Canterbury Schools Heritage Tour

A 3-hour curriculum-linked tour designed for school groups, covering Canterbury's Roman occupation, Norman conquest, and Tudor era through hands-on activities at key sites. Groups of 20+ students work through activity worksheets at the Cathedral, Roman Museum, and Guildhall. Teachers receive lesson notes to prepare classes and follow up afterwards. Best for school groups and educational visits. This is a easy activity lasting 3 hours. Group size: 20-60 (minimum 20 students). You meet at Canterbury Cathedral Lodge. Key highlights: Three major historical sites covered in one visit (Roman, Norman, Medieval), Activity worksheets keep students engaged and focused at each location, Handling of real artefacts (pottery, coins) under guide supervision.

Price: £15 per student

Duration: 3 hours

Difficulty: easy

Group size: 20-60 (minimum 20 students)

Minimum age: 8+

Best for: school groups and educational visits

Best time: Spring term (February-March) or autumn term (September-October) when schools schedule History visits and sites are less crowded than summer

Meeting point: Canterbury Cathedral Lodge

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

9:00am Arrival at Cathedral Lodge and tour orientation - Teachers receive activity worksheets. Guide divides large groups into smaller parties (max 15) for movement through sites.

9:15-10:00am Canterbury Cathedral interior with Roman/Norman section focus - Students identify Romanesque columns, Norman arches, and later Tudor additions. Complete worksheet section on architecture styles.

10:15-11:00am Walk to Roman Museum and handle artefacts - Handle pottery, coins, and tools from AD 43-410. Answer questions about Roman daily life on worksheets.

11:15-11:45am Walk to Guildhall and view guild displays - Learn about medieval apprenticeships and trade systems. Discuss how guilds are like modern businesses on worksheets.

11:45-12:00pm Group debrief and quiz on what was learned - Guide awards points for best answers. Students ask remaining questions and collect certificates of participation.

The whole experience takes 3 hours. Difficulty: easy. You meet at Canterbury Cathedral Lodge.

• Three major historical sites covered in one visit (Roman, Norman, Medieval)
• Activity worksheets keep students engaged and focused at each location
• Handling of real artefacts (pottery, coins) under guide supervision
• Teachers receive curriculum notes linking to Key Stage 2-3 history standards
• Certificate of participation issued to each student
• Accessibility: All three sites have accessible entrances. Roman Museum and Guildhall are ground floor. Cathedral has stairs but also accessible routes. Contact operator for students with mobility issues; alternative routes can be arranged. Teacher supervision of students with additional needs required.

What is included: 3-hour guided tour for full student group, Activity worksheets (printed, one per student), Entry to Canterbury Cathedral, Roman Museum, and Guildhall, Handling of replica and real artefacts under supervision, Teacher resource pack with lesson notes and follow-up activities, Certificates of participation for each student.

Not included: Refreshments or packed lunch facilities (groups must arrange separately), Coach parking (arrange with visit coordinator in advance), Additional printed materials beyond worksheets provided. You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Clipboards or hard surfaces for completing worksheets, Pencils (guide provides spares), Weather-appropriate clothing (outdoor walking between sites), Hand sanitiser (before handling artefacts). Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: Spring term (February-March) or autumn term (September-October) when schools schedule History visits and sites are less crowded than summer.

Tip: Minimum 20 students

Tip: Activity worksheets included

Accessibility: All three sites have accessible entrances. Roman Museum and Guildhall are ground floor. Cathedral has stairs but also accessible routes. Contact operator for students with mobility issues; alternative routes can be arranged. Teacher supervision of students with additional needs required..

Operator: Educational Heritage Kent

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Canterbury Cathedral (Tour includes visit walk)
• Canterbury Roman Museum (Tour includes visit walk)
• St Augustine's Abbey (8 min walk (not included in standard tour) walk)

This activity is run by Educational Heritage Kent.

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation 4 weeks before visit. 2-4 weeks notice: 25% fee. Less than 2 weeks: non-refundable..

Accessibility: All three sites have accessible entrances. Roman Museum and Guildhall are ground floor. Cathedral has stairs but also accessible routes. Contact operator for students with mobility issues; alternative routes can be arranged. Teacher supervision of students with additional needs required..

Best time to go: Spring term (February-March) or autumn term (September-October) when schools schedule History visits and sites are less crowded than summer.

What is covered in the activity worksheets?

Worksheets include questions about what students see at each site (identify architectural features, order events chronologically, match artefacts to time periods). Designed for independent work while guide supervises. Answers help teachers assess understanding afterwards.

Can we bring a smaller group than 20 students?

Standard tours require 20 minimum. Smaller groups (8-19 students) can book a private version at £250 for the tour, but this must be arranged 3 weeks in advance through the operator directly.

Do students handle real artefacts or replicas?

A mix of both. Roman coins and pottery are real items, handled under close guide supervision in the museum. Metalwork tools and documents at the Guildhall are replica or non-fragile originals. All items are secured and insured.