Dane John Gardens

Canterbury's most popular park has been transformed into

attractive gardens with monuments and memorials, a
bandstand for summertime concerts, a central fountain, a
tearoom and children's maze. Stroll along the city walls which
border one side of the gardens and wander up to the top of
the Dane John Mound for an excellent view of the city. On the
top of the mound is a monument commemorating Alderman
James Simmon's gift of the gardens to the people of
Canterbury. Many events are held in the gardens. Most
weekends in the summer months there will be a band concert.
Concerts range from Brass to Pop, Military to Rock with
something to suit all age groups and tastes.

A historic park within Canterbury city's walls which dates back

to 1551, and includes a mound which historical records prove
was there in the first century AD. In 1790, local dignitary
Alderman James Simmons laid out the park into formal
gardens. In 1999, the City Council completed a million pound
renovation of the park supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund
and local sponsorship. The City Walls and an avenue of lime
trees provide a sense of enclosure and escape from the busy
road and bustling shopping centre just a few yards away.
There are excellent views over the city and towards the
countryside from the top of the mound. There's a safe play
area for children, a bandstand as a venue for traditional
concerts throughout the summer and a fountain which
provides a focus for the shaded walk along the avenue of lime
trees.

key

Prices

Free entry

Contact
Canterbury Visitor Centre
Tel: 01227 475 202

canterburyinformation@canterbury.gov.uk

email a friend
Canterbury Norman Castle

The ruined castle is amongst the most ancient in Britain,

begun by William the Conqueror around 1070. The stone
castle replaced an earlier motte and bailey fortification
built at the nearby Dane John. The keep was largely
constructed in the reign of Henry I (1100 - 1135) as one of
three Royal castles in Kent. By the late 1300's it had been
overshadowed by the bigger fortifications at Dover and
became a prison - by the seventeenth century it was
already ruined. Today the roofless shell is surrounded by
a quiet garden - inside you can climb part way up one of
the towers. The castle grounds and ground floor of the
keep are accessible, but there is a narrow gateway
through the stone walls into the keep itself. At the
entrance on Gas Street there is a tactile 3-D model of the
castle as it would have been in 1200AD.

The castle enclosure re-used the Roman town wall as its

southern boundary. Some reused Roman material may
still be seen in the far corner close to the Wincheap
pedestrian subway.

The castle is a main focus of interest on the city wall trail.

Leaflets on the trail are available at the information centre
in Sun Street opposite the cathedral's main gateway.

The castle was selected as a 'Cool Place' in 2010 by the

Cool Places guide.

key

Prices

Free entry

Opening details

Season Dates and Opening Hours

Season Dates Opening Hours

Notes Open from morning until dusk.

Contact
Canterbury Visitor Centre
Tel: 01227 475 202

canterburyinformation@canterbury.gov.uk

email a friend
National Maritime Museum - Greenwich

Spread across three sites, the National

Maritime Museum – now under the name
Royal Museums Greenwich – provides a
chance to take a closer look at the stars,
the sea, ships and time itself. The
museum celebrated its 75th anniversary
in 2012, and offers visitors a wide range
of nautical displays in its beautiful
setting. See exhibits stretching back
hundreds of years in permanent
exhibitions such as “Traders: the East India Company and Asia” and “Voyagers: Britons and
the Sea.”
The museum itself offers free entry but temporary special exhibitions, such as the Royal
River in 2012, charge for entry.
Check out the Ship in a Bottle which was was previously on the fourth plinth in Trafalgar
Square and now has a permanent home in Greenwich.
Find out more by visiting the website of the National Maritime Musuem.
The Royal Museums Greenwich brand also includes:
Royal Observatory
Situated at the top of Greenwich Park, the Royal Observatory is packed with information on
time and astronomy – goto our dedicated page about the Royal Observatory.
Queen’s House
The Queen’s House showcases a great collection of fine art. Visit the website to find out
about current exhibitions.
 Swanley Park - We are open 7 days a week
Play Areas, Cafe, Pool, Water
Splash Features & Boats -
open daily
Bouncy Castle, Battery Bikes &
Railway - open weekends
A traditional town park with
play areas, paddling pool,
sandpit, boating lake, railway,
cafeteria, bouncy castle and battery bikes all set in 60 acres of parkland. We
have introduced this website so you can make the most of the facilities -
please let us know your opinions about the park and website - we look forward
to your next visit.
Cafeteria is now under new management - open every day 9am to 6pm
New & varied menue - hot & cold food - espresso & cappuccino coffee

