My top four gardens of Canterbury
Canterbury is lucky enough to be the perfect mix of city, woodland, and green spaces, and whatever the season, there’s a beautiful outdoor space to see, free of charge! Here’s my top four gardens to enjoy…
Dane John Garden
My favourite garden in the city, Dane John is a magical place throughout the year. An elegant promenade of lime trees, wide winding paths, spectacular flower beds and a play park for the little ones, it’s a beautiful space for everyone to enjoy.
A perfect space for summer events, such as fairs, festivals and Canterbury Pride, there is a Victorian-inspired bandstand in the centre, plenty of benches and a little café space too.
The ancient Dane John Mound is proven to be dated from the 1st Century, and it towers above the park, offering spectacular views from the top. Originally a Roman burial mound, it became the site of a timber castle in 1066, as instructed to be built by William the Conqueror. It was abandoned in 1123, in favour of the stone castle still standing a few metres away from the gardens.
The city wall which runs along the length is a lovely way to view the gardens from above, and a beautiful display of wildflowers runs along the base of the wall in June.
St Mary de Castro
This small but perfectly formed garden rests on the site of a former church, demolished in the 17th Century. A tree-lined path guides you across this short green space, edged by ancient gravestones, beds of bright blooms are carefully maintained, and small patches of grass and cow parsley are left to grow wild.
A popular spot for shade seekers, the many benches are often occupied by people with their nose in a book. This garden is also host to the most beautiful young magnolia tree with deep plum blooms in spring.
Solly’s Orchard
Another well-loved Canterbury garden, Solly’s Orchard rests on the edge of the River Stour, where visitors can get an unrestricted view of the punts, ducks and swans travelling up and down the water. Tucked down the path that runs behind the Marlowe Theatre this walled garden is a lovely spot for a picnic, or even fish and chips on a sunny evening!
Fruit trees both young and old are planted here, and borders of bright flowers along the sun-drenched walls are beautifully maintained by the local residents’ association. One of the most photographed areas in the city, the two iron bridges are a perfect place to snap a picture, with the backdrop of gorgeous flowers and the weir behind, and in autumn, a glorious Virginia Creeper weaving through the trees.
I was lucky enough to have photos taken here on my wedding day, and it was a gorgeous setting.
Westgate Gardens
I couldn’t do a round-up of favourite green spaces in Canterbury without a mention of the iconic Westgate Gardens. From the Westgate Tower that overlooks it, past enormous magnolia trees, the ethereal and spooky ‘Alluvia’ sculpture in the water of the River Stour, the majestic baobab plane tree, and between numerous beds of bright flowers. Across the numerous bridges, benches are dotted under the trees, a perfect spot for quiet contemplation.
The well equipped, spacious Toddlers’ Cove play area sits further along the river – great for families to enjoy. Continue along the path, and weeping willow trees, numerous ducks, an abandoned train track and the occasional flash of a kingfisher lead you all the way to Chartham and beyond.
Whether you are picnicking, punting or just looking to admire the flowers, the glorious gardens of Canterbury are bound to delight you!