Westgate Gardens
Canterbury, East Kent
Image: Friends of Westgate ParksImage: Friends of Westgate Parks
Westgate Gardens is Canterbury's riverside park, famous for colourful floral displays along the River Stour beneath the medieval Westgate Towers. Picnic on the lawns, take a punt trip, or follow the riverside path out to the Toddlers Cove playground. It suits families and couples and takes an hour or two.
Highlights
- Floral displays along the River Stour with the Westgate Towers behind
- An Oriental plane tree more than 200 years old
- River punt trips with Westgate Punts
- The Toddlers Cove adventure playground further along the path, with toilets and a refreshment van
- A riverside footpath that continues to Chartham
Good to know
- Please keep off the flower beds, which are tended by volunteers
- It is a short walk from Canterbury West station
- A mobile cafe runs at the Tower House in summer, subject to events
Getting there
Westgate Gardens, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2DB
Get directionsChecked on 15 October 2026 against canterbury.co.uk, westgateparks.co.uk. Details change, so please confirm with the venue before you travel. How we check
Nearby
Image: Kent Museum of FreemasonryKent Museum of Freemasonry
The Kent Museum of Freemasonry is a free, Arts Council accredited museum near the Westgate Towers with one of the finest Masonic collections outside London. Regalia, jewels and books cover all Masonic orders through the ages, explained by friendly volunteer guides. It suits curious visitors with no prior knowledge and takes about an hour.
Image: Canterbury Punting CompanyCanterbury Punting Company
Canterbury Punting Company runs chauffeured punt tours along the River Stour from its station on Water Lane, with a guide sharing stories of the city as you glide past historic buildings. Shared city tours last around 45 minutes, and there are private, nature and evening ghost tours too. It suits families, couples and visitors wanting a relaxed new view of Canterbury.
Photo: IreneAl, CC BY-SA 4.0The Marlowe Theatre
The Marlowe is Canterbury's main theatre, on The Friars in the city centre, with a programme of performances, events and creative activities across three spaces: the Main House, the Studio and The Kit on Stour Street. Pre-book a meal at the Green Room before the show. It suits a family treat or an evening out in the city.