The 16 greatest locations to go to in Kent
The county of Kent is among the prettiest in England. Usually known as “The Backyard of England”, Kent is house to rolling hills, wealthy farmland, nation estates and stately houses with lovely gardens.
This fertile land implies that Kent is the official suppler of strawberries to Wimbledon. Every berry should be between 25mm-45mm in diameter and totally pink throughout.
However there’s extra to Kent than strawberries (though they’re a very good motive to go to). This nook of the UK is house to historical woodlands and Royal cities, lovely villages and historic cities, majestic castles and mysterious caves. It boasts vibrant seaside resorts with sandy seashores in addition to Dungeness, a shingle seaside on the southernmost level in Kent and Britain’s solely formally recognised desert.
For nature lovers there are many issues to do together with exploring the Kent Downs, an Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence.
If you happen to’re planning a visit then take pleasure in this checklist of the greatest locations to go to in Kent whether or not you’re travelling solo or bringing alongside the entire household. Take pleasure in!
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The most effective locations to go in Kent
Kent stretches from the London Borough of Bromley proper the best way right down to the coast and, after all, the long-lasting White Cliffs of Dover. If travelling from London it’s simply reached by prepare, bus or by driving. You undoubtedly have better flexibility to discover should you drive your individual automotive or rent one.
Whitstable
The seaside city of Whitstable is definitely one of many greatest locations to go to in Kent. Positioned on the north coast, simply 5 miles north of Canterbury, that is the place to come back for a conventional British seaside day out.
This characterful fishing village hugs the northern Kent Coast and is crammed with vibrant homes, a enjoyable array of impartial outlets alongside the excessive avenue and among the greatest locations to eat oysters in England.
The seaside will not be sandy (you’ll discover shingles as an alternative) however that doesn’t cease guests spending the day right here. Plus, the seaside huts, in an assortment of rainbow colors, make for a really fairly backdrop. Tankerton Seaside, on the southern finish of Whitstable, is an efficient place to go with youngsters because of its myriad rock swimming pools.
Spend a while exploring Whitstable Harbour when you’re right here. Inbuilt 1832 to serve the Canterbury and Whitstable Railway (in any other case often known as the Crab and Winkle line), it’s a vigorous spot with fishing boats crusing out and in. This can be a good place to select up takeaway fish and chips or and ice cream (or, higher but, each!). That is additionally the place you’ll discover the Harbour Market.
Away from the water there’s Whitstable Castle and Gardens and the Whitstable Museum and Gallery, house to the INVICTA engine. This steam prepare was one of many first for use on the railway, pulling passengers from Whitstable to Canterbury.
Locations to remain in Whitstable
Ramsgate
A enjoyable household getaway, Ramsgate is a charming coastal city and resort within the coronary heart of Kent which will be reached from London in round an hour should you bounce on the tremendous quick prepare.
Boasting lovely sandy seashores (full with beach-huts and ice cream kiosks), Ramsgate’s jewel within the crown is the spectacular Royal Harbour and Marina and accompanying hilltop views and walks. There are many pubs overlooking the harbour primed for that good sundown pint accompanied with the freshest fish and greatest catch of the day.
While most of Ramsgate seafront is taken up by the marina and a largely industrial port, there are two small seaside areas for swimming, sunbathing and household actions. The simplest to entry is the Ramsgate Fundamental Sands to the left of the harbour arm with a number of beachside points of interest like kids’s amusements.
Among the finest free things to do in Ramsgate is to walk across the harbour and marina at any time of day, all of the yachts and vessels (and presumably guess what number of thousands and thousands a few of them price!).
The harbour can also be the placement for a lot of the day journeys and sea fishing excursions accessible in Ramsgate. There are a number of good locations to eat, plus museums and artist studios within the arches alongside the marina.
Lastly, Ramsgate Royal Parade is among the greatest cliff prime walks and spots to hang around with good views and several other bars and eating places all with their very own alfresco eating areas with views overlooking the port. Cheers!
