North Downs Way via Canterbury
Explore the North Downs Way at your own pace on a self-guided walking holiday via Canterbury. Accommodation, luggage transfer and custom holiday pack included.
North Downs Way via Canterbury
https://www.contours.co.uk/north-downs-way-via-canterbury
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A self-guided walking holiday through the Surrey Hills and Kent Downs, from Farnham to Dover.
From £415 per person
The North Downs Way National Trail follows the long chalk ridge of the North Downs through some of the most scenic and historic countryside in England. It crosses downland, sandy heath, deciduous woodland, green pastures, apple orchards and vineyards. A section of the trail even slips onto the Pilgrim’s Way, an ancient route followed by countless pilgrims on their way to pray at the shrine of Thomas Becket at Canterbury, immortalised in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales.
Walking the North Downs Way will bring you across plenty more historic sites, from prehistoric long barrows to a Napoleonic fort, with eight castles and three cathedrals in the mix. The local settlements, too, show their years: spot impressive Tudor carvings, half-timbered houses, and flint-walled churches as you make your way to the white cliffs and seaside views at Dover.
We offer multiple holiday options along this trail. If you wish to experience the entire trail, simply select the first option from the list below.
We also organise trail running holidays along this route. Find out more.
From £1120 per person
Walk the full North Downs Way, wandering between blossoming apple orchards and through green expanses of farmland as you finish your walk via Canterbury. This longer, inland end to the North Downs Way curves northward at Broughton Lees to explore lush scenery that’s rich in history.
From the elegant gardens of expansive stately homes at Gomersham Park and Chilham Park, to the stout castles at Canterbury and Dover, there’s a wealth of places to visit – crowned by Canterbury Cathedral itself.
| Code | Tour | Duration | Price per person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NDWC0 | From Farnham to Dover | 7 days walking | £1120 | |
| NDWC1 | From Farnham to Dover | 10 days walking | £1535 | |
| NDWC2 | From Farnham to Dover | 11 days walking | £1675 | |
| NDWC3 | From Farnham to Dover | 12 days walking | £1810 | |
| NDWC4 | From Farnham to Dover | 13 days walking | £1950 |
| Code | Tour | Duration | Price per person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NDWSB | From Canterbury to Dover | 2 days walking | £415 |
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“Holiday full with sun and beautiful landscapes.”Mr Ischer, Switzerland
“We realised the North Downs Way is one of the least challenging and scenic National Trails, but it was an enjoyable walk and no problems with the route or distance.”Mrs Oldham, UK
“Thank you for making the arrangements for our walking holiday. The room bookings and luggage and taxi transfers all worked well. When we had minor issues… you were happy to help and I felt that if there has been a more pressing matter you would have sorted it out.”Mrs Taylor, UK
“A lovely walk with excellent accommodation.”Mr Parish, UK
“The holiday was very enjoyable - the locations were generally good and the distances about right.”Mr O’Hehir, UK
“It was surprising, and full of contrast and interest. We found the contrasts exhilarating. The logistics and support were excellent. Our favourite part of the route was watching planes at Gatwick from Leith Hill with a nightingale singing from the woods behind us; Crossing the Medway Bridge to Rochester; any of the downland scarp edges, and the holloways in the Surrey woods.”Rev Whittington, UK
“The North Downs Way is a lovely walk through English countryside.”Mrs VanDraanen, USA
“We love walking. We love walking in England. In general, we've been pleased with Contours and appreciate everything that's done for walkers.”Mr Oberwetter, USA
“Walking so close to London was very interesting. We especially enjoyed crossing the Medway River south of Rochester along with the M2 and the Eurostar train.”Ms Schoenberg, USA
