3.3(3 reviews)
Christmas Eve Tour: Leeds Castle & More
From£104
10 hours
London, United Kingdom
About this activity
Celebrate Christmas Eve with a guided tour of Leeds Castle, Canterbury's Christmas Market, Dover's coastal views, and Greenwich's maritime history, all with a convenient lunch pack.
Highlights
- Explore the historic Leeds Castle
- Stroll through Canterbury's festive Christmas Market
- Enjoy a scenic drive through Dover's coastal landscapes
- Discover Greenwich's maritime heritage
- Experience a traditional English Christmas Eve
Full description
Celebrate Christmas Eve in style with a delightful day trip from London. Begin with a guided tour of the historic Leeds Castle, often referred to as the 'Loveliest Castle in the World.' Next, immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of Canterbury's Christmas Market, where you can shop for unique gifts and enjoy seasonal treats. The journey also includes scenic drives through Dover's picturesque coastal landscapes and a visit to Greenwich, home to the Royal Observatory and the Cutty Sark. To keep you energized throughout the day, a convenient lunch pack is provided. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and holiday cheer, making it an unforgettable way to spend Christmas Eve.
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour of Leeds Castle
- Visit to Canterbury Christmas Market
- Lunch pack for the journey
- Hotel accommodations
Itinerary
1
The tour will start at Bus Stop 1, Bulleid Way, Victoria, London, SW1W 9SR where you will meet your guide at 8:00am for 8:30am departure.
Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2
Deep in the cascading countryside of Kent sits Leeds Castle, described by Lord Conway as ‘the loveliest castle in the world'. 500 acres of magnificent landscaped parkland surround the idyllic castle, which was built on islands in a lake formed by the River Len. Having celebrated its 900th anniversary in 2019, it comes as no surprise that the castle is steeped in history – did you know Henry VIII used the castle as a dwelling for Catherine of Aragon? Early arrival ensures an almost private visit of Leeds Castle.
Duration: 1h 30mAdmission: YES
3
Discover the magnificent medieval city of Canterbury, considered by many as the centre of English Christianity. During this trip you'll have the opportunity to see Canterbury Cathedral from the outside and explore Canterbury’s popular Christmas Market – the perfect addition to your Christmas adventure! With a bunch of holly and ivy-adorned huts offering delicious bratwursts, mulled wine, unique trinkets and festive gifts, activities for children and much more, Canterbury’s Christmas market has a vibrant atmosphere. You might even get to witness some live musical entertainment – including sing-a-long festive classics! Once you've wandered the market, you can also explore the nearby shops for those last-minute presents still on your list!
Duration: 1h 30mAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4
Located in the historic county of Kent, southeastern England, Canterbury Cathedral is one of the most imporrtant Christian structures in England. Please note: Canterbury Cathedral is closed to visitors on Christmas Eve, so you will only see the exterior.
Duration: 15 minAdmission: NO
5
This trip includes a photo stop by the gateway to England. This will be your chance to marvel at the White Cliffs of Dover, a port for over 2,000 years. You’ll also catch a glimpse of Dover Castle, a key filming location for 'The Other Boleyn Girl' (which saw the castle transformed into the Tower of London!).
Duration: 20 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
6
Pass by: As an added bonus your coach will be driving past the London borough of Greenwich on your way back from Dover. Overlooking the River Thames, Greenwich is a stunning World Heritage Site bustling with fine maritime landmarks and stunning architectural masterpieces – some of which you’ll get to see from the comfort of the coach.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- Check the availability of the tour on your preferred date, as slots may fill up quickly during the holiday season.
- Review the cancellation policy to understand any applicable fees or deadlines.
- Confirm the departure point and time to ensure timely arrival for the tour.
Know before you go
- Dress warmly and wear comfortable walking shoes for the tour.
- Bring a camera to capture the festive sights and historic landmarks.
- Ensure you have a valid ID for any age-restricted purchases at the market.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Infants Required On Laps
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- Our vehicles are modern, comfortable, and kept to the highest standards of cleanliness, including a deep clean every day
- Please note: the tour itinerary and order may change.
- You will view Canterbury Cathedral from the outside only
- This tour will only be available with an English-speaking guide.
Traveler reviews
3.33 reviews
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Very disappointed, certainly nothing like a few years back, they’ve lost interest and also lost the magic of Christmas..
Christmas Light trail was poor, it seemed that the organisers just wanted people to spend money at food stalls, so sad..
Vacation536491Dec 20, 2025TRIPADVISOR
Magical
Absolutely beautiful. Myself and my husband loved our evening at Leeds castle. The Christmas lights were magical and the food was amazing. We had ragu burgers and loaded fries. A massive Thankyou to all the staff from the car park assistants to the people checking all the lights, as it hammered down with rain the evening we went yet all the staff smiled throughout. Thankyou all for a truly magical evening. We will most definitely be back next year.
Q8429SPdonnapDec 9, 2024TRIPADVISOR
Disappointed
This years display was overall very underwhelming compared to last year. It felt like less lights, less music, no wow factor, the lights around the castle itself were very dim and less overwhelming. Its a shame because my family and l really enjoyed last years trail so l guess we had high expectations but we all felt this years trail just fell short unfortunately. Will try a different trail next year.
Trail54064081149Dec 1, 2024TRIPADVISOR
Additional information
Our vehicles are modern, comfortable, and kept to the highest standards of cleanliness, including a deep clean every day
Please note: the tour itinerary and order may change.
You will view Canterbury Cathedral from the outside only
This tour will only be available with an English-speaking guide.