Canterbury Cathedral

Throughout its history the 23.5 acre site of Canterbury Cathedral has had large green spaces. After an introduction into the history of the Cathedral gardens, Head Gardener Tom Goodall will lead a tour through the Precincts and some of the private gardens not available for public viewing – this will be either the Deanery or the Archdeacons or both if time allows. Tom rarely gives the tours himself so this is an opportunity not to be missed.

The public walled Memorial Garden with mixed borders and the Herb Garden can be found within the Precincts. The Herb Garden was created in 2004 in the Dormitory ruins and with the help of a 1597 copy of Gerard’s Herbal, authentic herbs have been planted.

The largest private garden is the two-acre garden of the Deanery which has been a garden for a thousand years. The modern planting is complemented by the backdrop of ancient flint walls. A large kitchen garden where vegetables, fruit and cut flowers are grown can be found along the original city wall. The main lawn is surrounded by borders filled with perennials, exotics, mature trees and shrubs.

The Archdeaconry garden includes a Japanese Zen pit and features a large Copper Beech. The original 12th Century walls with mixed borders form the heart of this garden. The sunken garden where kitchens used to be has a Mulberry tree underplanted with shade loving plants.

After the tour, we will enjoy a delicious buffet lunch in The Kentish Barn. Guest are then welcome to enjoy the Cathedral and Precincts until 5pm. The Cathedral opens at 17.00 for Choral Evensong at 5.30pm - access to this is also complimentary for guests on this tour

**Due to parking restrictions around Canterbury, guests will need to use nearby car parks or the park and ride. Full details will be sent out ahead of our event**

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