By Caroline and Neil, CKTravels.com
Locations to remain in Ramsgate
Broadstairs
A few of the biggest writers in historical past have been impressed by the Backyard of England together with Charles Dickens who spent intervals of his life dwelling right here.
The seaside city of Broadstairs was his favorite vacation spot and the inspiration for a lot of of his most well-known works together with David Copperfield, Bleak Home and Our English Watering Place. Go to in June and you may benefit from the Broadstairs Dickens Festival.
Broadstairs is a type of charming seaside cities that’s significantly nice for households. There are seven sandy seashores to select from together with Central Viking Bay, a horseshoe-shaped bay with tidal swimming pools, kids’s rides, seaside huts and a surf faculty.
Botany Bay boats dramatic chalk stacks, delicate sand and – when the tide’s out – the possibility to search for fossils and discover rock swimming pools. The 200m-long Joss Bay is the perfect browsing seaside within the space.
The city itself is crammed with vibrant fishermen’s cottages, impartial outlets and many actually good foods and drinks choices. Go to the standard Dickens House Museum, as soon as house to Miss Mary Pearson who impressed Dickens’ character Betsey Trotwood in David Copperfield.
It’s additionally price taking a cliff-top stroll previous Bleak Home, a Grade II-listed constructing that sits above Viking Bay. As soon as often known as Fort Home, that is the place Charles Dickens would vacation, spending many summers writing right here.
If you wish to proceed with a Dickens tour then you need to add Gravesend and Medway (so known as due to the River Medway) to your Kent itinerary.
Locations to remain in Broadstairs
Margate
In some ways, Margate is your conventional British seaside resort. It has the sandy seaside, amusement arcades and even a theme park. But the Outdated City retains a number of its character and attraction, making it a stunning place for each households and {couples}.
For the youthful youngsters, the principle points of interest are going to be the seaside and Dreamland, the theme park. An amusement journey has truly been in place right here since 1880 and the Scenic Railway (a rollercoaster from 1920) is the UK’s oldest working rollercoaster and a Grade-II listed monument. It’s completely as much as you should you belief it!
Margate Main Sands is the perfect seaside – an award successful blue flag seaside no much less. Do not forget that that is the North Sea, so will be chilly all yr. Additionally, there’s a large tidal vary, so the ocean generally is a little bit of a stroll to get to.
Different points of interest embody the Shell Grotto – a 30m tunnel adorn with over 4.5 million shells! No one actually is aware of how, when or why it was created – a Margate Thriller!
There are additionally a couple of museums, an indoor market, journey golf and the Draper’s Windmill – a working (at instances) windmill the place you’ll be able to enterprise inside to study concerning the historical past and mechanics of the standard windmills of the realm.
You’ll want to drive from Margate to Broadstairs alongside the coast road- it’s one of many UK’s most scenic drives.
By Kathryn, Wandering Chook
Locations to remain in Margate
Pluckley
Pluckley, close to Ashford, could look like a quaint chocolate-box village within the coronary heart of the English countryside, however after darkish it turns into a really completely different place.
Throughout twilight hours this village of simply 1000 inhabitants turns into a mecca for all those who have watched Most Haunted and fancy a little bit of ghost looking for themselves. From the spooky sightings of the highwayman at Fright Nook to the repeatedly screaming man and the sound of ghostly horses hooves clip clopping down Maltman’s Hill, there are not any finish of spirits to go in quest of.
In reality, Pluckey has been named by the Guinness Guide of World Information, as Britain’s most haunted village and is reputed to have a minimum of twelve completely different ghosts that frequent the realm.
If you happen to fancy looking for out the apparitions for your self, The Dering Arms on the sting of the village is the place to start out. As soon as a looking lodge, and now a pub that welcomes all, together with your four-legged mates, that is usually the place guests will begin their hunt, for this watering gap can also be meant to be haunted.
Whereas having fun with your home-cooked meal, see should you can spot the outdated girl stated to usually be seen sitting on the bar in Victorian gown. Some have even claimed that she seems so lifelike that they’ve mistaken her for an actual buyer.
