Prices

  • £99.00 Adult from
  • £89.00 Child from (3-16)
  • £94.00 Senior/Student from
  • £366.00 Family from (2 Adults + 2 Children)
Book This Tour

Christmas Eve Tour of Leeds Castle, Canterbury, Dover and Greenwich

Embrace the festive spirit this Christmas Eve with a magical day trip from London. This Christmas Eve tour takes you to some of Kent’s most historic and beautiful locations. You will visit the enchanting Leeds Castle, explore medieval Canterbury with its festive market, and marvel at the iconic White Cliffs of Dover. Conclude your day with a scenic drive through maritime Greenwich, all bathed in the unique atmosphere of Christmas Eve. This journey offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and festive cheer.

Christmas Eve Tour: A Festive Journey Through Historic Kent

Your Christmas Eve adventure begins with an early visit to Leeds Castle. This magnificent fortress, often called “the loveliest castle in the world,” dates back to 1119. Enjoy an almost private experience as you explore its grounds and hear tales of its rich past. The castle looks particularly splendid during the festive season, setting a wonderful tone for your day.

Next, immerse yourself in the charm of Canterbury. A guided walking tour will lead you through its cobbled streets. Learn about its fascinating medieval history. Hear the compelling story of Archbishop Thomas Becket. While in Canterbury, you will have a special opportunity to explore the Christmas Market in Whitefriars Square. Wander through over 70 charming wooden huts. Discover unique gifts, local crafts, and festive treats. Enjoy the aroma of mulled wine and listen to live musical entertainment. This market truly captures the joy of Christmas.

The tour continues with a drive past the famous White Cliffs of Dover. Take in breathtaking views of these iconic chalk cliffs. On a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of France across the English Channel. You will also pass by Dover Castle, a formidable 12th-century fortress with intriguing connections to the film industry.

Finally, on your return journey to London, the coach will drive through Greenwich. This World Heritage site boasts a rich maritime history. It is also famous as the home of Greenwich Mean Time. See its impressive buildings and historic ships from the comfort of your coach. This Christmas Eve tour provides a wonderful blend of festive celebration, historical discovery, and stunning English landscapes. It is a perfect way to make your Christmas Eve truly special.

Book today or contact us for more details.

Christmas Eve Tour of Leeds Castle, Canterbury, Dover and Greenwich



Prices

  • £99.00 Adult from
  • £89.00 Child from (3-16)
  • £94.00 Senior/Student from
  • £366.00 Family from (2 Adults + 2 Children)

Book This Tour

Tour Highlights

  • Enjoy an early, peaceful visit to historic Leeds Castle.
  • Explore medieval Canterbury and its festive Christmas Market.
  • Drive past the iconic White Cliffs of Dover and Dover Castle.
  • Experience a scenic drive through the maritime World Heritage site of Greenwich.
  • Immerse yourself in the special atmosphere of Christmas Eve.


Tour Schedule

Early Visit to Leeds Castle

The first stop of the day is Leeds Castle. This beautiful fortress is surrounded by countryside in Kent. An early arrival guarantees an almost private visit. It is a perfect way to spend a peaceful morning away from busy London. The castle dates back to 1119. It has been updated throughout the centuries. King Henry VIII even used it to escape a London plague!

Walking Tour of Canterbury

Follow in the footsteps of dedicated pilgrims. Enjoy a guided walking tour of medieval Canterbury. See the impressive Gothic-style cathedral. Canterbury is seen as the centre of English Christianity. It is full of ancient history and captivating stories. Discover the facts behind Archbishop Thomas Becket’s brutal murder. It is a gory tale of medieval assassination!

Explore Canterbury’s Christmas Market

During your visit to the medieval city of Canterbury, you will have a chance to stop off. Visit their popular Christmas Market in Whitefriars Square. Over 70 wooden cabins are adorned with holly and ivy. They offer delicious smokey bratwursts and hot, fruity mulled wine. Find unique trinkets and festive gifts. There are also activities for children and much more. It is a perfect addition to your Christmas adventure. Live musical entertainment, including sing-a-long festive classics, will get you in the Christmas spirit. After wandering the market, you can also explore nearby shops. Find any last-minute presents still on your list!

The White Cliffs of Dover

Give France and Continental Europe a wave as you drive past the White Cliffs. These strikingly pale cliffs have welcomed many travellers for over 2,000 years. They have also stood as a formidable barrier. Drive past Dover Castle. This fortress dates back to the 12th century. It has an unexpected link with the modern film industry. The movie ‘The Other Boleyn Girl’ transformed the castle. It became the Tower of London for scenes showing Anne Boleyn’s imprisonment!

Greenwich

As you head back to London, your coach will drive past world-famous Greenwich. This is a World Heritage site situated on the River Thames. Greenwich is rich in maritime history. It is also the home of Greenwich Mean Time. Greenwich boasts many striking buildings and landmarks steeped in history.

This tour concludes at Victoria. The estimated return time is approximately 6:30 PM.

Please Note: This tour will only be available with an English-speaking guide.



