Westgate Towers Museum

Canterbury's last surviving medieval gatehouse, built in 1380 as the western entrance to the walled city. The museum displays arms, armor, and prisoner graffiti, with roof-level views over Canterbury's rooftops and the River Stour below. At 45 minutes and £4.50 adult, £2.50 child entry, it works well slotted between larger visits rather than as a standalone destination.

Priority: Medium - include with 2+ days Time needed: 45 minutes Best for: climb through canterbury's medieval defenses Skip if: You have mobility issues or claustrophobia - the stairs are narrow and steep Cost: £4.50 adult, £2.50 child

You climb narrow spiral stone stairs through three levels of the gatehouse, passing medieval prison cells and weapon displays. The rooftop offers 360-degree views over Canterbury's cathedral spires and medieval street layout.

Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible - requires climbing 50+ stone steps via narrow spiral staircase

Climb through Canterbury's medieval defenses and enjoy the city's best elevated views. It is not the first thing you should see in Canterbury, but with two or more days it fills a gap the major sights leave. It pairs naturally with Canterbury Tales Experience and Canterbury Cathedral - add it before or after without rearranging your day.

Skip if: You have mobility issues or claustrophobia - the stairs are narrow and steep

• Steep spiral stairs to reach the top - not suitable for mobility issues.
• Views from roof are Canterbury's best free panorama.
• Look for 16th-century prisoner graffiti on cell walls.

Insider tip: The gatehouse controlled river traffic - you can still see the groove where the portcullis dropped

Excellent panoramic views from roof level, interior photography allowed, bring wide-angle lens