Discover the gentle waters of Westgate Gardens in Kent with a calming boat trip that champions local wildlife and history. Perfect for a family escape, this 35-minute adventure offers peaceful scenery and animal sightings.
Relax and drift through Canterbury’s green paradise
Embark on a delightful 35-minute boat trip through Westgate Gardens, where you’ll encounter playful ducks and moorhens. Navigate serene willow-fringed waters to an enchanting Victorian bridge, then return via the charming fairy bridge, often frequented by kingfishers. Experience a tranquil escape just moments from the city’s hustle.
35 minutes
All our trips take you upriver through Westgate gardens, where there are many ducks and moorhens (they are quite partial to meal worms). Then, we navigate a maze of drooping Willow fronds before passing into an area known as the Hambrook Marshes.
For such a short distance from the city centre it sometimes feels like the middle of nowhere. You can relax and listen to the gentle splosh of the pole as it pushes the boat out to an old Victorian railway bridge with a very interesting reverberant characteristic. Gaze upriver into the Kentish countryside for a little while before we bring you back past Bingley island, where the Roman canal begins and the waterway becomes very narrow.
And it was nice of the Romans to dig us a canal because it means you get to go a different way on the return journey. On this route, we take you under a much smaller, but also much prettier little bridge, known to us as the fairy bridge. There are often kingfishers in this area and the ducks come here to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
Please note the minimum charge is 2 Adult fares.
Children under 5 years are carried free. Age 5yrs to 14yrs inclusive are charged the advertised child rate. Infants go free.
15yrs and over are charged the appropriate Adult rate.
Please contact us for group bookings of 15+ people and we can arrange a discount!
Getting there ahead of your scheduled time ensures a relaxed start and better seating options.
Capture wildlife moments and enjoy close-up views of birds and picturesque scenery.
Dress in layers and bring rain gear if needed, as the weather can change quickly.
Keep noise to a minimum to avoid startling the animals you encounter.
Westgate Gardens dates back to the medieval period and has served as a key recreational site for centuries.
The business promotes eco-friendly practices by using low-impact boats and encouraging responsible wildlife viewing.
Keep dry during unexpected showers and cool breezes.
spring;fall;winter specific
Enhance wildlife viewing and get closer to birds and aquatic animals.
Protect yourself from the sun during longer summer days on the water.
summer specific
Ensure comfort and safety while on the boat and walking on wet surfaces.
spring;summer;fall;winter specific