What’s Included

  • Entry admission to Leeds Castle.
  • Comfortable transportation by luxury coach.
  • Guidance from a professional, English-speaking guide.
  • A scenic drive through Greenwich.
  • A photo opportunity at the famous White Cliffs of Dover.

What’s Not Included

  • Admission into Canterbury Cathedral (it is viewed from the outside).
  • Any additional tips or gratuities for the guide.
  • Hotel drop-offs after the tour.

Important Information

  • You must bring your provided electronic ticket to gain entry to the tour.
  • All vehicles used for the tour are modern and comfortable. They are maintained to high standards of cleanliness. This includes daily deep cleaning.

Useful Information

  • Check-in Time: 08:15 AM
  • Departure Time: 08:30 AM
  • Departure Point: Golden Tours Visitor Centre Victoria.
  • Estimated Return Time: Approximately 06:30 PM.
  • Return Point: Victoria (specific location not detailed, but generally near the departure point).

Tour Duration: Approximately 10 hours. Walking Level: Moderate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where will the tour depart from? Usually tours will depart from Victoria, central London but can vary depending on itinerary. Please contact us for further information or check the important information tab on the tour page.

Where will I be dropped off following my tour? Due to legal and time restrictions, tour operators typically offer a choice of a few drop-off points within central London (unless otherwise stated during the tour). These are usually located in close proximity to underground stations.

What time will I return from my tour? For full-day coach excursions, returns to London generally occur between 6:30 PM and 8:00 PM, depending on the tour and traffic conditions. Unescorted train tours usually return later, between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM.

Are tours suitable for wheelchair users? Coaches can typically accommodate only folding wheelchairs. Passengers using them will usually need to be able to board and alight the coach (including a few steps) with assistance from their own helper, as tour staff are often not permitted to assist for health and safety reasons. Due to the fast-paced nature of many tours and the amount of walking involved, tours are often not recommended for individuals with limited mobility. It’s best to contact the reservations team for specific queries.

What items are permitted on the coach regarding luggage? Generally, you are permitted to take one piece of luggage on a coach tour. It’s advised to keep personal and valuable items with you at all times, as any items left on the coach are at your own risk. Hot food and hot drinks are typically not permitted on the coach.

Can the Open Top Buses accommodate wheelchairs? Many open-top buses have an access ramp at the front. Legally, they can usually carry one wheelchair user per bus.

What else is typically included in the tour price? All entrances are usually included in the tour price unless otherwise stated.

What is generally not included in the tour price?

  • Travel insurance
  • Gratuities for your guide and driver (optional)
  • Any transfers to/from stations and pick-up points unless specifically mentioned on the tour page.

If lunch isn’t included, can we grab lunch from nearby restaurants? Most locations will have restaurants nearby, but opting for a sit-down meal may significantly restrict the amount of time you have at the attractions.

At what age do senior concessions begin? Senior concessions typically begin at 60 years of age.

Do coaches have washroom facilities on board? Washroom facilities on board coaches cannot always be guaranteed. However, regular stops are usually made en route, and lavatories are often available at most attractions.

How much time is spent at each attraction? There isn’t a set time for exploration at each attraction. Guides are trained to observe how their group progresses and adjust the tour accordingly. It’s important to remember that some tours cover multiple landmarks in a single day, so extensive time at each attraction may not be possible.

What happens if I arrive late for a departure? If you arrive late for a departure, you could lose your seat to a walk-up passenger. It’s highly encouraged to arrive at the pick-up point a minimum of 15 minutes before departure. Once on the tour, your guide or driver will provide specific departure times for each location, and you must be back at the coach at least five minutes before this time. If you are late and miss the given time, the coach will depart without you to avoid delaying other passengers. If unsure about a departure time while on tour, always ask the guide or driver.

For groups traveling together, can specific seats on the coach be reserved? Unfortunately, seats are usually on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be pre-booked.

Can an itinerary be provided for a specific tour if the website doesn’t detail time spent at each attraction? An approximate amount of time spent at each attraction can often be provided. However, the overall tour duration and timing at each stop are often at the guide’s discretion and can vary.

Are tours available in languages other than English? Yes, many tours offer foreign language-speaking tour guides. Please check with us to see which days these operate.



Why stop there?


The ever-increasing demand and availability for well-organised, safe and reliable trips means that we now go further afield, so while we love taking people on tours of England, Ireland and Scotland we are pleased to offer that little bit more with river tours of Amsterdam, coach tours of Paris and train trips to the chocolate capital of the world, Brussels!

Our Most Popular Essentials



There are so many and we cater for everyone so it may be a case of a leisurely Out of London trip to Stonehenge or you may want the buzz and excitement of a theatre tour of London – all the glitz and glamour is there. Out of London, we offer all sorts of adventures: Roman Baths, Shakespeare country, the Royal Pavilion, Brighton – you name it. Same with London – we don’t just do the round London tours – we can take you to Kew Gardens or we can take you on an expedition on the roof of the O2 Dome to the platform at the top offering spectacular views.

So we offer Out of London, Around London, Theatre and Hotels and then there are the spectacular Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day tours – what a way to celebrate the fun season.