Where does the Festival take place?
The beautiful Greyfriars Franciscan Garden is home to the majority of our Festival Events. Performances, however, do spill out onto the streets, into other gardens, coffeehouses and even onto punts on the river…
But where is this GreyFriars Franciscan Garden?
Good question! Locals call it ‘Canterbury’s Secret Garden’ and for a very good reason – it is hard to find. In fact, many people who have lived in Canterbury all their lives have yet to discover this great little secret.
Turn into Stour Street from the High Street and walk approximately 100 yards until you reach Greyfriars Lodge B&B. Beside it is an archway with big black doors. You would be forgiven for mistaking the entrance for a private driveway! Venture through the archway, along the bumpy track and across two bridges straddling the river Stour (look out for the eels as you cross), and you will find yourself in a beautiful tranquil garden which, although only a few hundred yards, feels like 100 miles away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The Franciscan Garden, Greyfriars, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2NR, United Kingdom.
On Site Facilities
Food & Drink:
Whilst we do have some delicious local food and some incredible drinks (both soft and alcoholic) within the gardens, we also encourage people to enjoy the vast array of food and drink available within the city. Our team are always available to offer advice and recommendations. Don’t hesitate to ask!
Public Loos:
There is one public loo made available to us during the festival. It is situated within a shed attached to the house that you pass as you enter the gardens and is well signposted during the event.
Baby Changing & a quiet nursing area:
There are nappy changing mats and wipes available within the quiet tent in the family area. There are also cushions and quiet spaces for nursing mothers.
Disabled Access:
The Secret Garden is an ancient site and therefore is not fully accessible to those with disabilities. The Gardens are down a slightly bumpy drive but our team are always on hand to offer support if needed. The majority of events take place in a tent and are accessible to those in wheelchairs however events in the chapel are up steep stairs and are therefore not accessible.
Travelling to the Festival
Car Parks:
The nearest car parks to the Secret Garden are Rosemary Lane or Castle Street Multi story car parks. Both cost £1.20 per hour and are approximately 5 mins walk.
Rail Travel to Canterbury:
For those travelling from further afield we encourage you to travel by train…