Greyfriars Chapel and Franciscan Gardens
Discover the serene Franciscan Gardens and the historic Greyfriars Chapel, a peaceful medieval remnant in the heart of Canterbury.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Gardens are blooming and peaceful.
Greyfriars Chapel and Franciscan Gardens
Best Time
Gardens are blooming and peaceful.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the serene Franciscan Gardens and the historic Greyfriars Chapel, a peaceful medieval remnant in the heart of Canterbury.
"A little treasure, escaping the bustle of the city for some time out in a special place with good history."
🎯 Find the Hidden Entrance
Look for Greyfriars Lodge on Stour St; the garden entrance is next to it. :round_pushpin:
🌸 Enjoy the Serene Gardens
These gardens are a peaceful oasis, perfect for a quiet moment away from the city bustle. :hibiscus:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Franciscan Gardens
Stour Street
Tranquil, well-groomed gardens offering a peaceful escape in the city center, with a river flowing alongside.
Greyfriars Chapel
Franciscan Gardens
A historic stone chapel, the remnant of a large friary, offering a glimpse into medieval monastic life.
Pilgrims' Steps
Canterbury Cathedral
Worn steps in Canterbury Cathedral, smoothed by centuries of pilgrim feet, a tangible connection to history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Garden Access & Winter Closures
Finding the Entrance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Find the Hidden Entrance
Look for Greyfriars Lodge on Stour St; the garden entrance is next to it. :round_pushpin:
🌸 Enjoy the Serene Gardens
These gardens are a peaceful oasis, perfect for a quiet moment away from the city bustle. :hibiscus:
📅 Check Winter Closures
The gardens and chapel are usually closed from October to March. Reopens around Easter. :calendar:
⛪ Wednesday Service
A service is held every Wednesday at 12:30 PM, accessible even during winter closure. :church:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Find the Hidden Entrance
Look for Greyfriars Lodge on Stour St; the garden entrance is next to it. :round_pushpin:
🌸 Enjoy the Serene Gardens
These gardens are a peaceful oasis, perfect for a quiet moment away from the city bustle. :hibiscus:
📅 Check Winter Closures
The gardens and chapel are usually closed from October to March. Reopens around Easter. :calendar:
⛪ Wednesday Service
A service is held every Wednesday at 12:30 PM, accessible even during winter closure. :church:
🚶♀️ Explore Canterbury
Combine your visit with Canterbury Cathedral and a river tour for a full day out. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Franciscan Gardens for their beauty and tranquility, offering a peaceful escape within the city. The historic Greyfriars Chapel is noted for its significance, though access can be limited. Many appreciate it as a hidden gem, especially during the warmer months.
"Closed till very early April 2025. 4£ to see the garden. Entrance is through a shop on high street called Franciscan Gardens."
Jim Rives
"Eastbridge is in the center of Canterbury and consists of three neighboring sites and buildings, Eastbridge Hospital, Greyfriars Chapel and Franciscan Gardens"
Radoslav Kostov
"Summer review - I do believe it's closed during the winter months. Anyway...
I've been visiting Canterbury for many years, it was only recently I took my children for an exploration trip of the city. The first I heard of the Greyfriars chapel and gardens was during a river boat tour in which the guide pointed out the chapel and gave us an insight to its history.
Immediately afterwards we took it upon ourselves to locate the area. I must say even with what I'd consider to be is a pretty good internal compass I still resorted to using Google maps!
Our journey led us up an alleyway where we crossed a bridge next to a cafe - that also offered a type of boat tour - from here we entered the gardens.
They are quite small and contained. The river flows to the side of the garden and the chapel seats above the river where it obviously once harnessed the rivers flow, for what I do not yet know.
The chapel was closed, though I am unsure if you can publicly visit the chapel anyway.
We took refuge in the gardens for some time enjoying the tranquility of the well groomed foliage around us, forgetting for a minute that we were at the centre of a bustling city on a summers day, my kids were overwhelmed with a small robin that flew in to make our acquaintance and kept us company for our stay.
