Adventure Collective
Wildlife & Waterways at Westgate Punts: Kentish Nature Reserve - Canterbury

Wildlife & Waterways at Westgate Punts: Kentish Nature Reserve

Canterbury

Difficulty

Duration

Fitness Level

Overview

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.

Canterbury, England

Nature Reserve • 35 Minutes • up to 3 people

Relax and drift through Canterbury’s green paradise

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About This Adventure

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.

Great for children or when time is short!

Duration

35 minutes

About

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.

More info

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!

Adventure Tips

Arrive early to secure a good spot

Getting there ahead of your scheduled time ensures a relaxed start and better seating options.

Bring a camera or binoculars

Capture wildlife moments and enjoy close-up views of birds and picturesque scenery.

Wear weather-appropriate clothing

Dress in layers and bring rain gear if needed, as the weather can change quickly.

Limit noise to enjoy wildlife sightings

Keep noise to a minimum to avoid startling the animals you encounter.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Kingfishers
  • Water voles

History

Westgate Gardens dates back to the medieval period and has served as a key recreational site for centuries.

Conservation

The business promotes eco-friendly practices by using low-impact boats and encouraging responsible wildlife viewing.

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Adventure Hotspots in Canterbury

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Rain jacket

Essential

Keep dry during unexpected showers and cool breezes.

spring;fall;winter specific

Binoculars

Enhance wildlife viewing and get closer to birds and aquatic animals.

Sun hat and sunscreen

Protect yourself from the sun during longer summer days on the water.

summer specific

Waterproof shoes or sandals

Essential

Ensure comfort and safety while on the boat and walking on wet surfaces.

spring;summer;fall;winter specific