Westgate Towers Museum and Viewpoint
Historic 1380 gateway and former prison offering captivating city views and a journey through Canterbury's past.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Westgate Towers Museum and Viewpoint
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic 1380 gateway and former prison offering captivating city views and a journey through Canterbury's past.
"Exceptional value for money with superb views and incredibly knowledgeable staff."
💰 Budget-Friendly Entry
Inexpensive admission, great value for history and views. Support this local gem!
👟 Comfortable Footwear Needed
Lots of steep, historic stairs. Wear good shoes for the climb to the top.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic City Views
Top of the Westgate Tower
Soak in breathtaking 360-degree views of Canterbury's historic skyline from the tower's summit.
Historic Prison Exhibits
Inside the Westgate Tower
Explore fascinating artifacts and learn about the tower's past as a former prison.
Westgate Gardens Stroll
Adjacent to Westgate Towers
Enjoy a peaceful walk through the beautiful riverside gardens, a perfect complement to the tower visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Views
Embrace the Climb
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💰 Budget-Friendly Entry
Inexpensive admission, great value for history and views. Support this local gem!
👟 Comfortable Footwear Needed
Lots of steep, historic stairs. Wear good shoes for the climb to the top.
📸 Capture the Views
The tower offers fantastic photo opportunities of Canterbury. Don't forget your camera!
🗣️ Chat with Staff
Knowledgeable and passionate staff enhance the experience with local insights.
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Budget-Friendly Entry
Inexpensive admission, great value for history and views. Support this local gem!
👟 Comfortable Footwear Needed
Lots of steep, historic stairs. Wear good shoes for the climb to the top.
📸 Capture the Views
The tower offers fantastic photo opportunities of Canterbury. Don't forget your camera!
🗣️ Chat with Staff
Knowledgeable and passionate staff enhance the experience with local insights.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Westgate Towers for its exceptional value, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and the superb panoramic views of Canterbury. While the steep stairs are a notable feature, most find the climb worthwhile for the historical insights and vistas. It's a compact yet memorable experience.
"The Westgate Tower is an old prison turned museum. You walk up stairs to the museum displays and pay a small fee to go up to the lookout tower. The staff member was very friendly.
The tower has really nice views of Canterbury.
It doesn’t take long but it’s worth a visit."
Vanessa Becker
"Exceptional value for money (£3 for an adult), plenty of history, superb views over the city, extremely knowledgeable staff member, clearly passionate about the towers and their significance to the local area, went above and beyond answering questions and showing us around. Signage could be better regarding steepness of stairs (it is a historic building) but if you can, you should visit and support this museum."
Simon Brett
"Westgate 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 of the city."
Kazi N. Kabir
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Westgate Towers is easily accessible on foot from Canterbury's city center, located at the western end of the High Street. It's also a short walk from the Westgate Parks area. If arriving by train, it's a pleasant walk from Canterbury West or Canterbury East stations.
Limited street parking may be available nearby, but it's often easier to use one of Canterbury's main car parks, such as the one at Pound Lane or St Radigund's, and then walk to the towers.
Yes, local buses stop frequently in Canterbury city center, making it easy to reach the vicinity of Westgate Towers. The towers are also a key landmark within walking distance of most city attractions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is very affordable, typically around £2-£3 for adults, offering exceptional value for money. +1
Opening hours can vary seasonally, so it's best to check their official website or local listings before your visit. Generally, they are open during daytime hours.
Advance booking is usually not required for Westgate Towers due to its small scale and affordable entry. You can typically purchase tickets upon arrival.
There are no specific age restrictions, but the steep stairs might be challenging for very young children or individuals with mobility issues.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find museum displays with period artifacts detailing the tower's history, including its time as a prison. The main draw is the climb to the top for stunning city views. +1
A visit is relatively short, often taking around 30-60 minutes, depending on how long you spend admiring the views and exploring the exhibits.
The stairs are steep and numerous, characteristic of a historic building. Visitors should be prepared for a climb, and signage could be clearer about the steepness. +1
Due to its historic nature and the presence of many steep stairs, Westgate Towers is not easily accessible for individuals with mobility impairments. The museum exhibits are on lower levels, but the main viewpoint requires climbing.
Adjacent to the towers, Westgate Parks offers a peaceful riverside retreat with well-maintained gardens, walking trails along the River Stour, and scenic landscapes, perfect for a relaxing stroll.
📸 📸 Photography
The top of the tower provides the most iconic photo opportunities, offering panoramic views of Canterbury. The surrounding Westgate Gardens also offer picturesque scenes.
Photography is generally permitted inside the museum exhibits, but it's always good practice to check for any specific signage regarding flash photography or restrictions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the escape-room game if your children enjoy puzzles and interactive challenges. It adds a fun, modern element to the historic setting. While the climb might be too much for very young toddlers, families with school-aged children will likely find it an engaging and educational outing that doesn't break the bank.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with a stroll through the free Westgate Parks for a full, low-cost experience. Pack your own snacks and drinks to save on additional expenses, making it an ideal stop for travelers looking to explore Canterbury without overspending. The knowledgeable staff also provide a wealth of information, adding significant value to the affordable entry fee.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History: The Westgate Towers
Visitors often remark on the knowledgeable and passionate staff who are eager to share insights into the towers' significance. Their dedication transforms a simple visit into an engaging historical exploration. While the climb is a workout, the reward is immense. The escape-room game mentioned in descriptions adds a modern twist to the historic setting, appealing to those looking for a more interactive experience.
Beyond the tower itself, the adjacent Westgate Parks provide a serene natural counterpoint. This beautiful green space along the River Stour, with its well-maintained gardens and walking trails, offers a tranquil escape and complements the historical immersion of the towers. It's a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll after exploring the gateway.
Experiencing the Views and Value
Travelers consistently highlight the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff, noting that they go above and beyond to answer questions and share their passion for the site. This personal touch significantly enhances the visitor experience, making it feel more than just a tourist stop. Despite the building's age, the staff ensure the exhibits are informative and the views are accessible, albeit with a physical challenge.
While the gift shop selection is small, the focus remains on the historical experience and the breathtaking vistas. The tower is not an overwhelming attraction; rather, it's a concise yet impactful visit that leaves a lasting impression due to its history, views, and the warmth of its custodians.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit