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Dane John Gardens

Canterbury's most popular park has been transformed into attractive gardens with monuments and memorials, a bandstand for summertime concerts, a central fountain, a tearoom and children's maze. Stroll along the city walls which border one side of the gardens and wander up to the top of the Dane John Mound for an excellent view of the city. On the top of the mound is a monument commemorating Alderman James Simmon's gift of the gardens to the people of Canterbury. Many events are held in the gardens. Most weekends in the summer months there will be a band concert. Concerts range from Brass to Pop, Military to Rock with something to suit all age groups and tastes.

A historic park within Canterbury city's walls which dates back to 1551, and includes a mound which historical records prove was there in the first century AD. In 1790, local dignitary Alderman James Simmons laid out the park into formal gardens. In 1999, the City Council completed a million pound renovation of the park supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and local sponsorship. The City Walls and an avenue of lime trees provide a sense of enclosure and escape from the busy road and bustling shopping centre just a few yards away. There are excellent views over the city and towards the countryside from the top of the mound. There's a safe play area for children, a bandstand as a venue for traditional concerts throughout the summer and a fountain which provides a focus for the shaded walk along the avenue of lime trees.