visit

essential info

Hambrook Marshes is a beautiful 50 acre wetland site by the River Stour, close to Canterbury city. The site is about a mile long, with a flat tarmac main riverside path, and open to the public at all times. Whichever way you travel, it’s easy to reach.

getting there

There are entrances at Whitehall Road, the Railway Bridge, Wincheap Bridge (from Wincheap Retail Park / Park & Ride) and Tonford Bridge.

On foot

From Canterbury town centre
Use the riverside path through Westgate Gardens and Toddlers Cove (under a mile to the start of Hambrook Marshes).

From Wincheap Retail Park
A short footpath starts near the Park and Ride exit in front of b&m bargains takes you across the River Stour onto Hambrook Marshes.

From Tonford
Use the footbridge from Tonford Lane, which meets the Great Stour Way from Chartham.

By bike

From Canterbury
Follow signs for Cycle Route 18 taking you from Westgate via Westgate Grove, Whitehall Road and Toddlers Cove.

By bus

There are bus stops on St. Dunstan’s Street and St. Peter’s Place in Canterbury town centre.

By train

The nearest station is Canterbury East.

Car parking

Toddlers Cove Car Park
Whitehall Road, CT2 8BG (Canterbury City Council Pay and Display Car Park)

Wincheap Retail Park
Ten Perch Rd, Canterbury CT1 3TQ

Whitehall Road level crossing
Free parking but very few spaces

Please check time limits, restrictions and charges on all local car parking as these are subject to change.

ACCESS AND FACILITIES

There is a shared use walking and cycle path, suitable for buggies and wheelchairs. Cyclists – please slow down near walkers. Walkers – please be aware that cyclists may ring their bell or call out as they approach!

There are no public toilets on site; the nearest are at Toddlers Cove playground.

There are picnic tables but no refreshment facilities on site; Toddlers Cove often has a snack van, and there are shops and cafes on Wincheap.

what to look out for in APRIL

• Migrating birds start arriving – look out for blackcaps and whitethroat
• You may be able to spot a few snake’s head fritillary flowers in the hay field
• The cattle usually return to the Marshes this month, doing their bit to make the fields more attractive to wildlife

when you visit…

Please use the rubbish bins, or better still take rubbish away with you. Please don’t make extra work for our volunteer litter clearers!

Dogs are welcome but must be on a lead around cattle. Please clear up after your dog (poo bags can go in the general rubbish bins) and don’t let dogs disturb the riverside and meadow wildlife, or other visitors.

Please don’t disturb wildlife, or pick flowers

No BBQs or fires

Cyclists, please ring your bell or call out when you approach pedestrians, and slow down as you pass.

To report any problems: anything non-urgent let LHM know via facebook or email lovehambrook@gmail.com. There are notices around the grazing areas with the number to call with any cattle problems. Please phone the Kent Police on 01622 690690 or dial 999 if you witness any criminal or antisocial behaviour.

Please send us photos or reports of interesting things you see when you visit!

links

Walking:
Hambrook Marshes is on The Great Stour Way walking route between Canterbury and Chartham.

Cycling:
National Cycle Route 18 passes through Hambrook Marshes.