The Best of Kent: the England you imagined with a local expert
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
You have visited London. Now escape for the day and see the England you imagined - quintessentially English villages, castles, rolling countryside and coastlines - locations straight out of a movie! If you would like a private group lead by a local guide with a History PhD from Cambridge, this carefully crafted 3 hour minibus and walking tour is just for you.
Lead by Dr Anthony Medhurst, this is the only minibus tour starting from Canterbury or Dover. If desired, you will be picked up from the railway station and taken to Kent's hidden gems that large tour groups never see. Only 5 star reviews received including: "This guided tour is beyond exceptional" (Brad, USA); "Anthony is by far the best guide I've ever had!" (Nathan, Australia); "This is a MAGICAL tour.." (Len, USA); "Given his local upbringing and unparalleled education, we felt like we had won the tour guide lottery...Thank you for an exquisitely memorable day" (Jenn, USA); "Canterbury and, OH, so much more!" (Mike, USA)
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
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.
Options
The Best of Kent - a 3 hour minibus tour
What‘s Included
Air-conditioned vehicle
Entertaining local guide with a Cambridge PhD in History
Gratuities
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
25 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A great day out in Kent!
lbstole,May 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00When I was looking for a tour of the Kent area, I pretty much had two criteria-reasonably priced and the guide had good credentials. I was open to group or private tours, but the pickings were relatively slim leaving directly from Canterbury (most tours I found departed from London, which didn’t work for our travel plans). Eventually I stumbled upon Kent and Country Tours. It seemed to fit the bill-Cambridge educated local guide, charged by the head rather than the carload, and got us out of the city and into the countryside. He was very friendly and responded promptly to my query, and we got on his schedule! We had a fabulous three hours with Anthony, walking a bit around the city, then going off into the Kent countryside to see some local villages and the White Cliffs of Dover. He was incredibly knowledgeable and personable about the local area. I'm a WWII history buff so we had a great conversation on the role Kent played in the defense of Britain in 1940. And he took us up into the hills overlooking the English Channel where he had explored in caves with his mates as a boy (before many of them were more heavily blocked off). This tour was definitely a highlight of our trip to England! If you have a few days in the area, I definitely recommend!
Educational and Entertaining
dhZ4591XW,May 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Anthony was very knowledgeable about Kent and took his time for us to see and understand what he was talking about. Right away we felt comfortable with him and he with us. Like old friends reuniting. We highly recommend anyone who wants to know and see Kent to get in touch with him.
A MAGICAL tour of Kent and Caternbury
Leonard G,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Anthony was just WONDERFUL — knowledgeable, flexible, timely, etc. Can’t recommend him and this tour more highly!
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.
Related Experiences
Operated by Kent and Country Tours