Area Weekdays Weekends B/Hols

Car parks 9am to dusk 9am to dusk
Paddling pool & toilet area 10am to 6pm 10am to 6pm
Cafeteria 9am to 5pm 9am to 6pm
Boats 11am to 5pm 11am to 6pm
Bouncy Castle & Bikes Closed 11am to 6pm
Railway Closed 11am to 5pm (6pm Sun)
*All dates & times given are subject to maintenance, weather & staffing

Car parking charges - Free parking for Swanley Residents (link below)
The charge for parking at Swanley Park remains at £2 per car per visit.
Charges will be payable during Easter and Summer school holidays and all
weekends commencing 1st April until end of September from 10am to 3pm.
EYNSFORD CASTLE

EYNSFORD CASTLE
Standing within an attractive village setting, not far from the fantastic Lullingstone Roman Villa, is Eynsford Castle
- a very early Norman 'enclosure castle' whose substantial stone walls present a rare survival of this striking and
impressive style.
Begun around 1085-7 and largely undisturbed by later building activity, Eynsford Castle is unusual in that it did
not have a keep or great tower. Instead, the principal domestic apartments were situated on the first floor of the
castle's hall, the ruins of which can still be explored by visitors today.

PRICES
Member (Join now) Free

Adult Free

Child Free

Concession Free

OPENING TIMES
2 July - 30 September 2012
Monday 10:00 - 18:00
Tuesday 10:00 - 18:00
Wednesday 10:00 - 18:00
Thursday 10:00 - 18:00
Friday 10:00 - 18:00
Saturday 10:00 - 18:00
Sunday 10:00 - 18:00
Holiday opening times for this period
Summer Bank
Holiday 10:00 - 18:00
27 Aug 2012
Ightham Mote
Outstanding 14th-century moated
manor house
Lose yourself in this romantic moated manor house, described

by David Starkey as 'one of the most beautiful and interesting

of English country houses'.

Built nearly 700 years ago, this house has seen many changes

and been owned by Medieval knights, courtiers to Henry VIII and high society Victorians.

Highlights include the picturesque courtyard, Great Hall, crypt, Tudor painted ceiling, Grade I listed dog kennel

and the private apartments of Charles Henry Robinson, who gave Ightham Mote to the National Trust in 1985.

The building is surrounded by peaceful gardens with an orchard, water features, lakes and woodland walks.

Don't miss

 Enjoy a free introductory talk

 See the Tudor royal emblems and 18th-century Chinese wallpaper

 Join a free garden tour and discover the South Lake

 Learn about the Trust's largest conservation project

 See for miles from the top of the tower (weather-permitting)

Prices
Whole property
Adult: £10.40
Child: £5.20
Family: £26.30
Group: £9.75
Winter weekends: 8 November to 23 December
Adult: £5.20
Child: £2.60
Family: n/a
Group: n/a

Open 10:30 to 5 Wednesday to Monday. Closed on Tuesdays

Cobtree Manor Park

Cobtree Walks 2012

General information
The walks are free of charge and they take about two hours. All start by the Cobtree Cabin cafeteria near
the car park. Booking is recommended for all the walks and essential for the High-tech Easter Trail and for
Gert and Daisy – the Story of Maidstone Zoo. The walks are led by highly-knowledgeable guides, both
amateur and professional. The terrain is sloping and paths are ‘natural’ i.e. grass/dirt. Events may be
cancelled due to bad weather, without prior notice. The park is entered from Forstal Road and not from A
229 (access to the Golf Course).

Cobtree Cabin cafe

Cobtree Cabin Cafe is situated in the Cobtree Manor Park, on Forstal Road in Aylesford. The cafe was
the brainchild of owner Mr Don Wyatt, who in 2001 recognised the need, to not only establish a cafe
here, but to rejuvenate this beautiful park, which was once home to The Maidstone Zoo. Don opened his
park cafe in October 2002, and so began several years of hard work in bringing about many changes in
this park's fortunes. Today the park is a busy hive of activity for local residents, visitors to Aylesford and
business people passing by the park. The cafe is open 7 days-a-week, and all year round too. We have
customers who drive 20 miles purposely to visit our cafe says Don Wyatt, who is very proud to have put
Cobtree Manor Park back on the map.

