Canterbury Parks and Gardens

(Canterbury, Kent, England, UK)

Canterbury is an attractive city, with a number of gardens, parks and centrally located areas of green. If you are looking for somewhere to relax close to the heart of Canterbury, both Dane John Gardens and the nearby riverside Westgate Gardens are good options worth considering.

These gardens each have something unique to offer and are always popular with visitors staying in the city of Canterbury.

Dane John Gardens

Address: Rhodaus Town, Canterbury, Kent, England, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1227 862 205
The Dane John Gardens is located near to both Castle Row and Watling Street, on the south-western side of Canterbury, and dates back to the middle of the 16th century. These award-winning gardens offer many traditional parkland features, including lawned areas, flower borders and bandstands. The Dane John Gardens are within easy walking distance of the Canterbury East train station and from the top of the elevated 'mound' hill, you are able to overlook much of the city. Located alongside the Dane John Mound, a playground for children features a fortress play area.

Throughout the year, Canterbury's Dane John Gardens remain popular, although the months of June, July and August are especially busy. At this time of the year, many events take place here, including many rock and pop gigs, and brass concerts, which usually attract large crowds and are performed at the bandstand most weekends. Also worth noting, a popular Christmas Euromarket takes place here each November.

Much of the park is surrounded by the historic city walls and many mature trees. Within the park itself, highlights include a long avenue of lime trees, offering plenty of shade during sunny days, and a prominent fountain.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Westgate Gardens

Address: Westgate Gardens, River Stour, Canterbury, Kent
The Westgate Gardens stand alongside the River Stour and are home to the medieval Tower House, which contains the office of the Lord Mayor of Canterbury. With stunning swathes of colourful planting, seasonal bulbs and flowers, neatly trimmed lawns and punting on the river in the summer, the Westgate Gardens contains many important archaeological remains, which include areas of a Roman wall clearly indicated by a plaque. The gardens offer the perfect place for a riverside stroll and picnic, and feeding the ducks is always a hit with children. Of particularly interest at Canterbury's Westgate Gardens is an impressive plane tree, with an enormous trunk and is reputed to be more than 200 years old.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free