Private Tour
The Best of Kent: a private 3 hour minibus tour with an expert
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Do you want to get off the usual tourist trails and discover the very best that Canterbury and the Kent countryside can offer? Would you like to be part of a small, exclusive group which is lead by a local guide with a History PhD from Cambridge? Have you got limited time with only just a morning or afternoon available?
If you answered 'yes' to any of these questions, this carefully crafted minibus and walking tour is just for you!
Lead by local Canterbury resident, Dr Anthony Medhurst, you will discover the most fascinating, historic and beautiful locations many of which are not accessed by large tour groups. This relaxed and informative tour gives you the chance to experience the real and authentic Kent. It enables high levels of inter-action with your guide, as well as the flexibility to spend more time in locations which are most meaningful to you. Avoid the crowds and join a small group for a fun and inspirational experience!
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Canterbury
You will be met by your guide, Dr Anthony Medhurst, at the Hampton by Hilton hotel in St Margaret’s Street at either 8.30am, 12 noon or 4pm (depending on your preferred time of departure), and will be escorted to the nearby minibus.
Canterbury
As you leave the Canterbury city centre, you will stop briefly by the second of the city's most important UNESCO World Heritage landmarks - St Augustine's Abbey. Founded shortly after St Augustine arrived in Kent in AD597 to convert the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity, the abbey was a residence for Augustine and his brother monks and functioned as a monastery. It was also a ‘missionary school’ where classical knowledge and English learning flourished. Among its library of illuminated manuscripts, only 150 survived the English Reformation and the dissolution of the Monasteries in 1538. One of these – the ‘Canterbury Gospels’ – survived from AD597 and was used in the recent Coronation of King Charles III.
What‘s Included
Air-conditioned vehicle
Entertaining local guide with a Cambridge PhD in History
Gratuities
Options
The Best of Kent - a fun 3 hour minibus tour
Reviews
23 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Best of Kent Tour
I3875VNkathrynw,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an amazing tour through Canterbury, small villages on the way to Dover, stops at special places on the return trip back to Canterbury with an outstanding, personable, knowledgeable guide, Anthony. So much history and local information was shared. It was a wonderful experience!
Canterbury, and OH, so much more!
Mike H,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour with Anthony was far more than expected and a true highlight of our 10-day New Year’s trip to the UK. London was our base, with a day trip to Canterbury, and Anthony reached out in advance to understand our interests and thoughtfully plan a tour that extended well beyond the city to include Dover and the Kent countryside. He met us at the train station and immediately immersed us in the history and landscape of the region. In just three hours, Anthony brought to life centuries of history, from Roman times and medieval conflicts to WWII, all while guiding us through Canterbury, picturesque villages, farmland, and historic pubs. As a lifelong Canterbury resident, his personal knowledge and stories added depth you simply won’t find in a standard tour. Seeing the White Cliffs of Dover, standing at WWII gun emplacements, and looking directly across the Channel to France was a powerful moment that tied the region’s long history together. Back in Canterbury, Anthony led us through narrow streets, Roman walls, and historic buildings, ending at Canterbury Cathedral with a rich overview of its significance. This is not a basic “check-the-box” tour. It’s a deeply informed, engaging journey through the history, geography, and character of Canterbury and Kent. Anthony is knowledgeable, engaging, and a genuine pleasure to spend the time. It felt like touring with an old friend who has incredible stories to share. Highly recommended and a great journey. And, take the train from London. So easy.
Awesome tour, by a very knowledgeable guide.
Jill P,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an incredible tour of Canterbury, small hamlets on the way to Dover and the bunkers on the coastline. Very thorough and entertaining. I highly recommend!
Well worth a tour
gbaded09,Oct 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00From the moment our tour started Anthony was incredibly kind, knowledgeable, and fun to travel with. Very clear communication and easy to meet with at the start. He clearly has a passion for Canterbury and Kent and made our tour well worth it. Being from the US and staying in London we wanted to make sure we had a day to experience the English countryside. We chose Canterbury and are glad we did. His tour was the perfect way to get a good feel for everyday life in Kent as well as a thorough historical perspective of the area. We also saw the white cliffs of Dover from a unique vantage point which was very cool.
5 star tour of Kent!
Lisa H,Oct 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic Tour!! Exceeded our expectations. Anthony shares his extensive knowledge of the Kent area with humor, excitement and ia wonderful personality.
Do it!
Penny S,Sep 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Anthony was a wonderful guide, prompt, friendly and accommodating. he took us out of Canterbury and showed us lovely views and sites outside of the city before a walking tour of the city itself. Highly recommend!
Wonderful tour with Anthony
pace195,Sep 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent morning spent with Anthony today. On time, pleasant, engaging, extremely knowledgeable and a great driver! We took the 3 hr. Minibus tour and learned all about Canterbury, local history, British history, WWII history and so much more. A perfect way to enjoy your time in Canterbury.
Quintessential Olde and Rural England - we loved it! (Kent & Canterbury)
600unab,Sep 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Being from the other side of the pond, perhaps only used to the London scene, we had no idea that an entirely different England existed just down the road. Verily, it was a step back in time and who better to give us a comprehensive insight into the recent and ancient history and culture of Canterbury, Kent and Dover than Anthony. His lived experience in the area; his childhood memories and personal knowledge; coupled with his passion for history taken to PhD level make Anthony the perfect guide. Moreover, on a personal level quietly recognising that one of us had mobility issues he tailored the itinerary to suit our needs. No fuss, no issues! We thoroughly enjoyed our tour - the weather and the guide have placed Canterbury in a rose tinted memory cell forever!
Best tour in Kent
W7854TIsophias,Aug 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is a fantastic choice for any lover of History! Not only did we get to see some of the best of Canterbury, we took a lovely trip up to Dover and around some of the smaller villages in the Kent area. Dr. Medhurst was kind and very accommodating to our individual interests. The tour felt like it was specialized just for us. I even got some book recommendations when I expressed my interest in the history of the RAF. Really couldn't recommend this more, it was a highlight of my trip to Canterbury.
This is why you hire a...
lisasharp1972,Aug 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This is why you hire a local to spend a morning touring the Kent countryside and Canterbury. You will still see the high points but you also get the best place to come back later and people watch near the Cathedral along with history and conversation while driving through the beautiful countryside to see the homes, gardens and churches that make this part of the world so special. We had a great time and I highly recommend this tour. Thank you!
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Operated by Kent and Country Tours