Unlike some the public parks of Canterbury, the gardens here weren't busy, nor littered with students. It was easy to be excited myself as I felt like i'd found a little treasure which had thus far escaped me. So to round it up, if you fancy a little time out, in a special place with some good history this is the place for you. Enjoy!"
Roy Foord
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a train from London to Canterbury, which takes about 50-90 minutes. +1 From Canterbury West or East station, it's a walkable distance to the city center where the gardens are located. Use Google Maps to navigate to Stour Street.
Yes, Canterbury is well-served by trains. Once in the city, the gardens are centrally located and walkable.
The entrance can be a bit hidden. Look for Greyfriars Lodge on Stour Street, near the Abode Hotel car park. The garden entrance is next to it.
While not always a standard stop on all tours, some river boat tours mention the chapel and gardens, inspiring visitors to seek them out.
There might be limited parking near the Abode Hotel car park, but it's generally recommended to use public transport or park in city center car parks due to Canterbury's compact nature.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the gardens typically costs around £4. The chapel itself may have separate access or be viewed from the outside depending on opening times and events.
The gardens and chapel are usually open from Easter until September 30th, from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday to Saturday. They are closed on Sundays and during winter months.
While the gardens are closed in winter, the chapel gate on Stour Street is opened at 12:00 PM for the Wednesday service at 12:30 PM.
Advance booking is generally not required for the gardens, but it's always a good idea to check their official website or local listings for any changes, especially during peak season.
Yes, Canterbury Cathedral has an admission fee, which can be around £19.50 to £20. It's a separate attraction from the Franciscan Gardens.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the peaceful Franciscan Gardens, enjoy the riverside views, and see the historic Greyfriars Chapel, a remnant of a medieval friary.
The chapel's public access can be limited, especially outside of service times or during winter closure. It's best to check local information for current access.
Yes, the gardens are a lovely spot for children to explore and enjoy nature. One visitor mentioned a robin visiting their family.
It's the remaining part of a large stone friary built between 1267 and 1325. The site has a history tied to the Franciscan order and the dissolution of monasteries.
A visit can be quite short, perhaps 30 minutes to an hour, especially if you're just enjoying the gardens. It's often combined with other Canterbury attractions.
📸 📸 Photography
The gardens offer lovely shots with their foliage and riverside setting. The chapel's historic architecture also makes for great photos.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed in the gardens. For the chapel, it's best to be respectful, especially if a service is ongoing.
Visitors often capture the serene garden landscapes, the historic chapel, and the picturesque river views.
Drone usage is typically restricted in historic sites and urban areas. It's advisable to check local regulations and obtain necessary permissions before flying a drone.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful, soft lighting for photography in the gardens.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider combining this visit with other family-friendly activities in Canterbury, such as a river boat tour which often highlights the historical sites, or exploring the more open spaces like Westgate Gardens.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
To maximize savings, consider packing your own picnic to enjoy in the gardens, rather than dining out.
🏛️ History Buffs
Delve deeper into the history by researching the Black Death's impact on religious orders and the significance of the friary's site vesting to the city.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Greyfriars Chapel and Franciscan Gardens
The Franciscan Gardens today offer a tranquil space that belies this complex past. While the chapel stands as a testament to medieval religious life, the gardens provide a peaceful retreat. Visitors often describe them as a 'little treasure,' a quiet haven amidst the bustling city.
Despite the chapel's historical weight, its public access can be limited, especially outside of specific events like the Wednesday service.
Exploring Canterbury: Beyond the Gardens
Beyond the cathedral, Canterbury offers a variety of activities. Punting along the River Stour is a popular pastime, offering a different perspective of the city's charm.
Food and drink options abound, from traditional pubs like The Parrot Pub to various cafes and restaurants such as Old Weavers House or Refectory Kitchen.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit