Unforeseen setbacks and intricate works required to relaunch one of Kent’s best-loved visitor attractions have seen its opening date pushed back.

But the company reviving the medieval Canterbury Tales experience insists work is still progressing well, though it is not likely to open until the spring.

Originally opened in 1987 in the redundant 900-year-old St Margaret’s Church in St Margaret’s Street, it recreated a medieval walk through the city telling the tales of Geoffrey Chaucer.

But the venue was closed by owners Continuum Attractions in 2020, just before the onset of the pandemic and never reopened.

Then in April, Escapement Kent took on the challenge to reimagine the attraction pledging to bring it up to date with “immersive new technology”.

Having saved the venue, they had hoped to open late this year but progress has been slower than hoped due to the intricate work needed - like creating a medieval tavern from scratch.

“It’s been a bigger job than we initially anticipated,” admits Mica Dougan, who is working on the project with director Lewis Hunt.

“There have been a few obstacles and challenges but we are steadily getting there and are now looking at a soft launch, hopefully in the spring.”

The couple had heard that no one was interested in reopening the attraction and it would likely be stripped out and potentially become a shop or restaurant.

They thought there might be some features which they could buy for their escape rooms in Thanet.

But when they visited the building, they saw the venue still had potential.

“It would have been criminal to rip it out because it’s a piece of history so straight away I put my money where my mouth is and took on the lease,” said Lewis.

“We just felt that with our experience, we could revive it, though not as just a new escape room.

“It will be kept largely as it was but brought right up to date.”

When it does reopen, visitors can expect medieval sights, sounds and smells - but delivered with state-of-the-art technology.

“You’ll laugh, cry and be scared out of your wits…...”

“Our mission was clear - not just to save The Canterbury Tales Attraction but to reinvent it for a new generation and go beyond the current limits of immersive entertainment,” added Lewis.

“We're creating something all-new, never been seen before. A venue that at the click of a button can change entirely.

“We're transforming this space with the latest technology and dazzling special effects, creating experiences that transport you straight into a medieval world.

“You’ll laugh, cry and be scared out of wits.”

The team says it is using animatronics, holograms and projections to create a “far more immersive experience”.

The couple also aims to improve accessibility with technology by making the content of the tour adaptable to suit different visitors, both through changing language and shifting to meet audience needs.

Another new element will be the historically accurate tavern - which will serve era-appropriate ale and mead for guests to try.

This area - which leads directly to the immersive street market-cum-gift shop - will only be open to paying visitors on regular days, but the pair also plan to use the space to hold special events including roleplay experiences.

The latter will form part of a second phase to the attraction for which a Kickstarter appeal has already raised more than £56,000 and includes historical murder mysteries, open-world exploration, escape rooms and licensed game evenings.