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Kent Travel Guide introduces the county of Kent, located next to London in the south east of England. Kent is often referred to as the ‘The Garden of England’, there are some outstanding gardens in the county but there is much more for visitors to enjoy than just that. Its port at Dover means that continental Europe is a short distance away and the tradition of people passing through the county is continued to this day.



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Kent Guide

Overview and Attractions
Kent Hotels
Kent Map
Kent Weather
Airfare Deals



Overview and Attractions

Kent is home to more country houses and historic buildings than most places in the UK including grand buildings such as the world renowned Leeds Castle. One of the more popular destinations in Kent is Dover the port town where there has been maritime trade and invasions repelled in its long history. 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. For more information please see:

Dover Castle

Dover presents a vivid image of England to visitors arriving at and leaving the UK. The famed White Cliffs 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.

Canterbury located on the River Stour is synonymous as the cradle of Anglicanism, the town has always been of strategic importance and is now also of religious importance. The Canterbury Royal Museum & Art Gallery has a fine selection of Roman relics that include mosaics. Whilst St Martin’s church is currently the oldest parish church in England and it thought to back to around the 4th century. Canterbury with its wealth of history through the ages has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site Status and attracts a huge number of visitors each year, with the city a compact place it presents a great opportunity for visitors to take a stroll around and take in the atmosphere and see for themselves the many centuries of history that dominate this city. There are some nice small pubs and eating establishments where you can relax and take a break from sightseeing.

Canterbury Cathedral is a famous attraction 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 UNESCO world heritage site. The Cathedral Church was founded 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 could explore the Cathedral themselves or use one of the guidebooks, alternatively you can join one of the general tours that take place at intervals throughout the day. For more information please see:

Canterbury Cathedral

Tunbridge Wells is a fashionable Georgian spa town, its location makes it a great base from which you can travel around Kent. Founded in 1606 with the discovery of the Chalybeate Springs, the town was a popular resort for the well off in both the 18th and 18th centuries. In 1909 Edward VII granted the town it his patronage thus had the title ‘Royal Tunbridge Wells’ the town has an elegant regal feel to it but there is also a relaxed atmosphere that visitors are likely to enjoy. The Pantiles is a colonnaded walk and is home to some interesting cafes and shops that visitors may find interesting. A variety of festivals are held at the Pantiles every year. The Tunbridge Wells Museum and Art Gallery has some interesting exhibits of local history and culture. Many visitors come to see the displays of Tunbridge Ware, which is a unique form of wooden inlaid marquetry that was made in the area for many years. Antique shops in Tunbridge Wells sell these for those that may be interested in purchasing any. There are also other attractions within close proximity such as Bateman’s the former home of Rudyard Kipling. Chartwell, which was home to Winston Churchill for many years, is also close by. Tunbridge Wells usually has a full calendar of events for the season, highlights include the Pantiles Open Air Art Exhibition and the productions of the Pantiles Players Theatre.

The Tunbridge Wells Museum displays local history, 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. For more information please see:

Tunbridge Wells Museum and Art Gallery

One of the finest stately homes in the UK is at Knole, the historic house has many historic links with kings, queens and 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. For further information please see:

Knole

Leeds Castle is among the most famous and visited castles in the UK. 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. For more information please see:

Leeds Castle

When looking for a place to enjoy some English tea and a snack there are some wonderful traditional tea rooms with their own character and charm. They represent a great place to relax and become refreshed and refuelled whilst on your Kent adventure. One such example is Lathe Barn where you can sample good old-fashioned food prepared to a high standard. Enjoy lunches of salads, jacket potatoes and a selection of toasted sandwiches. There are plenty of ice-cream sundaes and homemade puddings to try too. Afternoon teas consisting of baked scones and cakes, strawberries, free-range eggs and ice-cold milk shakes are a big hit among visitors. For more information please see:

Lathe Barn Restaurant and Tearooms

The Theatre Royal was opened 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. For more information please see:

Theatre Royal

The Two Sawyers is an authentic pub and a great example of a 17th century public house. The pub is friendly and visitors enjoy the relaxed atmosphere from where they can enjoy their drinks. There is a real log fire that can be seen in the autumn and winter, it adds to the experience here. The building has been maintained and the brick walls and decor inside make this a friendly pub that serves the local community and visitors can enjoy this experience when passing by. There is traditional English food to enjoy on the menu too.

Two Sawyers Pub

Accommodation in Kent is available to suit a wide range of budgets. One thing to remember is to ensure your hotel is not too far away from where you need to get to, the travelling time each day to and from your hotel can take up time. It is worth doing your research and ensuring your hotel is actually located at a convenient location for your needs and offers the amenities you require. There are many fine hotels available in Kent, for further information please see:

Selection of Kent Hotels

For a full list of Kent Hotels please see:

Kent Hotels


For fans of history and culture Kent has much to offer as we have discovered in the Kent travel guide. The garden of England does have other attractions for visitors to enjoy, the scenic coastline is a pleasure to witness with the imposing white cliffs of Dover a famous sight. The fashionable town of Tunbridge Wells shows another face of Kent to visitors. With Kent situated next to London a day trip for Londoners and visitors based in London is an option.

Kent Travel Guide

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