For these desirous to spend greater than only a day exploring, spend an evening at Elvey Farm, a small boutique lodge that dates again to the fifteenth century and is claimed to be house to its personal ghosts.
Pluckey is the place to go to should you fancy doing one thing completely different throughout your journey to Kent.
By Tamason, Travelling Guide Junkie
Locations to remain in Pluckley
Hever Citadel
You’re not in need of historic castles to go to in Kent, however simply the most effective to discover is Hever Castle with kids. Not solely are you able to wander across the place the place Anne Boleyn spent a part of her childhood (with a path to assist entertain youngsters as you discover), the large grounds have so many entertainments and out of doors actions that it’s powerful to suit all of them into someday.
When you’ve eyed up Anne’s personal mattress and checked out the portraits of Henry VIII’s wives, the principle enjoyable remains to be to come back exterior. Watching the jousting is a spotlight: in order for you a superb view, it’s price attending to the sector early, or you’ll be able to observe the knights, together with Henry VIII and the royal family, down from the fort for some added royal merriment.
If you happen to’re impressed by the knightly arts, there are archery classes or an opportunity to create your individual crest with some protect portray (join early), plus in summer time, you’ll be able to wander the tented village listening to tales, chatting to extra armoured warriors and eyeing up Tudor meals.
In between, there are two mazes at Hever Castle to discover – each a conventional yew hedge maze, and a extra uncommon water maze. Dodge the jets and it’s doable to make it to the center with out getting moist, though given the selection, no baby goes to withstand scampering underneath the spray so a change of garments is a bonus.
To not point out 125 acres of grounds to discover, together with the rose backyard, Tudor backyard, Italian backyard and boating on the lake.
By Cathy, MummyTravels.com
Locations to remain in Hever
Canterbury
On the Southeast of England, sits Canterbury, one of the vital charming cities in England. It’s only 60 miles away from London, which makes it an excellent vacation spot for a day journey from London or perhaps a weekend gateway.
This metropolis is house to a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, and it attracts historical past and tradition lovers from everywhere in the world. Right here you’ll be able to have a soothing journey whereas studying concerning the Roman affect on English tradition.
Among the finest methods to discover Canterbury is to walk across the maze of charming cobbled streets and admire the wonderful architectures. When within the city centre, it’s laborious to overlook the well-known Canterbury Cathedral, which is among the oldest and most identified Christian constructions within the nation. It was based in 597, however later within the eleventh and twelfth century was rebuilt in Gothic fashion. This place is the place Archbishop Thomas Becket was murdered in 1170.
Barely past the town centre, you’ll find The Church of St Martin, the oldest church in England. The church was utilized by the Romans throughout the 4th century and later within the sixth century it was the personal chapel of Queen Bertha of Kent. The Cathedral along with St. Martin’s Church and St. Augustine’s Abbey are UNESCO Heritage Websites right now.
In terms of meals, Canterbury has a lot to supply. There are many eating places, cute cafes within the city centre. Regardless of in case you are on the lookout for English meals, or worldwide delicacies reminiscent of Italian, Indian and Turkish.
Nonetheless, in case you are seeking to have good meals with a comfy environment, you’ll be able to head to Old Weavers House. It’s situated subsequent to the River Stour and it has a ravishing backyard. After your lunch, you’ll be able to go on a ship tour on the river to chill out.
By Mansoureh, TravelwithMansoureh.com
Locations to remain in Canterbury
Leeds Citadel
Leeds Castle is situated in Leeds in Kent, simply 25 miles from London. It’s straightforward to succeed in by automotive or prepare and makes for a stunning day trip in Kent.
It has been known as “the loveliest fort on the earth” and as you method the fort alongside the winding path from the principle entrance, you will note why. The fairy story fort is surrounded by a moat and fantastically stored grounds.
Leeds Citadel, in-built 1119, has not seen as a lot battle motion as another castles in England, however that doesn’t make it any much less attention-grabbing. Having King Henry VIII as considered one of its residents all the time makes for a superb story.
