Historic gardens remain closed for 2024 for repair

The Franciscan Gardens in Canterbury date from 1224

A popular tourist attraction in the centre of a Kent city will remain closed for the rest of 2024 for repair and renovations.

The management team at the Franciscan Gardens in Canterbury, which date from 1224, said they hope the historic site will be open again in spring or summer 2025.

The gardens were founded 800 years ago by a handful of poor friars sent to England by St Francis of Assisi.

A spokesperson said restoration of the river wall along the River Stour was nearly complete, "but a number of other repairs and modifications are necessary in order to ensure the safety of our guests".

The gardens are set to reopen in the spring or summer of 2025

The Franciscan Gardens have had many uses over the years.

In the 19th Century they were a fashionable tea garden and in the last century an extensive market garden.

A spokesperson said: "Through the redevelopment of the buildings and grounds, our long-term aim is to illustrate the ways in which the history of the Franciscan Gardens is intertwined with that of Canterbury itself.

"Our exceptional display of ornamental flowers, medicinal plants, shrubs, and historic apple orchard beside the River Stour will remain the focal point of the gardens and also reflect our long history from medieval to modern times."