On this unique journey from the south coast of Kent at Dover to Canterbury, the rich history of England unravels before you.
Maritime history abounds in this voyage. There are old ports, smuggling, and castles with beaches and oysters also featuring. Churches and settlements established by the early settlers and pilgrims are very much in evidence. Add to those a sunny and sheltered landscape whose bountiful fruit and vegetable farms earn it the description of 'The Garden of England' and your adventure will be a fascinating one.
Holiday details
Price
- Classic
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from £860 per person
Daily except Wednesday/Thursday start (supplement) - Luxury
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from £1,575 per person
Based on two people sharing a room
What’s included?
Dinner at Reads (luxury tour). See what’s included as standard
Duration
4 nights
Start & Finish
Starts daily with a transfer service from Dover Ferry Port or Dover station and finishes in Canterbury
Hotels
- Classic
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Small hotels and old inns in central locations
- Luxury
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4 highly individual hotels in historic buildings with exceptional restaurants
Holiday type
Self-guided
This tour is priced without a guide and you are free to explore on your own. If you would like a guide for part or all of your trip, we are happy to provide a knowledgeable, local guide
Activity level
Gentle cycling (2) More info...
Electric bikes
Available
Mileage
4 days of cycling 10 -19 miles (16 - 30 km) per day
Terrain
Flat with an occasional slope on day 5
Traffic-free
Very largely
Options
- Additional nights in Canterbury
Itinerary day-by-day
Classic & Luxury
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1. Day one
Dover
As we meet you at Dover Ferry Port or Dover station, you have no need to bring your car. We will transfer you to your cosy hotel in a nearby village that sits on top of the cliffs. Settle in and enjoy England!
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2. Day two
Dover to Sandwich
Your host will meet you after breakfast with your cycling equipment and run through your tour itinerary. Then you are off - to freewheel down to the characterful old ports of Deal and Sandwich. Cycle adjacent to the shore, take in the castles, and explore the fascinating history of these Cinque port towns. Detour if you wish to explore the old mining villages of the area. Your overnight stop is an old inn in the heart of beautiful Sandwich.
10 miles (16 km) or 20 miles (32 km)
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3. Day three
Sandwich to Canterbury
Pedal through orchards and pretty villages today and you will discover wonderful pubs and Roman antiquities. Your route leads you traffic free into the heart of Canterbury where your hotel awaits you. There's much to explore in this astounding heritage city with its magnificent cathedral, and many museums.
17 miles (27 km)
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4. Day four
Canterbury to Faversham
This is a fascinating ride that sets out along the old Crab and Winkle railway line to Whitstable. Enjoy the harbour there, sample its famous oysters and dip into the craft shops of its high street. Then follow some of the old Saxon shore with its often remote atmosphere and rich maritime history. Stay overnight in the outstanding market town of Faversham and its creek lined with barges.
17 miles (27 km)
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5. Day five
Faversham to Canterbury
Head inland through pretty villages and valleys dotted with orchards and classic views. There's a fine garden to visit and cosy pubs to discover. Or perhaps there's just a little more to explore in Canterbury before returning your bikes to our base. Its a short train hop back to Dover.
19 miles (30 km)