There may be not a lot left of the unique twelfth century Norman fort. In reality, the one half remaining is the cellar. It’s because the fort has been considerably modified over the centuries. A lot of what will be seen right now is because of King Henry VIII who made Leeds Citadel a house along with his first spouse, Catherine of Aragon, and to Sir Richard Smythe who constructed the Jacobean manor within the seventeenth century.
There may be a lot to maintain you busy at Leeds Citadel. In addition to taking a self-guided or guided tour of the fort, you’ll be able to discover the maze, watch falconry shows, take a look at your archery expertise and possibly catch some particular occasion going down throughout faculty holidays.
If you’re visiting with youngsters, there are a few improbable play areas modelled on the fort – one for six years and underneath and the opposite for six – 14-year-olds.
You probably have ever needed to remain in a fort, they provide B&B lodging within the fort in addition to cottages within the grounds. In the summertime months there are knight’s glamping tents that are nice enjoyable for households.
Leeds Castle is open all yr spherical, aside from Christmas Day, and is among the greatest locations to go to in Kent.
By Jacs, The Flashpacking Household
Locations to remain in Maidstone
Wye
Tucked away within the countryside of Kent is the small village Wye, one of the vital picturesque villages within the county. The peaceable and laid again environment of Wye presents a welcome escape from the bustle of metropolis life. It’s the good place to chill out and unwind surrounded by nature.
A patchwork of ∫ surrounds the city with loads of scenic strolling trails to discover. Wye can simply be reached from London by taking the prepare service to Ashford after which switching trains and getting off on the subsequent cease from there.
A common factor to do whereas visiting Wye is taking a stroll as much as the Memorial Crown viewpoint. The Memorial Crown was put in on the hillside overlooking the city within the yr 1902 to commemorate the coronation of King Edward VII. Climbing to the point of view will reward you with spectacular countryside views. The stroll begins in Wye’s city heart and leads you upward alongside a public footpath, it takes round half-hour to finish.
After getting completed the stroll, make your means again into city to take pleasure in a conventional pub lunch at one of many charming historic pubs that Wye has to supply.
Positioned on the banks of the Stour River, the attractive Tickled Trout Pub makes a superb selection. Strolling into this beautiful outdated pub will take you proper again in time, there was a pub standing in that spot for over 400 years! Their out of doors patio is a superb place to have lunch on a sunny day. Throughout winter, the roaring fire contained in the pub makes for a comfy environment to heat up.
By Ann, The Street Is Life
Locations to remain in Wye
Chiddingstone Citadel
Chiddingstone Castle and Village, sitting within the Weald of Kent in Edenbridge, is among the greatest locations to go to in Kent. Not like the neighbouring Kent castles reminiscent of Hever and Leeds, this one is lesser-known and due to this fact doesn’t get crowded with vacationers. It’s free entry into the grounds however there may be an honesty field for the parking cost.
Chiddingstone Castle began life as a manor home on the outskirts of the village however over time was re-designed to mimic a fort full with medieval turrets. The ultimate proprietor of the fort was additionally an avid personal collector of Egyptian and Asian artefacts and acquired the fort to show his huge collections, which will be seen when the fort is open.
Within the grounds the open areas lend themselves to household gatherings and picnics whereas the attractive lily-pond permits anglers, with a allow, the possibility to take pleasure in a spot of fishing on a summer time’s afternoon. When it will get too scorching head to the fort tea-rooms and funky off with a scrumptious ice-cream.
Youngsters and adults alike will love the small maze with its gorgeous vistas over the North Downs and likewise the woodland stroll that results in Chiddingstone Village.
Arriving within the village, owned by the Nationwide Belief, is like stepping again in time. The unique Tudor fronted buildings have been repurposed for modern-day and have historical past seeping from each brick and timber.
The Submit Workplace was as soon as a store owned by Anne Boleyn’s father and the tea-rooms date again to the fifteenth century and serve mouth-watering tea and truffles. Cease for a pint within the Castle Inn after which wander right down to the Chiding Stone, from the place the fort and village received their identify, and learn the way the druids used it as a spot of worship.
