The county of Kent is without doubt one of the prettiest in England. Usually known as “The Backyard of England”, Kent is residence to rolling hills, wealthy farmland, nation estates and stately properties with stunning 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 residence to historical woodlands and Royal cities, stunning villages and historic cities, majestic castles and mysterious caves. It boasts vibrant seaside resorts with sandy seashores in addition to Dungeness, a shingle seashore 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.
In the event you’re planning a visit then get pleasure from this checklist of the greatest locations to go to in Kent whether or not you’re travelling solo or bringing alongside the entire household. Get pleasure from!
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One of the best locations to go in Kent
Kent stretches from the London Borough of Bromley proper the best way right down to the coast and, in fact, the long-lasting White Cliffs of Dover. If travelling from London it’s simply reached by practice, bus or by driving. You positively have better flexibility to discover if you happen to drive your personal automotive or rent one.
Whitstable
The seaside city of Whitstable is definitely one of many greatest locations to go to in Kent. Situated on the north coast, simply 5 miles north of Canterbury, that is the place to return for a conventional British seashore day out.
This characterful fishing village hugs the northern Kent Coast and is stuffed with vibrant homes, a enjoyable array of unbiased retailers alongside the excessive road and among the greatest locations to eat oysters in England.
The seashore is probably not sandy (you’ll discover shingles as an alternative) however that doesn’t cease guests spending the day right here. Plus, the seashore 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 due to its myriad rock swimming pools.
Spend a while exploring Whitstable Harbour whilst you’re right here. In-built 1832 to serve the Canterbury and Whitstable Railway (in any other case referred to as the Crab and Winkle line), it’s a vigorous spot with fishing boats crusing out and in. It is 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, residence to the INVICTA engine. This steam practice 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 might be reached from London in round an hour if you happen to soar on the tremendous quick practice.
Boasting stunning 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 excellent 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 seashore areas for swimming, sunbathing and household actions. The best to entry is the Ramsgate Essential Sands to the left of the harbour arm with a number of beachside sights like kids’s amusements.
Top-of-the-line free things to do in Ramsgate is to walk across the harbour and marina at any time of day, taking a look at all of the yachts and vessels (and probably guess what number of hundreds of thousands a few of them value!).
The harbour can also be the placement for many of the day journeys and sea fishing excursions out there in Ramsgate. There are loads of good locations to eat, plus museums and artist studios within the arches alongside the marina.
Lastly, Ramsgate Royal Parade is without doubt one of 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 number 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 residing 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, seashore huts and a surf college.
Botany Bay boats dramatic chalk stacks, gentle 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 very best browsing seashore within the space.
The city itself is stuffed with vibrant fishermen’s cottages, unbiased retailers and many actually good food and drinks choices. Go to the normal Dickens House Museum, as soon as residence to Miss Mary Pearson who impressed Dickens’ character Betsey Trotwood in David Copperfield.
It’s additionally value taking a cliff-top stroll previous Bleak Home, a Grade II-listed constructing that sits above Viking Bay. As soon as referred to 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 must 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 seashore, amusement arcades and even a theme park. But the Outdated City retains loads of its character and allure, making it a beautiful place for each households and {couples}.
For the youthful youngsters, the principle sights are going to be the seashore and Dreamland, the theme park. An amusement trip has really 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 fully as much as you if you happen to belief it!
Margate Main Sands is the very best seashore – an award successful blue flag seashore no much less. Keep in mind that that is the North Sea, so might be chilly all yr. Additionally, there’s a big tidal vary, so the ocean generally is a little bit of a stroll to get to.
Different sights embrace the Shell Grotto – a 30m tunnel embellish 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 be taught concerning the historical past and mechanics of the normal windmills of the realm.
Make sure to drive from Margate to Broadstairs alongside the coast road- it’s one of many UK’s most scenic drives.
By Kathryn, Wandering Fowl
Locations to remain in Margate
Pluckley
Pluckley, close to Ashford, might look like a quaint chocolate-box village within the coronary heart of the English countryside, however after darkish it turns into a really totally 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 searching 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 looking for.
The truth is, Pluckey has been named by the Guinness Ebook of World Information, as Britain’s most haunted village and is reputed to have at the very least twelve totally different ghosts that frequent the realm.
In the event you 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 searching lodge, and now a pub that welcomes all, together with your four-legged pals, that is typically 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 if you happen to can spot the outdated woman stated to typically 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 resort that dates again to the fifteenth century and is claimed to be residence to its personal ghosts.
Pluckey is the place to go to if you happen to fancy doing one thing totally different throughout your journey to Kent.
