Christmas in Canterbury, Dover and Greenwich with Christmas Lunch

Discover the Festive Charm of Canterbury, Dover, and Greenwich for Christmas

This Christmas in Canterbury, Dover, and Greenwich tour offers a festive day out for those eager to experience iconic holiday traditions and stunning sights just outside London. Priced at $108 and lasting approximately 9 hours and 30 minutes, it provides a well-rounded glimpse into England’s historic and scenic highlights with the comfort of a luxury coach and professional guide. Starting early from Bulleid Way, the tour is designed for visitors who enjoy culture, beautiful landscapes, and Christmas celebrations, though it involves a fair amount of time on the bus.

While the tour includes a traditional Christmas lunch and visits to major landmarks, it’s worth noting that the main highlight is the attendance at the Christmas Sung Eucharist at Canterbury Cathedral. The overall experience is warm and enriching, but it’s best suited for those who don’t mind a full day on the road and expect a focus on specific events rather than extensive sightseeing at each stop.

Key Points

• Starts early from London at Bulleid Way with an 8:30 am departure
• Attends the Christmas Sung Eucharist service at Canterbury Cathedral, often attended by the Archbishop of Canterbury
• Enjoys a 3-course Christmas lunch at a traditional pub
• Views the White Cliffs of Dover with a quick photo stop
• Passes through Greenwich on the way back, known for its maritime history and architecture
• Includes luxury coach transport and a knowledgeable guide
• Non-refundable booking with no hotel pick-up or drop-off

The Tour Begins at Bulleid Way in Victoria, London

The day kicks off at Bulleid Way in the early morning, where guests meet the professional guide for a prompt 8:00 am check-in. The tour departs at 8:30 am, and from this point, the focus is on comfort and scenic travel as the coach takes you through the picturesque Kent countryside. The modern vehicle is maintained to high cleanliness standards, ensuring a pleasant journey.

This starting point is easy to reach via public transport, making it a convenient choice for travelers staying in central London. The group size is limited to 52 travelers, allowing for a relaxed atmosphere and attentive guidance throughout the day.

Attending the Christmas Sung Eucharist at Canterbury Cathedral

The highlight of the morning is the visit to Canterbury Cathedral, where you attend the Christmas Sung Eucharist service. This historic cathedral often features the presence of the Archbishop of Canterbury, adding special significance to the service.

Visitors are encouraged to arrive prepared for the religious atmosphere and the significance of this tradition. The cathedral’s architecture and the ceremonial music create a festive and reverent mood, perfect for celebrating Christmas. The admission to the service is included in the tour, giving a meaningful experience rooted in longstanding customs.

A Traditional 3-Course Christmas Lunch in a Historic Pub

After the service, the tour pauses for a delicious Christmas lunch at a traditional pub. The meal features 3 courses, providing a hearty and festive meal that complements the holiday spirit. This is a good chance to relax, soak in the local ambiance, and chat about the morning’s experiences.

The included lunch ensures that participants don’t need to worry about finding a meal on their own, and the setting enhances the overall Christmas atmosphere of the day.

Visiting the White Cliffs of Dover for Iconic Views

Next, the coach makes a photo stop at the White Cliffs of Dover, a symbol of England’s maritime frontiers. The 25-minute stop allows for capturing photos of the famous cliffs, which are impressive and instantly recognizable.

Guests also get a fleeting glimpse of Dover Castle, a notable historic site that has served as a strategic fortress and was used as the Tower of London in the film The Other Boleyn Girl. Although the stop is brief, it offers a chance to appreciate the natural beauty and historical significance of the area.

Passing Through Greenwich on the Return Journey

On the route back to London, the coach drives through Greenwich, an area renowned for its maritime history, 17th-century architecture, and the Old Royal Naval College designed by Sir Christopher Wren. While the stop in Greenwich isn’t part of an extended visit, passengers enjoy views of its historic waterfront and impressive buildings.

The drive through Greenwich provides a scenic and cultural context of London’s rich maritime past, adding a historical layer to this Christmas excursion.

Practical Details and Group Size

This organized tour is designed for convenience and comfort, with modern, clean vehicles and a maximum of 52 travelers. The guided commentary enhances the experience, providing insights into each location as the coach travels through the countryside and city.

Tour start point at Bulleid Way is conveniently located near public transport options, and the tour concludes back in Victoria around 6:00 pm. No hotel pick-up or drop-off is included, so travelers need to arrange their transportation to and from the meeting point.

Limitations and Considerations

While the tour offers a meaningful visit to Canterbury Cathedral, some reviews note that the amount of time spent in Canterbury is limited—primarily just the attendance at the service, with little chance for sightseeing or exploring afterward.

Plus, the view of the White Cliffs is brief, with the coach passing by rather than stopping for an extended visit. Similarly, the Greenwich drive occurs in the evening, meaning the area might be seen in dusk or darkness, limiting the visibility of some sights.

The tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked, so careful consideration is advised if you’re seeking a flexible itinerary.

Suitable for Who and What to Expect

This tour is ideal for those wanting a festive experience that combines religious tradition, scenic views, and historic sites in a single day. It suits visitors who are comfortable with long coach journeys and prefer a structured schedule over extensive independent exploring.

Expect most of the day on the bus, with meaningful moments at Canterbury Cathedral and quick scenic stops at Dover and Greenwich. It’s a good choice for visitors seeking a celebratory Christmas experience with guided commentary, but less so for those wanting in-depth sightseeing at each location.

Christmas in Canterbury, Dover, and Greenwich: Final Thoughts

This tour offers a warm and nostalgic way to celebrate Christmas outside London, with a focus on heritage, scenery, and tradition. The attendence at Canterbury Cathedral’s Eucharist provides a genuine holiday highlight, and the lunch and scenic stops add to the festive atmosphere.

While the limited time at each stop might disappoint those wishing for more exploration, the combination of iconic sights and cultural moments makes this an interesting option for a holiday outing. The professional guidance and comfortable transport ensure a smooth experience, making it suitable for visitors with moderate physical fitness who want a well-organized excursion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pick-up included?
No, the tour does not include hotel pick-up or drop-off. Participants meet at Bulleid Way in Victoria.

What is included in the price?
The tour covers entry to Canterbury Cathedral’s Eucharist service, a 3-course Christmas lunch, luxury coach transport, and a professional guide.

How long is the tour?
The total duration is approximately 9 hours and 30 minutes, starting around 8:30 am and returning around 6:00 pm.

Can I visit Canterbury after the service?
No, the current schedule only allows attendance at the service; there is no extended sightseeing time at Canterbury.

Will I see the White Cliffs of Dover clearly?
The coach makes a 25-minute photo stop at the White Cliffs, offering a good view for photos but not an extended sightseeing opportunity.

Is this tour suitable for all physical fitness levels?
Yes, but travelers should have moderate physical fitness, as there is some walking involved at stops and the day involves a significant amount of time on the coach.

What if I want to cancel?
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked.

What language is the guide speaking?
The tour is only available with an English-speaking guide.

Are the vehicles comfortable and clean?
Yes, the modern vehicles are maintained to the highest standards of cleanliness with daily deep cleaning.

Can I expect free time at each location?
No, the schedule is structured with limited time at each stop, with most highlights being outdoor views or short visits.

Is this tour good for children?
While suitable for most ages, the focus on religious service and coach travel may be better suited for older children or those able to sit comfortably for long periods.