Updated for 2025
Whether it's the height of summer or the first sunshine of springtime, there are plenty of places to enjoy a meal and a beverage outdoors in Canterbury.
Kent is known as the ‘Garden of England’ for a reason, with a plethora of amazing eateries supplying fresh produce and delicious cuisine. And so many come with great views and gardens for sunny days.
Here is our guide to some of the spaces in and around Canterbury with great outdoor spaces for food and drink, from restaurants with terraces to great pub gardens! If you have other places to recommend, make sure you share your pics and tag us on Instagram.
Dine Outdoors in the City
For a complete view of the city, hop in an elevator to Socialite, Canterbury’s exclusive rooftop bar and restaurant. Enjoy incredible views of the Cathedral and medieval rooftops while sipping on a delightful cocktail and tucking into delightful dishes. This photo hotspot is sure to leave a lasting impression plus it hosts various events at weekends.
Looking for riverside views? Just on the River Stour next to Westgate Towers, you will find Cafe Du Soleil which provides wood-fired cuisine such as marinated Kentish lamb and seafood risotto. Dine outside on the terrace with the restaurant’s 18th century mill building as a backdrop.
The Old Weavers House in its historic riverside setting is the place to be for a view of the punting boats on the historic river. Take a look at the replica ‘Dunking Chair’ up close and watch the world go by with Weaver’s classic English dishes such as Chicken and Leak Pie.
The Corner House restaurant is housed in a 16th-century coaching house, and hides a luscious garden and dining area away from the hustle and bustle. Perfect for a solo sunny lunchtime meal or a special get-together with friends.
A hidden gem in the heart of the city is the 'Terrace', a large outdoor area that is host to several great venues within a stone's throw of the cathedral. Look for the steps on Butchery Lane or Longmarket and head up to a luscious retreat at one of three gorgeous venues:
- Those looking to start their night - or for a slice of Mediterranean cafe culture - head to Citi Terrace and its huge outdoor space. Grab a variety of small plates, pizza or even a shisha, and don't leave without trying their cocktails
- For a slice of European cafe culture, find a shady spot at the pretty tables at Cafe Lazix and order coffees, drinks and hearty lunches in your cool corner of the terrace
- Get a taste of Latin American with sizzling dishes and drinks to swoon over at Las Iguanas, which has tables on the terrace and is also close to the high street - perfect for people-watching!
Fancy looking out onto the high street? Bill's Restaurant is perfect for brunch, lunch and dinner with an enclosed, flower-flocked dining terrace looking over Canterbury's city centre so you can do a little people watching with your eggs benedicts.
Another must for people watchers - and those who appreciate really good brisket - is the recently refurbished The Drapers Arms. Not only does this stylish yet relaxed restaurant occupy a corner spot on one of the prettiest shopping areas in the King's Mile, but it also has a hidden roof terrace adorned with plants and twinkling lights for outdoor dining.
A true hidden gem is No 35, a bright and airy cafe with tables both on the picturesque St Margaret's Street and in it's beautiful herb-scented garden at the back. Great for lunch, and for their programme of events! Also in Canterbury's Castle Quarter is the new Chatterbox Community Cafe, serving up great lunches and great drinks with an adorable sun-soaked garden area.
A small cafe with Parisian flair and an adorable cafe garden is Cafe St Pierre, occupying a colourful corner of St Peter's Street. Offering proper continental breakfasts, delicate treats and loaded baguettes, this is a great spot for a peaceful break.
The city also has several popular chain restaurants with pretty outdoor spaces, including Zizzis, Wildwood, ASK and Pizza Express.
For an extra special treat, book well in advance for a table at the Michelin-starred Fordwich Arms, a short drive from the city centre. This award-winning restaurant boasts a breezy stone terrace shaded with a canopy of vines, overlooking the River Stour. A truly special experience.
Pub Gardens
When it comes to beer gardens, The Dolphin Canterbury is one of the most popular in the city! This large decked area has plenty of shade and hosts many events on throughout the year, and serves up a variety of pub classics. This is a great option for those who are looking to bring their furry friends along as the pub is pet-friendly.
The Parrot is a Shepherd Neame pub situated in a stunning historic 14th-century hostelry with original oak beams and walls - and roaring fires in the winter. But its decked garden is something of a hidden gem, you can enjoy a lovely lunch under the huge magnolia tree.
If you're out with friends make a beeline for the pub garden with grass and terraced areas at The White Hart, and order up something delicious from their very popular menu.
In Canterbury's West End, The Unicorn Inn is the place to go for real ales and proper pub grub with a large garden that's perfect for groups or a peaceful beverage in the sunshine. Across from the historic St Dunstran's church, you'll find one of the city's best-kept secrets, The Monument! Its enormous pub garden has a lawn and is dotted with apple trees, fig trees, lilies & lavender, and the gastropub-style menu is a magnet for foodies.
Sports fans who want a bite with their beer should head to The Penny Theatre on the King's Mile or The Bishops Finger in St Dunstan's, both of which have big tables and outdoor screens so grown ups don't need to miss a moment of the match.
A skip out of the city centre and down the path by Beverlie Meadow, you’ll find Ye Olde Beverlie, a quintessential English pub serving both classics and Mexican grilled dishes - and with a large garden space for families to stretch their legs. Tucked away on a quite street a few steps outside of the city walls, The New Inn is known for its real ales, beer festivals, live music and its garden is adorned with fairy lights and exotic plants. And for a huge beer garden suitable for all weathers, head to The Old City Bar on Dover Street. The garden has covered spaces and open-air tables, with of games to enjoy inside the historic pub.
If you're not wild about gardens but want an outdoor table with a view, The Shakespeare Wine Bar in the Buttermarket has a great view of the historic Christ Church Gate leading into Canterbury Cathedral. And when the sun's out, grab an outdoor table at The Pound to enjoy the sunshine with a great cocktail and gaze at the historic Westgate Tower along the River Stour,
Picnic Spots
If you want to make your own outdoor feast, there are plenty of great spots where you can soak up the sun with your picnic meal.
We have to mention Westgate Gardens, an idyllic picnic spot full of floral arrangements and a view of the River Stour. Watch the punts drift by while looking up at the iconic Westgate Towers.
The Franciscan Gardens may sit right next to the high street but feel like a world away - these peaceful, beautifully maintained gardens are home to the first Franciscan settlement in England which was established in 1224. For a small entrance fee you can explore the nature and wildlife of the monastic lands.
Or you can delve into nature at the Grove Ferry Picnic Site. Take a look at all the boats parked on the river’s edge and even venture into the water yourself with Canoe Wild, who supply a variety of canoes, kayaks and standup paddleboards.
Do you have any summer spots that you love visiting to enjoy the warm weather? Let us know!
