Westgate Canterbury Medieval Gate

Westgate Canterbury, Kent

Westgate in Canterbury is the city’s most famous gate and part of the original defensive wall that once surrounded the city. Westgate is the largest surviving medieval city gate in England and a Grade I listed building.

Canterbury once had seven Medieval gates

History

Westgate dates from around 1380 and throughout its long history has stood guard over the road to and from London. Hundreds of thousands of medieval pilgrims must have passed through this gateway into Canterbury, on their way to visit Thomas Becket’s shrine at Canterbury Cathedral.

Cars still pass through the gate

Westgate is the only one of Canterbury’s seven medieval gates still standing. It is 18 metres high and built of local ragstone.

Westgate replaced a previous Roman gate that had stood on the spot. The structure served as a jail from the 15th to the 19th century.

The gate is a major tourist draw

Westgate contains such defensive architecture on its three floors as battlements, machicolations (for pouring boiling oil), a parapet, and gun loops.

The site is now part of the larger One Pound Lane development that includes The Pound Bar & Kitchen within the former city jail and police station, adjacent to Westgate, and Westgate Towers Museum & Viewpoint. See www.onepoundlane.co.uk for more details.

Westgate Canterbury

Access – Getting There

Westgate
1 Pound Lane
Canterbury
Kent CT12BZ

Canterbury’s historic Westgate

Nearby

Other attractions in Canterbury include Canterbury Cathedral, Canterbury Tales, and Canterbury Heritage Museum (unfortunately the latter closed in 2018).

Southeastern has regular trains to Canterbury direct from London Victoria, London Bridge, Charing Cross, Waterloo East, and Dover Priory stations to Canterbury East or Canterbury West stations.

National Express has frequent coach services from London Victoria coach station to Canterbury bus station on St. George’s Lane.

By car from London follow either the M2 or M20 motorway.

Hotels

The Canterbury Cathedral Lodge, situated within the cathedral precincts, offers a tranquil setting with stunning views of the cathedral. The rooms are comfortable, and the on-site restaurant serves delicious meals. Staying here allows you to immerse yourself in the city’s history and enjoy its serene atmosphere.

ABode Canterbury is a stylish hotel housed in a converted 1830s former bank building on the High Street. It offers elegantly designed rooms and suites with modern amenities. The hotel also features a restaurant and bar, serving a range of contemporary dishes and cocktails.

The Falstaff in Canterbury, just a short walk from Canterbury Cathedral, is a charming boutique hotel with a rich history. The rooms are individually decorated, offering a blend of traditional and contemporary styles. The hotel also features a cozy lounge area and a restaurant serving British cuisine.

More Accommodation

The Canterbury Hotel is set in an elegant Victorian building, offering comfortable rooms with modern amenities including an indoor swimming pool, spa and free Wi-Fi. It boasts a central location, close to the city’s major attractions. The Canterbury Hotel provides a warm and friendly atmosphere, along with complimentary breakfast.

The Castle House Hotel is a 3-star property housed in a 16th-century Tudor building, and offers a unique and historic experience. The rooms are tastefully decorated, and some feature original period features. The hotel’s restaurant serves locally sourced cuisine, and its location near Canterbury Castle provides convenient access to the city’s landmarks.

The Victoria Hotel, just outside the city center, offers a peaceful retreat with easy access to Canterbury’s attractions. The hotel features comfortable rooms, a restaurant serving traditional English fare, and a cozy bar area. It also has beautiful gardens where guests can relax and unwind.