structure, which has dimensions of about 98 by 85 feet externally at the base, was originally probably at least 80 feet high. It's made mostly of flint and rubble of sandstone. The castle became the county gaol at the 13th century. Throughout the First Baron War, it was lost to the occupying French forces. A new gate was built in 1380.

There is also another marvel in Southeast England you may wish to visit. Leeds Castle is “The Loveliest Castle in the World”! Although the sentence seems assertive, you should focus on this marvel in our English heritage. Indeed, Leeds Castle is very pretty and charming. It carries all English characteristics and culture itself and is one of the favourite destinations for tourists. It's an obvious fact that the history of many castles mainly goes back to the time of the Normans. Leeds Castle has existed since 1119. The second era of Leeds Castle goes back to King Edward I’s reign that’s about late 1200s and as you probably guess, Leeds Castle has always been a pleasure palace of Henry VIII and his first wife Catherine of Aragon in the 16th century. The King never travelled at night.