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Eastbridge Hospital

4.4
·72 reviews·, United Kingdom

A medieval religious hospital dating from 1190, offering a unique glimpse into pilgrim life with Gothic archways and a rare 13th-century mural.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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View of inside

Eastbridge Hospital

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A medieval religious hospital dating from 1190, offering a unique glimpse into pilgrim life with Gothic archways and a rare 13th-century mural.

4.4
(72 reviews)

"Wonderful place with a rich history. Absolutely worth it to take a look inside."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Guided Tour Recommended

Enhance your visit with a guided tour to uncover the hospital's fascinating history and stories.

💰 Joint Ticket Savings

Save money by purchasing a joint ticket with the Franciscan Gardens next door.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Medieval Pilgrim Rooms

Medieval Pilgrim Rooms

Upper floors

Experience where pilgrims rested centuries ago. Feel the history in these remarkably preserved rooms.

13th-Century Mural

13th-Century Mural

Chapel area

Marvel at a rare surviving mural, offering a vibrant splash of medieval art and history.

River Stour Underneath

River Stour Underneath

Lower level viewing area

See the River Stour flowing beneath the hospital through a glass floor – a unique medieval engineering feat.

Gothic Archways

Gothic Archways

Exterior and interior

Admire the striking Gothic architecture, a testament to the hospital's enduring medieval design.

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Planning Your Visit

Step Back in Time

Eastbridge Hospital offers a unique glimpse into medieval pilgrim life. Consider a guided tour to fully appreciate its rich history and the story of St. Thomas Becket. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.

Combine Your Visit

Many visitors find it convenient to combine their trip to Eastbridge Hospital with a visit to the neighboring Franciscan Gardens. Look for joint ticket options to save money and maximize your experience in Canterbury. This pairing offers a fuller historical and serene experience.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon (with joint ticket)
Why
Explore gardens too
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

St. Thomas Becket was Archbishop of Canterbury in the 12th century. He came into conflict with King Henry II over the rights of the Church. In 1170, four knights loyal to the king murdered him in Canterbury Cathedral. His death shocked Europe and quickly spread his reputation as a martyr. Soon after, he was venerated by the faithful and later canonized as a saint. #catholicfaith #catholic #cathol...
@richardsaintdei
626 likes • 3.3K views

🎯 Guided Tour Recommended

Enhance your visit with a guided tour to uncover the hospital's fascinating history and stories. Reddit

💰 Joint Ticket Savings

Save money by purchasing a joint ticket with the Franciscan Gardens next door. Reddit

This month marks 150 years of St. Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Church. Tell us your favourite memory of your time at St. Thomas' in the comments 🙏 #StThomasBecket #Canterbury #History #150thAnniversary #Christianity #catholictok #christiantok #visitcanterbury #trending #fyp
@st_thomas_catholicchurch
478 likes • 8.8K views
Beautifully decorated Friars Apartment within the historic Eastbridge Hospital in the centre of Canterbury overlooking the river and the high street. Booking available via Cottages.com or Booking.com. #historiccanterbury #heritagesite #franciscangardens #historicbuilding #holiday #history
eastbridgehospital
13 likes • 304 views

🚶‍♀️ Walk in Pilgrim's Footsteps

Imagine medieval pilgrims staying here; the atmosphere is incredibly peaceful and spiritual. Reddit

👀 See the River Flow

Don't miss the unique view of the River Stour flowing beneath the building through the glass floor. Reddit

The Eastbridge Hospital is 1 of 18 stops on the Canterbury Medieval Pageant and Family Trail on the 1st of July. Come learn how pilgrims stahed here on their voyage to Canterbury Cathedral with fun activities for the whole family! Are you coming to the festival? Let us know in the comments! #canterburymedievalpageant #canterbury #kent #weekendvibes #larp
my_canterbury
76 likes • 1.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Guided Tour Recommended

Enhance your visit with a guided tour to uncover the hospital's fascinating history and stories. Reddit

💰 Joint Ticket Savings

Save money by purchasing a joint ticket with the Franciscan Gardens next door. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Walk in Pilgrim's Footsteps

Imagine medieval pilgrims staying here; the atmosphere is incredibly peaceful and spiritual. Reddit

👀 See the River Flow

Don't miss the unique view of the River Stour flowing beneath the building through the glass floor. Reddit

⛪ Near Canterbury Cathedral

Easily accessible after visiting the Cathedral, making it a perfect addition to your Canterbury itinerary. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.4
(72 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Eastbridge Hospital for its profound sense of peace, rich history, and unique architectural features like the river flowing beneath. The guided tours are highly recommended for bringing the stories of medieval pilgrims to life. Some find the experience more meaningful when combined with the adjacent Franciscan Gardens.

"We were able to stay in the Yeomans apartment in the Hospital and it was wonderful to walk, pray and stay where pilgrims walked, prayed and stayed in medieval times. The building is so quiet and peaceful one feels the presence of God very strongly."

Andy Sheppard

"Beautiful medieval building with great guided tour from Perry followed by a visit to the Franciscan gardens next door. Wonderful afternoon in Canterbury"

Jan Andrews

"This is an ancient hospital where pilgrims used to stay when visiting Canterbury. It also has an area of glass floor where you can see the river and even boats going underneath.
You can get a joint ticket with the neighboring gardens to save money."

