The recent occupation of Beverley Meadow in Canterbury by travellers and the mess left behind caused the inevitable furore.

What increased the level of outrage was because of where it was. This wasn’t a scruffy park or field, it was one of our treasured places.

The city is blessed with an abundance of these special havens that provide a welcome release from the tourist crowds and shoppers.

Canterbury is blessed with a rich variety of beautiful hidden gardens.

When we think of public open spaces in Canterbury, our thoughts are dominated by the two great public parks at each end of the city centre: Westgate Gardens and the Dane John.

This tends to obscure all the small open spaces dotted around the city which are little used. It is a shame.

So photographer Tony Flashman and I set out on a tour of the hidden green gems on a boiling Sunday earlier this month.

The public garden behind Ethelbert Road.

Ethelbert Road

We started out in Ethelbert, where there is a barely noticeable alleyway between two of the vast houses leading to a park no more than an acre in size.

It sits as a verdant oasis among the houses, trees around it acting as nature’s air conditioner.

The park can also be accessed from Raymond Avenue and features benches and a picnic table and is closed in so dogs and children can play freely.

Solly's Orchard sits next to the gentle waters of the River Stour.

Solly's Orchard

From there we ventured into the centre of Canterbury and to Solly’s Orchard off St Radigund’s Street.

Although it’s fairly well known, I’m surprised it’s not better used, with just a handful of people enjoying its calm on the day we visited.

The River Stour cuts along one side of it, the reflection of the clouds shimmering in its waters. There are roses growing against the St Peter’s Lane wall and attractive beds of wildflowers near the pathway.

The only sounds you hear are the babble of distant conversation and the water frothing in the weir close to the garden’s entrance opposite the Miller’s Arms pub.

History is alive in the St Radigund's Garden.

St Radigund's Garden

From there we wandered up to the St Radigund’s Garden in St Radigund’s Street, which sits in a dip below the road itself and the pathway upon which the Parrot pub sits.

To rest here for a few moments is to sit in a part of medieval Canterbury. Walls dating back to the 14th century were revealed when in the 1930s a row of cottages regarded as uninhabitable were knocked down.

On a raised section is a flower patch, assiduously tended by some unseen hand, the hollyhocks rising higher than a man.

The garden at the Old Synagoge in King Street.

The Old Synangogue

From there we traverse Knotts Lane and into King Street where sit two curious gardens, probably overlooked by most who pass.

The first of these is the private property of the King’s School, which owns the Old Synagogue, the Egyptian-style building at the back which acts as a recital room for musicians.

At best, you’ll only be able to enjoy a view of the building and garden from the road.

The small public garden in King Street.

Gated garden, King Street

A little further along King Street and we reach a neat garden set between two fine Georgian properties.

Like the Old Synagogue it is gated, but to my surprise the handle turns when I try it. No bigger than a comfortable back garden and with all the feel of one, it features just one bench which faces inwards.

There’s little foot or vehicle traffic along King Street so any time spent here is likely to be quiet.

The Three Cities Garden in Best Lane.

Three Cities Garden

Further towards the High Street next to the Olive Grove restaurant in Best Lane sits the Three Cities Garden, which celebrates Canterbury’s association with Vladimir in Russia and Bloomington-Normal in the American state of Illinois.

The Franciscan Garden lies off Stour Street.

Franciscan Garden

Stour Street boasts the entrance to two pleasant green spaces – the Greyfriars Garden and the Franciscan Garden.

The latter can be accessed via a gate open every day except Sunday and forms part of the medieval Greyfriars Chapel site.

The Greyfriars Garden between Stour Street and St Peter's Grove.

Entry to the Greyfriars Garden is via a pathway leading between the bike shop and the Canterbury Heritage Museum or an alley in St Peter’s Grove.

Just a few minutes off the High Street or down from St Margaret’s Street both gardens offer peace along a tributary of the Stour away and far from the madding crowd, as they say.

It promises to be a long hot summer – so enjoy it. There is much to do in Canterbury away from the ordinary or usual. It’s just a case of finding it.