Westgate Gardens and Tower House, Canterbury (must see)
A peaceful haven just steps from Canterbury West train station, Westgate Gardens is one of the city鈥檚 most beloved public green spaces. Set beside the River Stour, the gardens are known for their vibrant floral displays, tree-lined paths, and proximity to the ancient Westgate Towers. Visitors are drawn year-round to this tranquil park, which is particularly popular in spring and summer when the flower beds come alive and the riverside footpaths fill with life. Fans of the anime Sakura Quest also make pilgrimages here, as one of the park鈥檚 views inspired a scene in the series.
The park is spacious enough to never feel crowded, with broad lawns ideal for sunbathing, picnicking, or simply lounging beneath towering redwoods, beech, walnut, and tulip trees. One of the park鈥檚 oldest residents is the Oriental Plane Tree, easily spotted by its thick, sculptural trunk. The River Stour flows through the gardens, and punting tours offered by Westgate Punts provide a gentle way to learn about the area鈥檚 history or enjoy the scenery鈥攐pen seasonally from March through October. Keep an eye out for Alluvia, an underwater sculpture by Jason deCaires Taylor resting in the riverbed.
Overlooking the park is Tower House, a handsome historic building that now serves as a venue for weddings and private events. During summer, it hosts a mobile caf茅 with outdoor seating, adding to the park鈥檚 welcoming atmosphere. Families can also venture to the Toddler鈥檚 Cove playground, while walkers can follow the riverside path to the charming village of Chartham.
Westgate Gardens is more than just a beauty spot鈥攊t鈥檚 also a place of remembrance and community. A physic garden and several memorial gardens, including one honoring WWII medal recipients, provide quiet spaces for reflection. The park regularly hosts seasonal art exhibitions, performances, and community gatherings, making it a dynamic part of Canterbury鈥檚 cultural life as well as a serene escape.
The park is spacious enough to never feel crowded, with broad lawns ideal for sunbathing, picnicking, or simply lounging beneath towering redwoods, beech, walnut, and tulip trees. One of the park鈥檚 oldest residents is the Oriental Plane Tree, easily spotted by its thick, sculptural trunk. The River Stour flows through the gardens, and punting tours offered by Westgate Punts provide a gentle way to learn about the area鈥檚 history or enjoy the scenery鈥攐pen seasonally from March through October. Keep an eye out for Alluvia, an underwater sculpture by Jason deCaires Taylor resting in the riverbed.
Overlooking the park is Tower House, a handsome historic building that now serves as a venue for weddings and private events. During summer, it hosts a mobile caf茅 with outdoor seating, adding to the park鈥檚 welcoming atmosphere. Families can also venture to the Toddler鈥檚 Cove playground, while walkers can follow the riverside path to the charming village of Chartham.
Westgate Gardens is more than just a beauty spot鈥攊t鈥檚 also a place of remembrance and community. A physic garden and several memorial gardens, including one honoring WWII medal recipients, provide quiet spaces for reflection. The park regularly hosts seasonal art exhibitions, performances, and community gatherings, making it a dynamic part of Canterbury鈥檚 cultural life as well as a serene escape.
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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Westgate Gardens and Tower House on Map
Sight Name: Westgate Gardens and Tower House
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 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
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