Westgate Towers Museum & Viewpoint
About
England's largest surviving medieval city gate, built around 1379-80 by Archbishop Simon Sudbury as part of Canterbury's defences and later used as the city gaol. Two spiral staircases climb through the gatehouse to a rooftop viewing platform looking back down the High Street toward the Cathedral and out over the surviving city walls, with small museum displays on the building's history as a prison along the way. Not a step-free visit, and the stairs are narrow.
Photos
Highlights
- ✓England's largest surviving medieval city gate
- ✓Rooftop viewing platform overlooking the High Street and Cathedral
- ✓Former use as the city gaol, told through museum displays
- ✓Built c.1379-80 by Archbishop Simon Sudbury
Tips
- →Closed on Saturdays; open Sunday to Friday, so plan around it if visiting on a weekend.
- →Narrow spiral stairs throughout; not suitable for limited mobility or pushchairs.
- →Free entry has sometimes been offered with a food receipt from The Pound or Felons Coffeehouse next door; check current terms before relying on it.
Best Season
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