Punting and river tours in Canterbury

Both the rowing boat tours and punting tours offer a relaxing way to experience Canterbury. According to some people, the rowing boats offer a more comfortable ride but the punting tours are a more unique experience. Both are similarly priced and offer a great value experience.

Rowing boat tours in Canterbury

Rowing boat tours are operated by Canterbury Historic River Tours.

They depart from a central location where High Street crosses the Great Stour, right across from the Eastbridge Hospital of St Thomas and between the Old Weavers’ House and the ASK Italian restaurant. Virtually everyone who visits Canterbury will walk past here and the central departure point means that these tours are very popular.

Rowing boat tours last around 45 minutes and each boat can hold up to 12 passengers.

Punting tours in Canterbury

Punting is another option that many visitors to Canterbury prefer, as it is a tour option that is unique to England.

Westgate Punts and the Canterbury Punting Company operate chauffeured punting tours on a traditional handmade punt similar to what you may see in Cambridge.

Both companies run private tours, where you have the entire punt to yourself and the Canterbury Punting Company also has shared tours, which is a more cost-effective option for just one or two people.

Westgate Punts tours depart from Westgate Bridge, not far from Westgate Towers and the Kent Museum of Freemasonry and Canterbury Punting Tours depart from Water Lane. Compared to the rowing boat tour departure point, the punting departure points can be difficult to find but it’s worth it for a unique experience without the crowds that you find in Cambridge.

Tours generally last for around 40–45 minutes and each punt can hold up to 12 passengers.

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