12 Dec 2026 – Canterbury & Leeds Castle Christmas Lights Trail

Trip Details

Our small group day trip from London begins with the short journey to Canterbury Cathedral. Discover the Cathedral’s history through its soaring architecture, glorious spaces, and the people who made it what it is today. Uncover the hidden stories behind the murder of St Thomas Becket, the arrival of St Augustine in 597 and even how Canterbury Cathedral was saved by brave firewatchers during the Blitz.

 

Canterbury’s Christmas Market brings festive magic to the heart of one of England's most historic cities. You can browse a wonderful array of festive huts offering handcrafted Christmas decorations, artisan gifts, soaps, jams, scarves, and fudge, all set against the backdrop of Canterbury's charming historic streetscape.

 

We continue to the Leeds Castle outdoor Christmas Lights Trail in the afternoon. From the moment you arrive, you’ll step into a sparkling world of light and colour, following an enchanting illuminated trail through the Castle’s stunning grounds with mesmerising light displays and immersive moments along the way.

Seasonal food and drink will be available to purchase, adding to the magical atmosphere of this much-loved event.

Wander through the iconic Christmas Cathedral, a shimmering spectacle of light and holiday spirit, revisit the fan-favourite Fire Garden, step into the futuristic Laser Garden, and marvel at the Water Fountain Show.

 

Tour operated by Travel Club

Ticket Sales End 11/12/2026

Tour Includes:

·       Executive minicoach with ISH Travel Club

·       Canterbury Cathedral Entrance Ticket

·       Private Guided Canterbury Cathedral Tour

·       Canterbury Christmas Market Visit

·       Leeds Castle Christmas Lights Outdoor Trail Ticket

(NB Leeds Castle entrance ticket NOT included)

·       Assistance of an ISH Staff Group Leader

 

Tour excludes: Anything not mentioned in tour includes

 

Meeting Point: International Students House (Foyer), 229 Great Portland St., London W1W 5PN

Meeting Time: 08:15am

Finishing Time Approx.: 20:30pm ISH

 

Please aim to arrive at least 10-15mins early, we cannot hold the rest of the group for latecomers!

Don’t forget to bring your own oyster card (with enough credit) and/or contactless card for use on Public Transportation within London during the tour

 

Running order for the day will be emailed to all participants at least 7days prior to departure for UK day trips, for UK/Overseas weekend trips the running order will be given out at the pre-tour meetup (the meet-up date will be announced once you have booked and paid). 

 

A valid University Student ID must be with you at all times and must be supplied/presented upon request – No ID No Entry!

It is your responsibility to check in advance that the above tour itinerary and/or timings are suitable for your own plans. 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

·       ALL TRAVEL CLUB Tickets are FULLY RESTRICTED / NON-CHANGEABLE / NON-REFUNDABLE / NON-TRANSFERABLE / NON-EXCHANGEABLE / NO-SHOW PENALTIES APPLY. 

·       All Travel Club UK Day/Weekend trips are subject to availability.

·       All Travel Club UK Day/Weekend trip tickets are released beginning of each academic term.

·       All Travel Club Overseas Weekend trips are BY APPLICATION ONLY (check event page for application deadline).

·       A valid University Student ID must be with you at all times and must be supplied/presented upon request. 

·       PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU SIGN UP WITH YOUR ACADEMIC EMAIL ADDRESS e.g. myname@KCL.ac.uk. As proof of student status.

·       If you are unable to produce a valid University Student ID as proof of full-time student status, Travel Club and all tour suppliers involved reserves the right to reject your ticket and admission on the trip, NO REFUND WILL BE DUE. No VALID ID - No Entry, No Exceptions!

·       AGE RESTRICTION minimum 18yrs+

·       ALL TRAVEL CLUB TRIP TICKET PURCHASES ARE LIMITED TO ONE TICKET PER STUDENT PER TRIP. Multiple/extra ticket purchases for the same trip will be voided and no refund due.

·       Please be aware that photography and/or filming will be taking place on all Travel Club Trips for promotional purposes. The photographs and recordings may be used by International Students House for promotional purposes, for example on social media platforms, websites, mobile applications, emails, digital media, or printed materials. If you would prefer not to be photographed or filmed, please speak with your Travel Club Trip Group Leader on the day.

·       Full Travel Club Terms & Conditions on our website.

 

NB Each student wishing to attend a Travel Club trip must book and pay separately. Multiple ticket purchases for the same trip on the same order will be voided and no refund due.

 

Once you have paid, as additional proof of student status, all students must complete the Travel Club Mandatory Booking form link at the end of check out via the order status page. This link is also provided on your order confirmation email.#

 

Please complete the Travel Club Mandatory Booking form link within 24hrs, otherwise your order/ticket(s) will auto-cancel!