Although we had no plans to visit Westgate Towers Museum & Viewpoint, we were pleasantly surprised to find out that dining at The Pound granted us free entry and decided to take advantage of this.
We felt that having lunch, drinks, and a visit to the museum all included was fantastic value. The burgers we had at the Pound were delicious and the £10 cocktails were incredibly good value for the quality.
We thought we'd just take a quick look at the museum, but it ended up being a lot more engaging than we could have expected - we learned about the history of Canterbury's medieval past, the strategies in planning out resistance to potential French invasions, the building's transformation into a prison as well as the justice systems within towns and cities at the time, and even how the building played a role in WWII resistance!
The views from the tower are fantastic, especially over the river and the town. We could clearly see the Cathedral and it was a nice viewpoint.
Best of all were our interactions with the people working that day - we spoke quite a bit with Bob, who was incredibly knowledgeable about the building and its history as well as the history of Canterbury. Because it was a quiet day with not a lot of visitors, it felt as if we had a guided tour thanks to the information Bob provided - we felt very well taken care of and grateful for him taking the time to educate us about the topics that interested us.
I do hope to come back someday - I also told that there were two cats who used to live in the tower and have since passed, and the only thing that could make the museum better is if it got new cats. Otherwise the visit was perfect and I would strongly encourage visitors to get lunch at the Pound and go see this museum for free! It's a...
Read moreOne of the best parts of visiting this historical landmark, apart from being astonishing and full of great stories, is the fact that you have a super friendly member of staff that is very charming, who knows the history of the tower and not only, and who will crack a joke every time to make you feel welcomed and to have a great stay. The tower itself is a reminiscent of ancient times when it was used as a prison and then later on as a strategic point. Even though it is a must to visit, it can be a bit tricky to find the entrance as there are no clear signs towards it. This is the only thing I believe needs improvement. The view from up top is amazing and gives a spectacular sight over the whole Canterbury. It's definitely worth...
Read moreWestgate Parks, Canterbury – A Peaceful Riverside Retreat
Westgate Parks is a beautiful green space along the River Stour, just a short walk from Canterbury’s historic center. With well-maintained gardens, scenic walking trails, and a mix of formal and wild landscapes, it’s perfect for a relaxing stroll or a family outing. Highlights include the stunning Westgate Gardens, the ancient Oriental Plane tree, and the historic Westgate Towers. Whether you’re enjoying the riverside views, cycling the Great Stour Way, or unwinding in nature, this park offers a peaceful escape in the heart...
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