Chiddingstone is the proper place to take pleasure in the fantastic thing about Kent in all its glory.
By Angela, The place Angie Wanders
Locations to remain in Chiddingstone
Ightham Mote
The medieval moated Manor Home of Ightham Mote sits in a leafy valley not removed from Sevenoaks. Now owned by the Nationwide Belief, the constructing dates again to round 1340 and has been described as “essentially the most full small medieval Manor Home within the nation”.
A moat surrounds 4 sides of the home, which itself is constructed round an open courtyard. Though the exteriors of the home have modified little over the centuries (any alterations and additions had been carried out consistent with the unique architectural fashion), the interiors boast an eclectic mishmash of types together with a Jacobean staircase and Gothic home windows.
Ightham Mote makes for a nice day trip. In addition to the home itself that sits surrounded by historical woodland, there are walks, trails and a pure play space with stability beams and stepping stones that’s supreme for entertaining youngsters.
Knole Park, Sevenoaks
Knole Park is a medieval deer park that covers over 1,000 acres of rolling inexperienced land. It’s the good place for a meandering stroll across the lovely grounds, and the plentiful deer roam free by way of the parkland. There’s a pleasant cafe throughout the park, the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in a drink on the rooftop terrace.
On the coronary heart of the park is Knole House, a Nationwide Belief property that has served as a house to archbishops. The home has a robust Tudor historical past, having beforehand been a royal property of the Tudor dynasty.
Accordingly, Knole Home is a common filming location for lavish historic movies, together with The Different Boleyn Lady and the fourth Pirates of the Caribbean film. Inside the home, guests can discover the state rooms and galleries, and uncover the spectacular assortment of royal furnishings, portraits, and tapestries.
Knole is a great spot to go to with youngsters, who can study all concerning the fascinating historical past of the home. In the summertime, the park is an inviting vacation spot for picnics – simply be cautious of curious deer wanting to hitch the get together! Within the winter, it’s a ravishing place to go for a stroll and on the uncommon event that it snows, the multitude of hills are perfect for sledging.
Knole Park is considered one of many things to do in Sevenoaks, a Kentish city that’s steeped in historical past and surrounded by gorgeous countryside. After a stroll round Knole, the city centre is the proper place to seize a chunk to eat. From conventional nation pubs to impartial cafes and recognisable restaurant chains, there are many choices to select from.
By Jessie, Pocket Wanderings
Locations to remain in Sevenoaks
Dover Citadel
Dover Citadel is definitely the largest fort in England and a outstanding landmark in Kent. Its clifftop location makes it a ravishing sight to see and an ideal spot to go to with the whole household.
The fort dates again to the Center Ages and has been described because the “Key to England” owing to its strategic defensive place. It’s so massive that you could simply spend a full day right here particularly should you choose to take one – or a number of – of the guided excursions accessible.
Discover the various underground tunnels and see common points of interest just like the underground hospital or the nice tower. There may be even a hidden escape room situated within the fort which is a enjoyable exercise for teenagers ages 10 and up.
With barely older youngsters you need to take a while to study all concerning the significance of Dover Citadel throughout the Second World Warfare which is demonstrated with interactive reveals and light-weight exhibits. Throughout the weekends you’ll be able to even watch a firing demonstration of the restored weapons which can be nonetheless totally operational. That is a powerful spectacle and shouldn’t be missed.
It’s also possible to go to the oldest lighthouse within the nation which sits close by. It dates again to Roman instances and is situated subsequent to a small church which has been reconstructed.
With so many issues to do and see at Dover Citadel you’ll be exhausted by the top of the day. Don’t neglect to have a snack on the on-site eating places and busy some souvenirs to take house.
By Victoria, Guideyourtravel.com
Locations to remain in Dover
The White Cliffs of Dover
Towering a mighty 350ft above sea degree, the white chalk Cliffs of Dover are simply one of many most well-known vacationer points of interest in Kent. These chalk giants stretch for over 16 miles alongside the south coast of England and supply a wide range of strolling trails for all skills.