By Tamason, Travelling Ebook Junkie
Locations to remain in Pluckley
Hever Fortress
You’re not in need of historic castles to go to in Kent, however simply among the finest 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 massive grounds have so many entertainments and outside actions that it’s powerful to suit all of them into sooner or later.
When you’ve eyed up Anne’s personal mattress and checked out the portraits of Henry VIII’s wives, the principle enjoyable continues to be to return exterior. Watching the jousting is a spotlight: if you’d like a great view, it’s value attending to the sphere early, or you’ll be able to comply with the knights, together with Henry VIII and the royal family, down from the fortress for some added royal merriment.
In the event you’re impressed by the knightly arts, there are archery classes or an opportunity to create your personal crest with some defend 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 potential to make it to the center with out getting moist, though given the selection, no youngster goes to withstand scampering beneath 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 crucial charming cities in England. It’s only 60 miles away from London, which makes it a super vacation spot for a day journey from London or perhaps a weekend gateway.
This metropolis is residence to a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, and it attracts historical past and tradition lovers from all around the world. Right here you’ll be able to have a soothing journey whereas studying concerning the Roman affect on English tradition.
Top-of-the-line 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 arduous to overlook the well-known Canterbury Cathedral, which is without doubt one of the oldest and most recognized Christian buildings 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 could find The Church of St Martin, the oldest church in England. The church was utilized by the Romans in the course of 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 at present.
In relation to meals, Canterbury has a lot to supply. There are many eating places, cute cafes within the city centre. Regardless of if you’re searching for English meals, or worldwide delicacies resembling Italian, Indian and Turkish.
Nonetheless, if you’re trying to have good meals with a comfortable environment, you’ll be able to head to Old Weavers House. It’s positioned 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 Fortress
Leeds Castle is positioned in Leeds in Kent, simply 25 miles from London. It’s simple to achieve by automotive or practice and makes for a beautiful time out in Kent.
It has been known as “the loveliest fortress on the planet” and as you method the fortress alongside the winding path from the principle entrance, you will note why. The fairy story fortress is surrounded by a moat and superbly saved grounds.
Leeds Fortress, inbuilt 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 one in all its residents at all times makes for a great story.
There may be not a lot left of the authentic twelfth century Norman fortress. The truth is, the one half remaining is the cellar. It’s because the fortress has been considerably modified over the centuries. A lot of what might be seen at present is due to King Henry VIII who made Leeds Fortress a house together 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 Fortress. In addition to taking a self-guided or guided tour of the fortress, you’ll be able to discover the maze, watch falconry shows, take a look at your archery expertise and possibly catch some particular occasion happening throughout college holidays.
If you’re visiting with youngsters, there are a few improbable play areas modelled on the fortress – one for six years and beneath and the opposite for six – 14-year-olds.
When you’ve got ever wished to remain in a fortress, they provide B&B lodging within the fortress 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, apart from Christmas Day, and is without doubt one of 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 crucial 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 excellent 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 practice 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. Mountain 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.
Upon getting completed the stroll, make your method again into city to get pleasure from a conventional pub lunch at one of many charming historic pubs that Wye has to supply.
Situated on the banks of the Stour River, the gorgeous Tickled Trout Pub makes a wonderful selection. Strolling into this pretty outdated pub will take you proper again in time, there was a pub standing in that spot for over 400 years! Their outside patio is a superb place to have lunch on a sunny day. Throughout winter, the roaring fire contained in the pub makes for a comfortable environment to heat up.
By Ann, The Highway Is Life
Locations to remain in Wye
Chiddingstone Fortress
Chiddingstone Castle and Village, sitting within the Weald of Kent in Edenbridge, is without doubt one of the greatest locations to go to in Kent. Not like the neighbouring Kent castles resembling 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 fortress full with medieval turrets. The ultimate proprietor of the fortress was additionally an avid personal collector of Egyptian and Asian artefacts and acquired the fortress to show his huge collections, which might be seen when the fortress is open.
Within the grounds the open areas lend themselves to household gatherings and picnics whereas the gorgeous lily-pond permits anglers, with a allow, the possibility to get pleasure from a spot of fishing on a summer time’s afternoon. When it will get too scorching head to the fortress 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 muffins. Cease for a pint within the Castle Inn after which wander right down to the Chiding Stone, from the place the fortress and village acquired their title, and find out how the druids used it as a spot of worship.
Chiddingstone is the right place to get pleasure from the great 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 “probably 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 have been accomplished in line with the unique architectural fashion), the interiors boast an eclectic mishmash of kinds together with a Jacobean staircase and Gothic home windows.
Ightham Mote makes for a nice time out. 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 best 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 excellent place for a meandering stroll across the stunning grounds, and the ample deer roam free by means of the parkland. There’s a pleasant cafe inside the park, the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from 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 excellent spot to go to with youngsters, who can be taught 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 social gathering! 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 one in all 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 right place to seize a chew to eat. From conventional nation pubs to unbiased cafes and recognisable restaurant chains, there are many choices to select from.
