Westgate Gardens

Strike a pose, pack a picnic, board a punt or simply soak up the seasonal splendour of Canterbury's idyllic public park, Westgate Gardens.

The Westgate Gardens Canterbury attract thousands of visitors every year, as they are famous for the incredible colourful floral displays dotted along the banks of the River Stour, against the imposing backdrop of the ancient Westgate Towers and surrounded by picturesque remnants of a medieval folly. The park is popular with plenty of space to explore and soak up the scenery. You can enjoy punts along the river with Westgate Punts, and there are regular community events in the gardens throughout spring and summer, including art shows, performances, and social meet-ups.

It has become famous for inspiring a scene in the anime series Sakura Quest, and attracts many anime fans as the flowers come into bloom. It is within easy walking distance of Canterbury West train station and is in the heart of the very popular and bohemian West End district, with ample shops, cafes, restaurants and bars.

The park consists of large lawn areas that are perfect for picnics and sunbathing, as well as riverside and park footpaths shaded by a variety of trees including redwood, ash, Scots pine, walnut, spruce, beech and tulip. Another major attraction in the park is the Oriental Plane Tree, which is more than 200 years old - you cannot miss its distinctive large trunk!

If you prefer to explore the park by water, book a leisure boat ride along the river with Westgate Punts; the guides can tell you the area's history or simply do the hard work while you relax on a peaceful trip. Open from Mid-March to the end of October, weather dependent. You might even spot the underwater sculpture, Alluvia, by Jason deCaires Taylor floating on the river bed. The gardens are overlooked by the historic Tower House, a popular wedding and private events venue which has a mobile cafe operating in the summer months with outdoor seating (subject the venue's schedule).

Further down the path into the countryside, you will find the huge adventure playground, Toddler's Cover, with toilets and a refreshment van. If you want to stretch your legs, you can follow the footpath along the Stour out into the countryside all the way to the picturesque village of Chartham. The park also has a small physic garden and a Memorial Garden commemorating those awarded the Burma Star or Italy Star medals in the Second World War. There is also a baby memorial garden within the park. The park is maintained and supported by a dedicated team of volunteers at the Friends of Westgate Parks - learn about the history of the parks, and the wider work of the charitable group.

If you are visiting the gardens for photographs, please follow these rules!

 - Protect the flowers - a huge amount of volunteer time is spent making these gardens bloom, so do not stand in the beds or on any plants

 - Be respectful of other people and give each other room to take photos - the gardens are for everyone

 - Visit local shops and businesses - there are so many incredible places to discover in Canterbury's West End so shop for outfits, snacks, drinks and enjoy some local food!

 - Tag us in your photos and videos! Use @visitcanterbury and @canterburywestend for the chance to be reshared to tens of thousands of followers