The menu at Cobtree Cabin ranges from delicious bacon butties, and 100% beef burgers to full English
breakfasts, and varied plated favourites like ham, egg and chips. Fresh chicken fillets and plated salads
are also served. A full range of hot and cold beverages are also on offer together with fresh cakes and
ices.

Why not take advantage of this delightful setting, bring the family and take in the fresh air, discover this
gem, right on your doorstep.
Scotney Castle
Country house, romantic garden, 14th century moated castle - all in
a beautiful wooded estate
Relax in our picturesque garden with the glorious backdrop of our fairytale castle. Venture into the wonderful

woodland and parkland with over 770 acres to explore. Discover the delights of our Victorian country mansion

with its secrets and stories; you might meet our much loved cat in residence 'Puss Puss'.

Enjoy a delicious meal in our tea-room or bring your own food along to eat in our newly created woodland picnic

area. Your day would not be complete without a visit to our shop, where you will find tasty local produce including

our very own Scotney bitter and yummy honey made from our busy bees.

The estate is open all year, offering a variety of walks through our beautiful parkland, woodland and Hop farm.
Don't miss

 Voted among the top ten best English gardens to visit

 Superb display of rhododendrons and azaleas

 Explore the beautiful estate, woodland and parkland

 The only National Trust-owned working hop farm

 Discover the fantastic rooms in the country mansion

 Garden and estate designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest

Opening times

10:30 – 5:00 every day except Mondays and Tuesdays

Prices

Whole property Garden only

 Adult: £12.60  Adult: £8.10

 Child: £6.30  Child: £4.95

 Family: £31.50  Family: £22.50

 Group: £12.00  Group: £7.70

Leeds Castle
Location Map
Type: Castle / Fort
Encircled majestically by a moat and surrounded by
beautiful parkland and gardens, the castle is full of
antique furnishings, paintings and tapestries.
Attractions include Aviary, Maze, Dog Collar
Museum, Vineyard, Knights' Realm Playground and
new "World of Wings" free flying bird show.
Leeds Castle's last private owner, Lady Baillie,
lovingly restored the Castle to its former glory and
founded the Leeds Castle Foundation in 1974. The
Foundation is a private charitable trust that works to
preserve the Castle and grounds.
A "Keys to the Castle" ticket to Leeds Castle grants admission to the Castle and grounds for one year from the
date of purchase with the exception of our fireworks and concerts.
The many attractions include; Knights Realm playground; Castle Craft cafe; Chidren's turf maze; Maze; Grotto;
Pay and play golf course; Dog collar museum; Falconry; Bird Aviary; Special events; Gardens; Vineyard; Gift
shops; Restaurant; Cafe.
Ticket Information
Ticket Type Ticket Tariff

Adult Annual Ticket £18.50 per ticket

Children £11.00 per ticket

Senior Citizen/Student Annual Ticket £16.00 per ticket

Every ticket purchased for entry to Leeds Castle is valid for unlimited use for an entire year (excluding special ticketed
events) Children under four years of age are enter free of charge.
Opening Times
Open New Year

Open All Year

2012 Opening (01/01/2012 - 31/12/2012)

* Apr-Sept: Grounds Open 10am-6pm. Last Ticket sold 4.30pm. Castle open 10.30am-5.30pm. Last entry to
Castle 5pm.
Oct-Mar: Grounds Open 10am-5pm. Last Ticket sold 3.00pm. Castle open 10.30am-4.00pm. Last entry to
Castle 3.30pm.
Closed 3rd July, 7th and 8th November and Christmas Day.
The Friars - Aylesford

Location Map

Type: Abbey / Priory

The Carmelite Friary founded in 1242 was dispossessed at the dissolution of the
monasteries by Henry VIII and was re-established in 1949. The site is now an important
pilgrimage centre with lovely grounds and picnic areas. Tearooms, shop, pottery and
upholstery workshops.

Ticket Information
Ticket Type Ticket Tariff

Admission free Free

Admission free
Opening Times
Opening 2012 (01/01/2012 - 31/12/2012)

* Sumer(March - October) Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm. Sunday 11am - 5pm

Winter(October - March) Monday - Saturday 10am - 4pm. Sunday 11am - 4pm