By Jessie, Pocket Wanderings
Locations to remain in Sevenoaks
Dover Fortress
Dover Fortress is definitely the largest fortress in England and a distinguished landmark in Kent. Its clifftop location makes it a ravishing sight to see and an incredible spot to go to with all the household.
The fortress dates again to the Center Ages and has been described because the “Key to England” owing to its strategic defensive place. It’s so giant you can simply spend a full day right here particularly if you happen to decide to take one – or a number of – of the guided excursions out there.
Discover the various underground tunnels and see common sights just like the underground hospital or the nice tower. There may be even a hidden escape room positioned within the fortress which is a enjoyable exercise for youths ages 10 and up.
With barely older youngsters you must take a while to be taught all concerning the significance of Dover Fortress in the course of the Second World Battle which is demonstrated with interactive displays and light-weight exhibits. In the course of the weekends you’ll be able to even watch a firing demonstration of the restored weapons which are nonetheless totally operational. That is a formidable spectacle and shouldn’t be missed.
You can too go to the oldest lighthouse within the nation which sits close by. It dates again to Roman instances and is positioned subsequent to a small church which has been reconstructed.
With so many issues to do and see at Dover Fortress you’ll be exhausted by the tip of the day. Don’t overlook to have a snack on the on-site eating places and busy some souvenirs to take residence.
By Victoria, Guideyourtravel.com
Locations to remain in Dover
The White Cliffs of Dover
Towering a mighty 350ft above sea stage, the white chalk Cliffs of Dover are simply one of many most well-known vacationer sights in Kent. These chalk giants stretch for over 16 miles alongside the south coast of England and supply quite a lot of strolling trails for all skills.
The South Foreland Lighthouse trail is without doubt one of 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 quite a lot of scrumptious home made baked items if the children want a little bit of incentive to maintain going! Or pack a picnic and choose any spot alongside the cliffs to get pleasure from 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 are 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 just lately the return of rescued troopers throughout WWII.
For kids 8 and over, there are even tunnels inside the cliffs from WW2 you can go to at Fan Bay Shelter. These supply an unimaginable perception into the battle and supply not solely an thrilling journey however an academic one too.
By Sophie and Adam, WeDreamOfTravel.com
Ashford
Ashford is without doubt one of the most wonderful locations to go to in Kent. It’s positioned subsequent to the River Nice Stour and it’s about 61 miles from London. It’s simple to achieve 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 will need 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 very best issues to see here’s a Steinway piano. In addition to that, you’ll be able to be taught quite a bit concerning the historical past of the place. Whereas right here, make certain to see the gorgeous flower-filled formal gardens at Godinton.
Ashford boasts some attention-grabbing structure; on Center Row, within the outdated city centre of Ashford, you will 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 commonest in Germany, however you additionally discover them in Ashford. Many have been eliminated or demolished over time, however there are nonetheless some homes left to see.
Ashford can also be residence to some nice museums. Top-of-the-line is the Ashford Museum the place you’ll be able to be taught concerning the historical past of Ashford. There are numerous attention-grabbing displays. The museum is positioned 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. It is a excellent spot for a soothing stroll, a picnic or biking. For kids, there may be additionally quite a bit to do right here with play areas which are appropriate for all ages.
By Dyma, Dymabroad.com
Locations to remain in Ashford
Scotney Fortress
Scotney Castle is an actual coronary heart throb in terms of a stunning countryside English estate. The gardens of this wooded property are romantic to each inch and the fortress presents a serene backdrop with gorgeous surroundings round.
The fortress has two elements. The outdated fortress, that are the ruins of the outdated home constructed on an island within the lake, is surrounded by peaceable wooded gardens. It’s maybe probably the most instagrammable a part of all the property with gorgeous surroundings in all instructions. The lake is a very nice spot in the course of the summer time and autumn with flowers in nearly all seasons.
The brand new a part of the property is a home inbuilt Tudor revival architectural fashion. It’s known as the Scotney New Fortress.
The property has an enormous space dedicated to gardens and woodlands, some 700 hectares of it. It’s an incredible place for a picnic with the household with loads of area for youths to run round and discover.
Scotney fortress is a part of English Nationwide Belief, make certain to guide a go to prematurely to keep away from disappointment, it’s a busy spot. The closest city is Royal Tunbridge Wells and the closest large metropolis is Lamberhurst. It’s fairly simple to achieve to each by way of practice from London and inside Kent.
By Ucman, Brown Boy Travels
Locations to remain in Tunbridge Wells
