We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.
All 51 Canterbury Attractions »

West Gate Museum

St. Peter's Street, CT1 2BQ, England
(01227) 452 747
Ranked #3 of 32 attractions in Canterbury
4.5 of 5 stars 29 Reviews
Type: History Museums
Update attraction details
Write a Review

29 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    15
    11
    1
    2
    0
Date Rating
Brussels, Belgium
Senior Contributor
38 reviews 38 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 May 2012 NEW

These medieval towers hold a small museum, mainly weaponry, but the main thing about this place is that it served for the larger part of its existence as jail and one can peep into the prison cells. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 May 2012 NEW

This museum, set in the city fortifications, is small but very interesting and passes an hour, with knowledgeable staff and a great view from the top. Look out for the murder holes, the war helmets you can try on and the brass rubbings! More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Folkestone, United Kingdom
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 May 2012

So pleased to see that this recently refurbished attraction has reopened following the sad and sudden death earlier this year of Charles Lambie, it's benefactor - we hope this will remain as a testament to his love of Canterbury. The museum may be small, but interesting exhibits and helpful explanations are provided. The Victorian gaol gives an insight into what... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Folkestone, United Kingdom
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 April 2012

The Westgate Museum is nice museum and exhibits saying about its time as a prison are interesting but due to the size of the museum there isn't much in it. The views from the top of Canterbury High Street are good. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Chatham, United Kingdom
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 March 2012

very informative, and i am not a nerd! It provides you with a glimpse into what Canterbury was really like all those years ago. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Canterbury, England, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 March 2012

Much to narrow odd interesting artifacts, not for people with any historical knowledge! More

Was this review helpful? Yes
London
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 January 2012

Also enjoyed the tea room - lovely cake and toilets. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Warwick, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 January 2012

Very interesting for both old and more modern history More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Malmo, Sweden
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 January 2012

This place is a bit hidden away, but definitely worth visiting if you are in Canterbury - it is reasonably priced (not super cheap considering the small size, but only a few pounds), and has a fair collection of interesting exhibits and information just a few minutes walk from the twown centre. (Note that as I write this review, the... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Ashford, United Kingdom
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
43 helpful votes 43 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 January 2012

Excellent museum, showing prison life in the West Gate. Lots of fascinating artefacts, which were displayed in an interesting fashion. Led into the Victorian prison and finishing off in the West Gate cafe. More

Was this review helpful? Yes

Travellers who viewed West Gate Museum also viewed

Canterbury Cathedral
4.5 of 5 stars 278 Reviews
Canterbury, Kent
St. Augustine\
4.5 of 5 stars 14 Reviews
Canterbury, Kent
 
Museum of Canterbury
4.5 of 5 stars 21 Reviews
Canterbury, Kent
Howletts Wild Animal Park
4.5 of 5 stars 83 Reviews
Canterbury, Kent
 

Been to West Gate Museum? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage West Gate Museum, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing
See all sites
Cruise Critic

The ultimate cruise resource: cruise reviews, deals, news and advice.

SeatGuru

The world's most comprehensive source for airline seats, airline info, & in-flight amenities.

Family Vacation Critic

The best family holidays start here.

Get the #1 travel app FREE>>
Take TripAdvisor with you

Find 50 million reviews & opinions of hotels, things to do, restaurants and more

GET IT
Named "#1 Travel App" by Frommer's