Self-Guided Tour

Canterbury to Dover

Canterbury → Dover 4 days / 3 nights

Overview

The walk follows the well-worn and sign-posted North Downs Way through fields, pastures and woods. You walk through English villages with interesting names like Patrixbourne, Womenswold, Shepherdswell with thatched cottages and ancient churches. There are two walking stages. VFE01 is a 17 km walk from Canterbury to Shepherdswell. VFE02 is a 14 km walk from Shepherdswell to Dover. Since there is no accommodation in Shepherdswell we have designed a tour with two nights’ accommodation in Canterbury. This means arriving in Canterbury and walking to Shepherdswell the next day. Then take the train back to Shepherdswell and stay in Canterbury. On the third day take the train back to Shepherdswell and walk to Dover. However, for those who enjoy a long walk it is possible to walk Canterbury to Dover in one day!

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1

0 km

Arrive at Canterbury

Route Description

Our tour starts at our guesthouse in Canterbury. First stop is a visit to Canterbury Cathedral for a pilgrims blessing and your first pilgrim's credential stamp. Afterwards, take a stroll through Canterbury walking beside the River Stour and visit an English pub. In the evening enjoy an optional Ghost Tour immersing yourself in the mysterious history of the city. Then, dine in one of Canterbury’s historic pubs.

Day 2

17 km

Canterbury → Shepherdswell

Route Description

Your journey begins in the historic city of Canterbury, beneath the shadow of its magnificent cathedral. Leaving the city, the trail leads you into the rolling Kent countryside along quiet lanes, farm tracks, and woodland paths. This stage is easy to moderate, stretching about 17km with gentle ascents. Along the way, you'll pass through quaint villages like Patrixbourne and Womenswold, enjoying classic English landscapes of hedgerows, pastures, and distant church spires. It’s a peaceful and reflective start to the Via Francigena, steeped in tradition and natural beauty.

Highlights

Pilgrim’s blessing at Canterbury Cathedral.
First Pilgrim Credential stamp at the Cathedral.
Leaving from the zero-kilometre milestone.
The UNESCO listed ruins of St Augustine’s Abbey.
St Martin’s church (oldest in Christendom).
Patrixbourne's romantic cottages and church.
Womenswold's thatched cottages.
Shepherdswell is a quaint English village.
Collecting Pilgrim Credential stamps.

Day 3

14 km

Shepherdswell → Dover

Route Description

This final English stage leads you from the quiet village of Shepherdswell to the iconic port town of Dover. The trail is easy to moderate, covering around 14 km with gentle hills and well-marked countryside paths. You'll pass through lush farmland, ancient woodlands, and historic villages before the dramatic white cliffs come into view. The descent into Dover offers a striking glimpse of the English Channel and the medieval Dover Castle perched above the town. A scenic and symbolic end to the English leg of the Via Francigena.

Highlights

VFE-002 begins with a visit to St Andrews church in Shepherdswell for a pilgrim stamp.
Then continues along North Downs Way through fields and pastures arriving at St Pancras Church in Coldred with a visit to the historic Church.
Then continue walking along North Downs Way stopping to admire Waldershare Manor.
Walk through more fields and stop for a visit and pilgrim stamp at All Saints Church with its ancient yew trees.
Continue along North Downs Way, through fields and cow paddocks to Pineham.
Then it is downhill through parks and minor roads to Dover.