Karen B

What People Like

Peaceful and spiritual atmosphere
Unique river view
Fascinating history

What People Dislike

Limited accessibility in some areas

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Eastbridge Hospital is conveniently located in Canterbury, just a short walk from Canterbury Cathedral. You can easily reach it on foot from the city center. If arriving by train, the Canterbury East station is closest, followed by Canterbury West. TikTok

Parking in central Canterbury can be challenging. It's best to use one of the city's park-and-ride services or public car parks, then walk to the hospital. TikTok

Yes, many Canterbury walking tours include Eastbridge Hospital due to its historical significance and proximity to other major attractions like the Cathedral. TikTok

Exploring on foot is highly recommended to soak in the medieval atmosphere of Canterbury. The hospital is situated in a charming part of the city. TikTok

While the ground floor and some areas are accessible, certain upper floors with pilgrim rooms may have stairs. It's advisable to check accessibility details directly with the hospital if you have specific concerns. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission fees apply, but visitors can often save money by purchasing a joint ticket that includes entry to the adjacent Franciscan Gardens. Check their official website for the most current pricing. Reddit

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Eastbridge Hospital website for the most up-to-date information on opening times before your visit. TikTok

While walk-in visits are often possible, booking tickets in advance, especially for guided tours or during peak tourist seasons, is recommended to guarantee entry and avoid disappointment. Reddit

Discounts may be available for students, seniors, or group bookings. Inquire directly with the hospital or check their website for details. The joint ticket with the Franciscan Gardens is also a form of saving. Reddit

Your admission ticket typically grants access to the historic building, including the pilgrim rooms, the chapel with its mural, and the unique viewing area of the River Stour. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore the medieval pilgrim rooms, admire a 13th-century mural, and see the River Stour flowing beneath the building through a glass floor. Guided tours offer deeper historical insights. Reddit

Yes, guided tours are highly recommended. They provide a comprehensive understanding of the hospital's history, its role for pilgrims, and the significance of its features. Reddit

Founded in 1190, it served as a religious hospital and hospice for pilgrims traveling to Canterbury Cathedral, most famously those visiting the shrine of St. Thomas Becket. TikTok

Photography policies can vary. Generally, non-flash photography for personal use is permitted, but it's always best to check for any specific restrictions upon arrival. TikTok

A self-guided visit might take around 30-60 minutes. With a guided tour and exploring the grounds, you could spend 1-1.5 hours. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The Gothic archways, the exterior views with the medieval architecture, the chapel mural, and the unique perspective of the river flowing underneath are prime photo opportunities. TikTok

Photography for personal use is usually allowed, but flash photography is typically prohibited to protect the historic artifacts and murals. Always confirm onsite. TikTok

Architectural photography focusing on the Gothic details, historical reenactment shots (if permitted), and capturing the serene atmosphere are popular. TikTok

Drone usage is generally not permitted over historic sites like Eastbridge Hospital due to preservation and privacy concerns. TikTok

Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light and fewer crowds, enhancing the photographic experience. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Eastbridge Hospital can be an engaging stop for families interested in history. The unique view of the river flowing underneath is often a big hit with children, offering a fun and unexpected element. The 13th-century mural can also spark imagination about medieval life. Consider a guided tour if your children have a good attention span, as it can bring the stories to life. Reddit

Keep in mind that some areas might involve stairs, so stroller accessibility could be limited. The overall atmosphere is quiet and reflective, which might be best suited for families with children who can appreciate a more subdued experience. Combining the visit with the nearby Franciscan Gardens offers more space for kids to explore. Reddit

⛪ History Buffs & Religious Travelers

For those with a deep interest in medieval history or religious pilgrimage, Eastbridge Hospital is a must-visit. Its direct connection to the pilgrimage routes to Canterbury Cathedral and the story of St. Thomas Becket makes it a site of significant historical and spiritual importance. TikTok

The opportunity to stay in the Yeomans apartment, as mentioned by one reviewer, offers an unparalleled immersive experience, allowing you to truly walk, pray, and stay where pilgrims once did. The well-preserved architecture and the surviving mural provide tangible links to the past, making it a deeply rewarding visit for anyone fascinated by this era. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of Pilgrimage to Canterbury

Eastbridge Hospital stands as a testament to Canterbury's enduring role as a major pilgrimage destination. Founded in 1190 by Archbishop Walter de Gray, its primary purpose was to provide shelter and sustenance for pilgrims traveling to the shrine of St. Thomas Becket at Canterbury Cathedral. For centuries, people from all walks of life, from royalty to commoners, journeyed to Canterbury seeking spiritual solace, healing, or to fulfill vows. The hospital offered a vital respite on their arduous journeys, embodying the medieval spirit of hospitality and religious devotion. TikTok

The hospital's architecture reflects its long history, with notable Gothic archways and a 13th-century mural that offers a rare glimpse into medieval religious art. The very act of walking through its halls allows visitors to connect with the thousands of pilgrims who passed through before them, making it a deeply evocative experience. The presence of the River Stour flowing beneath the building adds another layer of historical intrigue, showcasing medieval ingenuity in urban planning. Reddit

Today, Eastbridge Hospital continues to offer a sense of peace and reflection, allowing visitors to imagine the lives of medieval travelers. It serves not just as a historical site but as a place where the echoes of faith and human endeavor can still be felt. Reddit

Experiencing the Medieval Atmosphere

Visitors consistently remark on the profound sense of peace and history that permeates Eastbridge Hospital. The preserved pilgrim rooms offer an intimate look into the past, allowing you to feel the presence of those who sought refuge here centuries ago. It’s a stark contrast to the bustling modern world outside, providing a tranquil escape. Reddit

The unique feature of the River Stour flowing beneath the hospital is a highlight for many. Seeing boats pass under the building through the glass floor is a fascinating and unexpected sight that sparks conversation and wonder. This blend of historical architecture and natural elements creates a truly memorable experience. Reddit

Many recommend taking a guided tour to fully appreciate the stories and context behind the building. The guides often bring the history to life, sharing anecdotes that make the experience more personal and engaging. This immersive approach helps visitors connect more deeply with the hospital's legacy. Reddit

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