Eastbridge hospital now offers  holiday lets -  COME AND STAY IN THIS UNIQUE BUILDING!

Please get in touch for more information.
The Eastbridge Hospital, Canterbury

OPEN every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 11:00-15:00. 

Adult entry £10

Child/Student entry £5

Free for children under 5

Guided bookings are available for groups of 6 or more.

Do get in touch to book a group visit.

Discover the fascinating history of Eastbridge Hospital, which has been welcoming pilgrims for more than 800 years.

In the heart of Canterbury, the Eastbridge has welcomed visitors since the first pilgrims came here in 1190.

We invite you to explore our ancient buildings, learn about our history and the part we play in our community today.

Discover

The history

Explore

The grounds

We are proud to announce that our holiday lets have been awarded the prestigious 2026 Customers' Choice Award!

Cottages.com coveted 2026 Customers' Choice Award.
Cottages.com

 This recognition is based on guest reviews and feedback gathered throughout 2025, showing our commitment to provide an exceptional stay for our visitors.

The award is given only to the top 20% of holiday homes that have received at least five reviews with an overall rating of 4.75 out of 5 (or higher) through Feefo guest satisfaction feedback.

New Opening Times

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 11:00-15:00

Guided Group Tour bookings of 6 or more available to book

Do get in touch if you want to arrange a group visit.

For all enquiries, please contact us by email admin@eastbridgehospital.org.uk

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Tim T profile picture
Tim T
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Eastbridge Hospital We visited the Eastbridge Hospital and Franciscans Gardens on the same ticket and really enjoyed these little gems
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sheepygold profile picture
sheepygold
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An interesting museum for half an hour We came to this small museum which has some very interesting architecture especially the crypt and amazing wooden rafters as well as medieval wall paintings. There is some information in each room. Allow half an hour or so for your visit. I think there may be tours available but we went around on our own.
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Mandy G profile picture
Mandy G
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Interesting gem, great tour! We went to the Alms House because we’re both interested in history and it was really great! We had a tour from lovely John (a VOLUNTEER who knew everything and gave up his time for us), and we went round with a family with children who were suitably entertained by the stories (including ghost stories!). It’s not a large place but well worth a tour round - took about 40 minutes. Ask for John!
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Jackie A profile picture
Jackie A
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Step Back in Time I love history, so this hit the spot but it doesn't take an hour to see and read everything. However, it dies give a feel of the hardships of pilgrims even with the kindness of the hospital.
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NAHR1234 profile picture
NAHR1234
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Fascinating History The Eastbridge Hospital is an amazing building set over the river & next to the beautiful Franciscan Gardens - well worth visiting at the same time. Very knowledgeable guides
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Callum .P. profile picture
Callum .P.
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Amazing service I visited with my family and had amazing service by Angel who provided a lot of insight into this historical location! The sevice was very friendly and well worth the visit!
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Mark profile picture
Mark
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Great value for money I visited recently, lovely old building, had a tour with a very delightful girl called Angel, she was very informative with the history of the old pilgrims hospital Very enjoyable and definitely recommend a visit to both the east Bridge hospital and franciscan garden.
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Tasha E profile picture
Tasha E
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Stunning look into the history of Canterbury’s pilgrims Fascinating experience, from the lower floor where pilgrims once slept to the upper floor chapel! It has been kept in remarkable condition and the mural on the middle floor is a MUST-SEE for history buffs!
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blackcat20152017 profile picture
blackcat20152017
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Fascinating historical hostelry since 1190! We arrived close to closing time so sadly rushed our visit but what an amazing place The restoration of this ancient building is wonderful Historically a true haven for weary travellers offered by The Franciscan order Now an almshouse offering accommodation to the elderly and needy Can’t recommend too highly … Very lovely and helpful guides
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thebeardedchef profile picture
thebeardedchef
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Quick Visit , Enjoyed the History of EastBridge Hospital, Had seen it on a couple of history shows and visited while in canterbury. very informative, would have liked a tour with a local tourguide but was a flying visit
Eastbridge Hospital logo

Hidden in the center of historic Canterbury, the beautiful Franciscan Gardens is a heritage site that is home to the first Franciscan settlement in England which was established in 1224.

Walk in the footsteps of the first Franciscans in England and explore the nature and wildlife of the monastic lands whilst taking in the 800 years of history.