Home to the first Franciscan settlement in England
Discover the history of the gardens and how we’re using the past to inform our future.
Hidden in the center of historic Canterbury, the beautiful Franciscan Gardens is a heritage site that is home to the first Franciscan settlement in England which was established in 1224.
If you need to escape the busy high street of Canterbury, we offer a haven of peace, where you can walk in the footsteps of the first Franciscans in England. Explore the nature and wildlife of the monastic lands whilst taking in the 800 years of history.
Discover
The history
Explore
The gardens
In 1538, the Franciscans were forced to surrender their lands due to their refusal to accept Henry VIII’s reformation of religion. Between 1538 and the late nineteenth century the lands on which the friary stood, now known as the Greyfriars Estate, passed through a succession of private owners.
2024 Prices
ADULTS (aged 18+): £4.00
CHILDREN (aged 5 -17): FREE
max. 4 children per family. Offer not included with group bookings.
Children under 17 must be accompanied by an adult
CHILDREN (under 5): FREE
ESSENTIAL CARER OR COMPanION: FREE
(when accompanying a disabled visitor)
Franciscan Gardens Loyalty Card
visit 3 times and get your 4th visit free
Opening Hours
JANUARY & FEBRUARY: CLOSED for regular maintenance
MARCH – August: 10AM – 5PM
SEPTEMBER – October: 10AM – 4PM
November – DECEMBER: 10AM – 3PM
Last entry to the gardens is 1 hour before closing time
Days and hours may change, especially during Winter months.
Please check our social media and this website for updates.
This week in
the garden
This Week in The Garden
The Stour is currently deep and fast flowing after all the rain but ducks are a–dabbling...
This Week in the Garden
Although the gardens remain closed to the public whilst the essential wall repairs are inprogress...
The Franciscan Gardens along with the Greyfriars Chapel are part of the Eastbridge Hospital. Originally created to provide for pilgrims visiting the tomb of St Thomas Becket, for over 800 years the Eastbridge has given shelter and help to pilgrims, soldiers, local societies and schoolchildren.
We invite you to explore our ancient buildings, learn about our history and the part we play in our community today.
CANTERBURY’S FRANCISCAN GARDENS
TO REOPEN AHEAD OF SCHEDULE ON WEDNESDAY 10th JULY 2024
Following extensive consultation with our advisors, Historic England, L R Osmond Carpentry and Joinery and Clague Architects, the trustees of Eastbridge Hospital and the Franciscan Gardens are delighted to announce that the Franciscan Gardens will reopen on Wednesday 10 July 2024.
The longer-term closure of the gardens announced several weeks ago principally concerned the deterioration of a major structural feature and the resulting potential risk to the public. While much of the Tudor Lovelace wall, built soon after the dissolution of the Franciscan friary in 1538, had been found by our advisors to be sound, the previous closure announcement was thought necessary because of loose, exposed brickwork at the top of the wall. The extensive damage caused by Storm Henk in November 2023 to the many wisteria vines along the river side of the wall also raised concerns about some of the newly exposed parts the structure.
In recent weeks the restoration work has progressed at a faster rate than originally expected, though the Lovelace Wall will continue to be encased in scaffolding for the time being while a full investigation of the structure is carried out.
Meanwhile, the wisteria has been reduced to three main vines, trained to be independent of the wall, and it is slowly recovering with new growth already evident.
Unsurprisingly, the cost of the complete restoration of this important Tudor structure and major feature of our extensive green oasis in the middle of Canterbury is likely to be in the order of £200,000+ over the next year. While the trustees are currently seeking support for the work from national and international organisations, we would also very much appreciate support from local organisations and businesses to help us ensure the long-term future of the Franciscan Gardens.
Donations can be made by contacting the Clerk and Receiver, Louise Knight at clerk@eastbridgehospital.org.uk