Welcome

See more of the Great Stour River with Westgate Punts

Welcome to Westgate Punts

Westgate Punts is an independent Operator offering relaxing chauffeured river punt trips on the Great Stour river. The company was established in 1992 and traded as Canterbury River Navigation Company.

We operate daily mid-March to end of October 10:00 am until 17:30 pm everyday – (we prefer to START last trip by 17:00). Weather and oncoming darker evenings dependent. Please call 07494 170640 to confirm.  

Our boatmen are cheerful, knowledgeable, and qualified punt operators trained to the Company’s high standards of safety and operating procedures.

Meander through tranquil gardens and countryside with an abundance of wildlife. Historic City Trips are also available – discover Canterbury’s history and changing skyline.

Perfect after a day of walking around the city streets and attractions. On return to embarkation point you will feel relaxed, chilled out and who knows – you may want to go again!

‘Sweetheart punts’ (for couples) are available for romantic river cruises, get your own chauffeured punt. Normal prices apply.

Please note: please be prepared to wait at busy times, we will endeavour to get you away on a punt as soon as possible.

There is a ‘no sharing’ policy, your group/family can have your own punt.

ACCESSIBILITY AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
 
We have always endeavoured to provide access to the beautiful river we work on to people of all ages, shapes and sizes. Whatever the requirement we will, if at all possible, help passengers to experience the Great Stour and Canterbury in all its glory. So we are pleased to announce that several of our boatmen recently underwent a course on access/lifting for those who have special mobility requirements. As well as this all our boatmen undergo disability awareness training. Click on our official ‘Visit England’ accessibility guide below for further details and don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

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“Relaxing and romantic, ideal for couples”

Doing this tour on a sunny day is probably one of the best activities you could pick with your lover.
The scenery is really beautiful and the sound of the boat sliding on the water is amazingly relaxing.
I definitely recommend !

davidson5892

Westgate Punts
5.0
2016-02-16T11:37:27+00:00

davidson5892

Doing this tour on a sunny day is probably one of the best activities you could pick with your lover. The scenery is really beautiful and the sound of the boat sliding on the water is amazingly relaxing. I definitely recommend !
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“Really relaxing ride on another level !!!”

We opted for countryside ride and had 55 minutes through quiet waters and interesting wildlife. Kingfishers, little grebe, ducks, trout, all under the lovely trees. The man who was punting had a good knowledge of wild life and area. He would have remained quiet had we wanted him too. Getting in and out was a challenge for my husband who had had a hip op earlier this year but well worth it. There was a blanket had we been cool but we were very comfortable and pleased to see the countryside at this level.

Dee P

Westgate Punts
5.0
2016-02-16T11:34:24+00:00

Dee P

We opted for countryside ride and had 55 minutes through quiet waters and interesting wildlife. Kingfishers, little grebe, ducks, trout, all under the lovely trees. The man who was punting had a good knowledge of wild life and area. He would have remained quiet had we wanted him too. Getting in and out was a View Full →
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“Fantastic! Worth every penny!”

I have lived in Canterbury for years and this is the best thing I have ever done in the city. Worth every penny. I saw so many beautiful things in a such a gentle craft. It felt like the city belonged to us. Lovely to meet a group of people who love and care for the river too.

Teddy B

Westgate Punts
5.0
2016-02-16T11:35:10+00:00

Teddy B

I have lived in Canterbury for years and this is the best thing I have ever done in the city. Worth every penny. I saw so many beautiful things in a such a gentle craft. It felt like the city belonged to us. Lovely to meet a group of people who love and care for View Full →
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“Relaxing time on River Stour”

We had a lovely relaxing trip in a punt in the beautiful countryside surrounding the River Stour, enjoyed by everyone.

Anne G

Westgate Punts
5.0
2016-02-16T11:35:53+00:00

Anne G

We had a lovely relaxing trip in a punt in the beautiful countryside surrounding the River Stour, enjoyed by everyone.
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“Perfect trip”

The highlight of our trip to Canterbury and what better way to see the city relaxing on a punt. Crystal clear water and stunning views whilst Ben introduced us to snippets of history and answered questions as we went along the river. Clearly passionate about the wildlife and maintaining the environment we felt at one with the river rather than intruding as we gently made our way through the countryside and city. Go for the full tour, it was the best hour I spent in Canterbury.

Shar0nShaw

Westgate Punts
5.0
2016-02-16T11:36:32+00:00

Shar0nShaw

The highlight of our trip to Canterbury and what better way to see the city relaxing on a punt. Crystal clear water and stunning views whilst Ben introduced us to snippets of history and answered questions as we went along the river. Clearly passionate about the wildlife and maintaining the environment we felt at one View Full →
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5
5
Westgate Punts

Did you know?

Collectively, our boatmen have over 70 years experience punting the Great Stour River.

Whether it’s peace and quiet, history or information on the local wildlife…. We’ll give you the trip you want.

Boats depart from Westgate Bridge, winding through the delightful Westgate Gardens, past Binnanea nature reserve and on into the unspoilt countryside beyond.

Alternatively, explore the ancient history and architecture of the city centre as you drift along the Roman built canal.

View our trips

*Please Note That We Do Not Hire Out Boats, The River Stour in Canterbury is a challenging stretch of water for punting and as such is only suitable for experienced professionals.
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