Kent Attractions

Kent offers visitors a choice of local attractions in the county, visitors can choose from a range of interesting and charming places to discover. The county known as the ‘Garden of England’ includes a large number of historic houses, museums, parks, gardens, a number of historic buildings, theatre, concerts and events. Kent’s location in the south of England means the tranquil English countryside and the great outdoors are all within reach located close to local towns and villages with a range of things to see and do in the county.

We have outlined a number of interesting attractions and places to visit for visitors to Kent, these include:

Dover Castle is a popular attraction for visitors, this fascinating castle has a lot of history packed in to it. Visitors can explore around the Saxon Church and see the remains of the Roman lighthouse that dates from AD 50, making it one of the oldest standing buildings in the UK. There is a museum and discover the tunnels used here in wartime, there is so much to learn about here it makes for an interesting visit.

The White Cliffs of Dover are a National Trust protected site of special scientific interest and among the most famous landmarks in England. It was back in the Iron Age the first defensive earthwork were built upon the cliffs, the White Cliffs Experience in Market Square contains exhibits about Roman Dover or Dubris as it was previously known. Visitors can learn more about the military and penal history of the White Cliffs along with enjoying a number of scenic walks and seeing great views over the English Channel and seeing glimpses of the French coastline in the distance.

Canterbury Cathedral is one of the best known attractions in Kent that brings many visitors to the area. The Cathedral along with St Augustine's Abbey and St Martin's Church, form part of the world heritage site. The Cathedral Church was founded back in 597 AD by St Augustine; the original Saxon church was destroyed by fire in 1067 and rebuilt again by in 1070. The cathedral became a place of pilgrimage in the middle ages and remains so to this day; it is one of the great places of Christianity in the UK.

There are guided tours and audio-tours in several languages available. Visitors can explore the Cathedral themselves or use one of the guidebooks; alternatively visitors can join one of the general tours that take place at intervals throughout the day.

Chartwell House is a manor house located in Kent, famous for being the home of Winston Churchill for many years. There are scenic rose and water gardens that were commissioned by the Churchill’s for visitors to see. The house is a very popular attraction for admirers of Sir Winston Churchill and for visitors with an interest history and culture. The house is located in the scenic Kent countryside and peaceful location makes it a peaceful, tranquil retreat. There is a range of memorabilia on Sir Winston Churchill including photographs and paintings for visitors to view.

The Tunbridge Wells Museum and Art Gallery has some interesting exhibits of local history and culture, Tunbridge ware, archaeology, dolls and toys and natural history among others. The Art Gallery contains changing exhibitions showing a wide array of art and craft from miniatures to modern art and much more. Occasionally there are displays from the museum’s reserve exhibit collections that includes among them works by the Dodd family, Pamela McDowall, pioneer photographer Henry Peach Robinson and contemporary Tunbridge Wells artists.

One of the finest stately homes in the UK is located at Knole, the historic house has many historic links with kings, queens, the nobility and literary links to i.e. Virginia Woolf, making this one of the more intriguing houses in the UK. The immaculate state rooms are preserved as they were in the 18th century, originally to impress visitors with the wealth and societal standing of the Sackville family, it now impresses tourists.

The house is one of the few to contain Royal Stuart furniture and also has paintings and tapestries. Knole is located in the heart of currently the last remaining medieval deer park in Kent. Seen as a treasure of national importance the sense of history is palpable when visiting.

Leeds Castle is among the most famous and visited castles in the UK, known for being the ‘loveliest castle in the world’. It is set on two islands on the River Len in the Kent heartland. It has long historic links to royalty and nobility going back over 1,000 years. Visitors can see the many centuries of history and view the stunning interiors, family treasures and architecture of the castle.

There is also much conservation work done here look out for peacocks wondering through the grounds and birds of prey flying during the falconry displays. The gardens of the castle are a source of colour year round and the gardens with their wild flowers and roses represent an essentially English garden at its best. There are also meetings, conferences and wedding held here, the spectacular backdrop of the castle is sure to lighten up any event.

The Theatre Royal opened back in 1787. It is currently the second oldest theatre still operating in the UK, whilst also being the oldest un-restored theatre in the country, it is known for its wonderful auditorium. The Theatre Royal is located in Margate, the seaside town with its own character and is licensed for public entertainment. The theatre is open throughout the year for both professional and amateur productions. There are in house productions that have helped to add more diversity to the programming on offer here.

Ashford Designer Outlet is located on the outskirts of Ashford town centre. There are over 80 shops, stores and outlets for visitors to choose from at discounted rates of up to 60% off. There are a number of well known names and boutiques, stores include Marks & Spencer outlet, Next, Gap, Guess, Levi’s, Clarks, Calvin Klein, Benetton, Animal, Jeff Banks, Asics, Adidas and may more.

The stores cater to women, men’s and children’s clothing, household goods, entertainment and gifts. There are a number of eateries and restaurants serving a choice of hot and cold foods and drinks including Pizza Express, Spud-u-Like, Subway, Wagamama, McDonalds and Café Nero.

It is recommended that prior to visiting Kent; visitors do their research and ensure any sights and attractions they plan on visiting are actually open on the days you intend on coming. The transport is also worth checking as maintenance and engineering works can mean a restricted service on public transport and the road network.

Kent is a county that has plenty to offer visitors with a mix of charming towns and market villages including a number of picturesque locations in the Kent countryside to enjoy in addition to the attractions in the urban centres. The city of Canterbury with its world heritage attractions offers an ideal place from which to explore the county and range of attractions, charming market towns and villages ensuring visitors can enjoy both the urban and rural when visiting the county.

The county includes a number of historic attractions, museums, historic houses, parks, gardens and churches with some well known attractions including Leeds Castle, Chartwell, Knole and the world heritage sites in Canterbury. Kent’s attractions ensure visitors can enjoy a short break, weekend away or a longer stay here.



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