Canterbury Travel Forum

Is it wise to take a gourp trip to Canterbury in the early winter so as to avoid the summer time crowdedness? Also, regarding the gardens in Canterbury are they only in bloom in the spring and the rest of the time deftly unattractive, or are there seasonal winter flowers that replace the spring flowers? (in other words how does the west gate garden look in the winter) Also, another question, are there any places (other than climbing west gate) where you can get a good view of the city from up high?

Thanks,
HRH

I was in Canterbury about 2 weeks ago. It was a lovely, sunny day and in the 50's. I don't remember seeing lots of plants blooming, but what people don't realize is that the south of England stays green even in winter... the grass doesn't get brown so it always looks quite nice. Canterbury does get a lot of tourist, so it's probably a good idea to go at a different time than everyone else. I'd think late September or October, even early November could be idea. If you want to see a few pics.. they're on my Canterbury page.

Early Winter (late December,early January) will be the least attractive time to visit if you want to see colur. It can also be fairly busy with Christmas shoppers and vacationers, especially from Down Under who are having their summer break. Late January and February will be much quieter and Spring flowers will be in bloom. It seems to be earlier and earlier each year. I saw cherry blossom and crocuses out in bloom over in Bath on January 10th!
Expect daffodils, snowdrops, crocuses and blossom on some smaller trees in the Westgate gardens and Dane John. In fact as an alternative viewpoint you can walk the walls over to Dane John mound and climb that. In the Winter the leafless trees give you a glimpse of the Cathedral unavailable in the Summer.

Canterbury is always nice. The daffs and crocuses are ontheir way out now and will be in bloom soonand yes it is a little less crowded in the winter, but there is always a warm welcome.