Canterbury Chilling Tales Ghost Tour - Halloween River Tour

Uncover Canterbury’s Dark & Gruesome Past by Night

Experience Canterbury like never before on the atmospheric Chilling Tales river tour by Canterbury Historic River Tours. Running throughout October 2025, this spine-tingling evening adventure takes you through the city’s hidden horrors, revealing a gothic underbelly of ghost sightings, beheadings, and gruesome medieval punishments.

The Chilling Tales Experience

As darkness falls over Canterbury, board your boat at King’s Bridge for a unique perspective on the city’s bloodied past. Your expert guide recounts chilling stories of ghostly sightings and spectral phenomena that have plagued this ancient religious capital for centuries. Glide through shadowy waters while learning about public executions, plague pits, and medieval torture methods that most daytime tourists never glimpse.

• Evening Departure: Tours run on selected evenings throughout October
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable storytellers bring Canterbury’s dark history to life
• Unique Vantage Point: See haunted sites from the tranquil waters of the River Stour
• Historical Facts: Blend of documented history with spectral legends

Tales of Canterbury’s Haunted Heritage

Discover why Canterbury is considered one of England’s most haunted cities. Your tour explores ghostly monks of St Augustine’s Abbey, restless spirits haunting the Cathedral precincts, and the grim tales of those who met unfortunate ends in this medieval city. The river tour provides a captivating blend of historical fact and spectral legend, perfect for Halloween enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Why Choose the River Tour?

Unlike walking ghost tours, the Chilling Tales river tour offers a completely different perspective on Canterbury’s haunted history. The atmospheric boat journey creates an eerie ambiance as you pass beneath ancient bridges and alongside medieval buildings where tragic events unfolded. The gentle movement of the boat and the sound of water add to the spine-tingling experience.

Family-Friendly Options Available

While the Chilling Tales tour offers authentic thrills, Canterbury River Tours also provides gentler daytime options with mildly spooky stories perfect for curious young minds. These family-oriented tours deliver just the right amount of Halloween excitement without intense frights.

Tour Details

When: Selected evenings throughout October 2025
Departure Point: King’s Bridge, Canterbury city centre
Duration: Approximately 40 minutes
Booking: Advance reservations recommended
Ages: Suitable for older children and adults (parental discretion advised)
Options: Shared or private tours available
Weather: Tours operate in light rain; warm clothing recommended

Getting There

King’s Bridge is located in the heart of Canterbury city centre, easily accessible on foot from both Canterbury East and Canterbury West railway stations (approximately 10-15 minutes walk). Multiple car parks are available nearby including Castle Street, Broad Street, and Whitefriars car parks. The meeting point is clearly visible on King’s Bridge over the River Stour.

Explore Halloween Canterbury

Combine your river tour with these Canterbury Halloween attractions:

• Canterbury Ghost Tour – Award-winning walking ghost tour with John Hippisley
• Canterbury Cathedral – Magnificent medieval cathedral
• Canterbury Historic Quarter – Cobbled streets steeped in history
• Westgate Towers Museum – Medieval gatehouse and city defences
• St Augustine’s Abbey – Ancient monastery ruins