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Culture for Children 1

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The city itself is compact and filled to the brim with child friendly attractions, shops and places to eat, ensuring that you will never run out of things to keep your children captivated and entertained. Canterbury is best explored on foot and due to its pedestrainised streets it is a safe place to visit with your children. Musuems are certainly not boring with each one offering something to suit all the family's needs. To get an idea about what to visit why not buy a Canterbury Attractions Passport for each member of the family and receive a discount and entry into some of the many fascinating things to see and do within the city.

MorningMorning

No visit to Canterbury would be complete without a visit to Canterbury Cathedral. Full of fascinating things for kids and adults of all ages to explore. Try the Creatures Great and Small trail which is available from the Welcome Kiosk, or enjoy roaming round the impressive precincts surrounding the Cathedral. Next stop is the exciting and engaging Canterbury Tales. Children will really love the authentic smells and sounds in this accurate re-creation of medieval England life. Taking you and your family on an enjoyable adventure tracing the pilgrimage from The Tabard Inn in London to the Shrine of Thomas Beckett in Canterbury Cathedral. Along the way you can listen to the different tales on headphones and the children can choose their own child friendly style commentary too.

Canterbury Attractions Passport at Canterbury Visitor Centre

You can save money by purchasing an Attractions Passport Ticket, which gives you free entry into Canterbury Cathedral, the Canterbury Tales, Canterbury Heritage Museum and the Canterbury Roman Museum.
 
Canterbury Cathedral, choir

Canterbury Cathedral

Motherchurch of the Anglican Communion, seat of the Archbishop. Stunning stained glass. Eleventh Century Crypt, Twelfth Century Quire, Fourteenth Century Nave.
 
Canterbury Tales, on the road to Canterbury

Canterbury Tales

Step into medieval Canterbury and accompany Geoffrey Chaucer and his colourful characters on their magical pilgrimage from London to Canterbury.
 

LunchLunch

Eating in the city could not be easier. Canterbury's café and restaurant culture are as child friendly as the attractions with most catering for children with special menus and those little extras such as activity/colouring books to keep the children amused throughout lunch. Or if you fancy getting back to nature the Dane John Gardens provide the perfect space to enjoy a picnic.

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.
 

AfternoonAfternoon

After all this excitement it may be time to wind down your day and enjoy a relaxing tour through the city along the River Stour.
Canterbury Historic River Tour

Canterbury Historic River Tours

Flowing through the heart of historic Canterbury, the river is the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of one of the country's busiest city centres.
 
Historic buildings

Canterbury Punting Co.

Escape the busy pavements and lay back into the cushions, meander down the river and see the City as you never could on foot. Listen to historic Canterbury's rich and fascinating story as you sip champagne and view medieval buildings.
 
Canterbury Westgate Punts, River Stour

Canterbury Westgate Punts

Relaxing River Stour Tours through public gardens, breathtaking countryside and the city. A choice of short, long and city trips available.
 
 

Details of Dane John GardensDane 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.

View key to symbolskeyDisabled access On-site light refreshments Picnic site Public toilets Facilities for groups Children welcomeDisabled accessDogs accepted

Contact

Canterbury Visitor Centre
Tel: 01227 378100

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Venue

Dane John Gardens

Watling Street, Canterbury, CT1 2RN

See location of Dane John Gardens on Google maps.See location on Google maps.     Map reference: TR 147574
     Lat: 51.27574  Long: 1.07726
2 minutes walking from Canterbury East and main bus station.

Parking : with charge

Public Transport : Canterbury East station

Play area for children. Bandstand with summertime concerts, a central foutain. Tearoom with outdoor seating.

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