Canterbury, White Cliffs & Dover Castle: Private Trip from London

For intrepid travellers looking to learn more about England’s early history, Kent has much to offer. This picturesque county just south of London boasts a wealth of historical treasures, including the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral, one of England’s most important religious buildings, and the fascinating Dover Castle, with 2000 years of stories within its walls. Kent is also known for its stunning scenery, from the bucolic green fields and orchards to the striking White Cliffs of Dover. Our private full-day trip from London will immerse you in the beauty and heritage of Kent, visiting Canterbury and Dover with an experienced driver-guide who will whisk you around the countryside in an iconic London taxi.

On your full-day private tour, you will:

• Discover Canterbury and Dover on this full-day driving excursion from London;
• Enjoy convenient hotel pick up and drop off from central London;
• Travel in an iconic London Cab with a passionate driver-guide eager to share their local knowledge with you;
• Take in gorgeous views of the Kent countryside, known as the “Garden of England”;
• Explore the charming medieval town centre of Canterbury;
• Step inside Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site;
• Stop for lunch at a quintessentially English tea room or traditional pub (lunch not included);
• Make your way to Dover, a historic port overlooking the English Channel;
• Visit the impressive Dover Castle, and uncover one of the oldest buildings in Britain;
• See the world-famous "White Cliffs of Dover";
• Learn about the heroic pilots who defended the skies during World War II at the Battle of Britain Memorial;
• Relax and enjoy the scenic drive back to your central London hotel.
  

Leave the bustle of London behind and set out on a captivating journey through England’s storybook southeast, where rolling hills, medieval streets, and dramatic sea views await. Your day begins bright and early, when your friendly, knowledgeable driver-guide arrives at your Central London hotel in an iconic cab offering you the utmost in comfort, character, and convenience. As you leave the city behind, your guide will share tales of London life and England’s fascinating history while steering smoothly through the countryside, avoiding the notorious London traffic with ease.

Soon, the landscape opens into the lush, green fields of Kent, which is affectionately known as the “Garden of England.” Your first stop is Canterbury, a beautifully preserved medieval city whose cobbled lanes and timber-framed houses seem to have been borrowed from another era. Here, your driver-guide will set the scene before you explore Canterbury Cathedral, one of England’s most magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Step inside to admire its soaring Gothic architecture, centuries-old stained glass, and the site of Thomas Becket’s martyrdom, a story that shaped English history for centuries to come.

You will then stop for a spot of lunch at a traditional English pub or cosy tea room (lunch not included), before the adventure continues toward Dover, which blends incredible history and natural beauty. Upon arrival, you will soon spot Dover Castle rising proudly above the town. Often called the “Key to England”, this pivotal defensive structure has stood watch for over nine centuries. Your guide will bring the castle’s fascinating past to life from the outside before you head inside for an escorted visit, exploring the Great Tower and the secret wartime tunnels hidden deep within the cliffs.

No visit to Dover would be complete without seeing the White Cliffs, their gleaming chalk faces standing as a symbol of England’s resilience and beauty. You’ll feel the sea breeze as you take in breathtaking views across the English Channel, and on a clear day, you can even glimpse France in the distance. Nearby, the Battle of Britain Memorial offers a poignant moment of reflection, honouring the bravery of the pilots who defended Britain’s skies during World War II.

As the sun begins to dip, you will settle back in your classic London cab for a comfortable return journey to the capital. You’ll arrive back at your hotel in the evening, your head filled with stories and images from a day spent discovering the heart and heritage of England beyond the Big Smoke.

Please note: The itinerary order may vary due to ticket availability or seasonal closures. When Dover Castle is closed, Leeds Castle will be visited instead. Canterbury Cathedral remains an active place of worship, so access may be limited during services or events. Guides are not allowed to guide inside the Cathedral, but they will escort you during the visit.