Healing Garden, Canterbury
Nestled within the tranquil precincts of Canterbury Cathedral, the Medicinal Herb Garden is a living testament to medieval horticulture and monastic ingenuity. Reconstructed in 2005 on the foundations of a 16th-century garden once tended by Benedictine monks, this space aims to educate and delight, offering visitors a rare glimpse into how herbs were historically grown for healing, brewing, dyeing, cooking, and even ink-making.
As you wander the garden鈥檚 terraced beds, you鈥檒l encounter aromatic herbs like lavender and rosemary, traditionally used to treat ailments or purify air; feverfew, reputed for reducing fevers; and humble yet powerful mint, prized as a digestive aid. Many of these plants are still in use today by herbalists, and their cultivation here pays homage to the knowledge and self鈥憇ufficiency of the cathedral鈥檚 medieval inhabitants.
Beyond its botanical appeal, the garden is steeped in history. It occupies land adjacent to the remains of the monks鈥� dormitory, near the ancient Water Tower and infirmary cloisters鈥攁 practical positioning that allowed carers to gather fresh herbs for medicinal use with ease. A charming modern touch comes from NFC-enabled plant labels, which link directly to pages of the original 16th-century 鈥淕erarde鈥檚 Herbal鈥� housed in the Cathedral Library, weaving centuries of herbal lore with today鈥檚 technology.
For visitors, the Medicinal Herb Garden offers a peaceful and reflective experience鈥攁 cultivated patch of living history. Whether you鈥檙e a green-thumbed enthusiast, a history buff, or simply curious, take a moment to inhale the scents, consider the stories behind each plant, and imagine daily life in a medieval monastery. It鈥檚 a serene complement to the awe-inspiring cathedral, ideal for enjoying at your own pace, perhaps between services or on a guided precincts tour.
As you wander the garden鈥檚 terraced beds, you鈥檒l encounter aromatic herbs like lavender and rosemary, traditionally used to treat ailments or purify air; feverfew, reputed for reducing fevers; and humble yet powerful mint, prized as a digestive aid. Many of these plants are still in use today by herbalists, and their cultivation here pays homage to the knowledge and self鈥憇ufficiency of the cathedral鈥檚 medieval inhabitants.
Beyond its botanical appeal, the garden is steeped in history. It occupies land adjacent to the remains of the monks鈥� dormitory, near the ancient Water Tower and infirmary cloisters鈥攁 practical positioning that allowed carers to gather fresh herbs for medicinal use with ease. A charming modern touch comes from NFC-enabled plant labels, which link directly to pages of the original 16th-century 鈥淕erarde鈥檚 Herbal鈥� housed in the Cathedral Library, weaving centuries of herbal lore with today鈥檚 technology.
For visitors, the Medicinal Herb Garden offers a peaceful and reflective experience鈥攁 cultivated patch of living history. Whether you鈥檙e a green-thumbed enthusiast, a history buff, or simply curious, take a moment to inhale the scents, consider the stories behind each plant, and imagine daily life in a medieval monastery. It鈥檚 a serene complement to the awe-inspiring cathedral, ideal for enjoying at your own pace, perhaps between services or on a guided precincts tour.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Canterbury. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Healing Garden on Map
Sight Name: Healing Garden
Sight Location: Canterbury, England (See walking tours in Canterbury)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Canterbury, England (See walking tours in Canterbury)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Canterbury, England
Create Your Own Walk in Canterbury
Creating your own self-guided walk in Canterbury is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Canterbury Cathedral and Grounds
Canterbury Cathedral, one of the oldest churches that played a crucial role in English Christianity, stands within its own walled area, surrounded by Medieval buildings and ruins.
At the heart of this ensemble rises the cathedral itself, a magnificent example of medieval architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you enter, you'll pass through the imposing Christ Church Gate, a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.8 Km or 0.5 Miles
At the heart of this ensemble rises the cathedral itself, a magnificent example of medieval architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you enter, you'll pass through the imposing Christ Church Gate, a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.8 Km or 0.5 Miles
Canterbury Introduction Walking Tour
Canterbury is a UNESCO World Heritage City and one of the most visited cities in England. Canterbury has a long history and has been occupied since Paleolithic times. It was the capital of the Celtic Cantiaci, Romans settled the area for centuries, and the site was the capital of the Kingdom of Kent.
Saint Augustine arrived in Canterbury in 597 to convert the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity. The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Saint Augustine arrived in Canterbury in 597 to convert the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity. The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles