The Westgate
Westgate Museum & Viewpoint, One Pound Lane Ltd., 1, Pound Lane, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2BZ
The Westgate will be open without its usual admission charge. A climb of 34 stairs is necessary to reach the guardchamber - built in 1380 over what was the only road from London to guard the entrance into the city - where the museum exhibition is about the city defences. Having never been needed during the Hundred Years War, the building became the city prison in 1453, and the north drum-tower houses a prison exhibition. A further 27 stairs go up to the battlements viewpoint - once the exercise point for the prisoners - where there is an excellent view of the city of Canterbury. The upper floor of the drum-tower continues the exhibition, including information on the Westgate's use during the Second World War when it was Canterbury's ARP headquarters. It is also possible to visit the debtors' cell on the ground floor, from where debtor inmates once begged passers-by for debt relief.
Timings & Tours
- Sunday 14 September:
- 1200-1600
Location & directions
Westgate Museum & Viewpoint, One Pound Lane Ltd., 1, Pound Lane, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2BZ
- Directions:
- Between St. Peter's Street and St. Dunstan's Street in Canterbury City Centre. Adjacent to the river and Westgate Gardens. Entry via The Pound bar and restaurant (1, Pound Lane).
- Contact on day:
- Bob Collins
- Telephone number:
- +447508182850
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
There is an unavoidable climb of 34 stairs to reach the main museum room and a further climb of 27 stairs to reach the battlements viewpoint.
Additional information
Toilet facilities and refreshments are are available in The Pound bar & restaurant adjacent. Paid parking facilities are available nearby in North Lane (1 min. walk) or Pound Lane (2 min. walk).
- Max no of people per tour:
- 60
- Est. tour duration:
- 0 hour(s) 45 minute(s)
