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As you tour England, you can’t possibly miss visiting Kent. Whether you’re coming for business or pleasure, there’s always something to do and places to see in Kent.
Amble along with me as my Kent blog will help you find some of the top things to do in Kent.
Going on a 4 days trip is sufficient to see some of the most interesting places in Kent. But if you can spare couple of days more that’s even better, you can take the sights more slowly. Let me share with you the best things to do in Kent and tips to make the most out of your trip.
1. Leeds Castle
Quick Facts:
- The architect who designed this royal castle includes Robert de Crèvecœur, and it was in 1119 when the construction began.
Address: Maidstone ME17 1PL, United Kingdom
2. Canterbury Cathedral
Canterbury Cathedral is a majestic Cathedral standing tall in the city of Kent, England.
The Basilica’s front façade looks stunning, adorned with sculptures of the twelve Apostles and Jesus. Marvel at the stained glass windows installed for the apse and choir.
Quick Facts:
- The gorgeous Gothic architecture, Romanesque architecture, English Gothic architecture style that you see is credited to the architects William of Sens, William the Englishman.
- The cathedral traces its origin back to the Norman era.
With so much to offer, no wonder Canterbury Cathedral is one of the top things to do in Kent.
Address: Cathedral House, 11 The Precincts, Canterbury CT1 2EH, United Kingdom
3. Chartwell
If you like to be active and explore things on your own, then make some time for Chartwell.
Look over the edges to the sprawling cityscape in front of you, certainly a view worthy of a click. Admire the rock solid architecture of this fortification and wonder about its strategic importance at that time.
Quick Facts:
- This whole structure that you see was the brainchild of Philip Tilden.
- The fort houses Winston Churchill.
- The fort was opened on 1966.
Address: Mapleton Rd, Westerham TN16 1PS, United Kingdom
4. Sissinghurst Castle Garden
Sissinghurst Castle Garden is an age-old fortified structure sitting on a hilltop.
Sissinghurst Castle Garden makes for a great sunny day activity. Start with the visitor center, and grab the free map!
Quick Facts:
- It is Vita Sackville-West who conceptualized and turned it into a reality.
- The castle was built somewhere around the 1930s.
A natural crowd puller, Sissinghurst Castle Garden is right up there in the list of best things to do in Kent.
Address: Biddenden Rd, Cranbrook TN17 2AB, United Kingdom
5. Scotney Castle – National Trust
Scotney Castle – National Trust are the ruins of a fort perched on a cliff top.
Quick Facts:
- It is Anthony Salvin who conceptualized and turned it into a reality.
Address: Lamberhurst, Tunbridge Wells TN3 8JN, United Kingdom
6. Dreamland
An entertainment park with a number of fun rides.
There are also a number of restaurants and cafés in here, so you can relax and enjoy your meal. Ride and attractions such as Roller coasters and Super splash are bound to get a scream or two out of you.
Quick Facts:
- Dreamland is housed in a vintage-style arcade.
- The amusement park is located at Margate.
- The amusement park was opened on 1880.
An incredible sight, Dreamland scores high in the list of the best things to do in Kent.
Address: 49-51, Marine Terrace, Margate CT9 1XJ, United Kingdom
7. St Augustine’s Abbey
Don’t forget to pay a visit to St Augustine’s Abbey, which is regarded to be one of Kent’s most beautiful churches.
A special feature of the basilica is its high altar and ceiling, embellished with gold trimmings all around. In the church grounds there is a cemetry as well.
Quick Facts:
- Some of the things St Augustine’s Abbey features include museum, shop, picnic area.
- It was in 597 when it was established.
- The church was built somewhere around 6th-century.
- The church was opened on 18 June 1892.
- St Augustine’s Abbey is also the final resting place of greats such as Æthelberht of Kent, Mellitus, Eadbald of Kent.
- Grab the audio guide on your way, it’s quite helpful.
Address: Longport, Canterbury CT1 1PF, United Kingdom
8. Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve
Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is a beautifully landscaped park spread over a large area in Kent.
This fabulous park was developed with the sole aim to promote the good health of the citizen.
Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is your green detour from the hustle bustle of the urban Kent. Stroll along the pathways and rest on the grassy areas, find your own spot of relaxation.
Quick Facts:
- Some of the things Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve features include hotel.
- Also worth seeing here include free Wi-Fi.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Kent trip.
Address: Aldington Rd, Lympne, Hythe CT21 4PD, United Kingdom
9. Turner Contemporary
Turner Contemporary is an art gallery with an impressive set of collection.
10. Botany Bay
A prominent beach, Botany Bay offers plenty of sun and sand for its visitors.
There are restaurant at the beach serving nice local cuisines. A great way to finish your day after a day of sightseeing, relax next to the balmy sea.
Quick Facts:
- Also worth seeing here include fossil hunting, rock pools.
Add it to your Kent trip if you have time.
Address: Marine Dr, Broadstairs CT10 3LG, United Kingdom
11. Shell Grotto
Shell Grotto is a cool Parisian-style cafe serving delicious food and coffee.
Address: Grotto Hill, Margate CT9 2BU, United Kingdom
12. Walmer Castle and Gardens
Walmer Castle and Gardens is a medieval fortified structure perched over a hilltop.
Occasionally, you will find information boards giving you details about the place. On this spot you will see buttresses, crenellations and arrow loops all part of defensive installations.
Quick Facts:
- It is Henry VIII who is credited with creating this marvelous castle.
- The castle was opened on 1539.
- Also worth seeing here include gardens.
- Grab the audio guide on your way, it’s quite helpful.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Kent trip.
Address: Kingsdown Rd, Walmer, Deal CT14 7LJ, United Kingdom
13. Howletts Wild Animal Park
Howletts Wild Animal Park is a large landscaped park, an oasis of greenery, located in Kent.
It is a good way to reconnect with nature – relax under the shady trees, watch the kids play.
It’s easy to spend an entire day here, wandering through these flourishing gardens. One of my favorite thing to do here is simply grabbing a book, and lying down on the lap of green.
Quick Facts:
- Spreading over an expanse of 90-acre, it’s difficult to see it all in one go.
- Jums is the most notable animal here.
- The park houses the largest herd of African elephants in the UK.
- Some of the most popular exhibits that can be seen here are Walking with Lemurs, Open-Topped Monkey Enclosures, Walks and Wildlife, Get Up Close, African Elephant Herd.
Address: Bekesbourne Ln, Bekesbourne, Littlebourne, Canterbury CT4 5EL, United Kingdom
14. Deal Castle
Located on top of a high hill, Deal Castle is a beautiful medieval structure.
The Deal Castle has borne witness to some of the most important events of the city’s history. There are trails running around the castle which takes you through the woods and to a series of vantage points.
Quick Facts:
- The castle was built somewhere around 16th-century.
- The castle stretches for a length of around withstood a.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Kent trip.
Address: Marine Rd, Walmer, Deal CT14 7BA, United Kingdom
But beyond the famous attractions in Kent, there is something that pulls you back again and again, perhaps it’s the city’s charm. All in all, whether you are a backpacker, a solo traveler, slow traveler, a female traveler or a couple there are plenty of interesting things to do in Kent for everyone.
And it’s not difficult to create an itinerary that includes some of the best tourist attractions in Kent. So what are Kent sights to see or you have already been here? Let me know in the comments along with your tips and experiences.