The South Foreland Lighthouse trail is among the hottest trails and a very good selection if visiting Kent with youngsters. This mild 4-mile return route takes you from the Nationwide Belief automotive park to South Foreland Lighthouse and again.
On the lighthouse you’ll discover Mrs Knott’s Tea Room. This charming English tea room presents a wide range of scrumptious home made baked items if the youngsters want a little bit of incentive to maintain going! Or pack a picnic and decide any spot alongside the cliffs to take pleasure in lunch with a view.
From atop the White Cliffs, you’ll be supplied breathtaking, sweeping views over the azure waters of the English Channel. On a transparent day you’ll be able to even spot France within the distance. Hold your eye open too for the semi-wild Exmoor ponies which can be used to graze the chalk grassland right here.
A go to to those iconic cliffs additionally presents some perception into British historical past. Their strategic location has allowed them to witness many historic occasions, from the primary Stone Age settles to Roman invaders, and extra not too long ago the return of rescued troopers throughout WWII.
For kids 8 and over, there are even tunnels throughout the cliffs from WW2 that you could go to at Fan Bay Shelter. These supply an unbelievable perception into the warfare and supply not solely an thrilling journey however an academic one too.
By Sophie and Adam, WeDreamOfTravel.com
Ashford
Ashford is among the most wonderful locations to go to in Kent. It’s situated subsequent to the River Nice Stour and it’s about 61 miles from London. It’s straightforward to succeed in if you wish to spend one day in Ashford or if you wish to go there for a weekend break.
It’s a vigorous city and there are many issues to do in Ashford. On place you have to go to is Godinton House. Godinton Home is a well-known constructing in Kent that belonged to the Toke household for about 500 years.
Constructed within the Jacobean fashion, the home is as spectacular on the skin as it’s inside. One of the perfect issues to see here’s a Steinway piano. Apart from that, you’ll be able to study lots concerning the historical past of the place. Whereas right here, be sure that to see the attractive flower-filled formal gardens at Godinton.
Ashford boasts some attention-grabbing structure; on Center Row, within the outdated city centre of Ashford, you can see among the oldest medieval homes within the city. These are half-timbered homes the place you’ll be able to see the timber framing on the skin of the constructing. They’re most typical in Germany, however you additionally discover them in Ashford. Many had been eliminated or demolished over time, however there are nonetheless some homes left to see.
Ashford can also be house to some nice museums. Among the finest is the Ashford Museum the place you’ll be able to study concerning the historical past of Ashford. There are a lot of attention-grabbing reveals. The museum is situated in a constructing that dates again to the seventeenth century.
One other common place to go in Ashford is Victoria Park, the town’s largest and most central park. This can be a great spot for a soothing stroll, a picnic or biking. For kids, there may be additionally lots to do right here with play areas which can be appropriate for all ages.
By Dyma, Dymabroad.com
Locations to remain in Ashford
Scotney Citadel
Scotney Castle is an actual coronary heart throb on the subject of a lovely countryside English estate. The gardens of this wooded property are romantic to each inch and the fort presents a serene backdrop with gorgeous surroundings round.
The fort has two components. The outdated fort, that are the ruins of the outdated home constructed on an island within the lake, is surrounded by peaceable wooded gardens. It’s maybe essentially the most instagrammable a part of the whole property with gorgeous surroundings in all instructions. The lake is a very nice spot throughout the summer time and autumn with flowers in virtually all seasons.
The brand new a part of the property is a home in-built Tudor revival architectural fashion. It’s known as the Scotney New Citadel.
The property has an enormous space dedicated to gardens and woodlands, some 700 hectares of it. It’s an ideal place for a picnic with the household with loads of house for teenagers to run round and discover.
Scotney fort is a part of English Nationwide Belief, be sure that to e book a go to prematurely to keep away from disappointment, it’s a busy spot. The closest city is Royal Tunbridge Wells and the closest huge metropolis is Lamberhurst. It’s fairly straightforward to succeed in to each by way of prepare from London and inside Kent.
By Ucman, Brown Boy Travels
Locations to remain in Tunbridge Wells
