Kent is known as the Garden of England. Easily accessible by car or train from London, it’s a great place to visit for the day!
Here are just 10 places to visit in Kent….
Ashford Designer Outlet currently houses 70 stores and 11 restaurants. The tented shopping area was designed by Richard Rogers and an expansion is planned for 2018 which will add a further 50 luxury brands…. so you can truly, shop till you drop!
Chatham Historic Dockyard This is an amazing place and well worth a whole day’s visit. It has three warships, the RNLI lifeboat collection, a submarine, ‘Call the Midwife’ tours, museum displays and the Victorian Ropery where you will be taken back to Victorian times and learn how to make rope. There is something here to interest all the family.
Close by, Rochester was a town loved by Charles Dickens. You can visit the Dickens’ Discovery Room in the Guildhall Museum and stop at the Six Poor Travellers’ House which features in one of his short stories. Rochester has many other attractions including a fine castle and the Huguenot Museum.
Canterbury Cathedral is a world heritage site and one of the most visited places in England. Join a guided tour ‘behind the scenes’ and see the Stained Glass Studio, Stone Conservation Workshop and Archives & Library, or just walk around the Cathedral yourself. Check the website first for planned closures. Canterbury is a fascinating and beautiful city.
Leeds Castle in Maidstone boasts that it is ‘the loveliest castle in the world’. Worth a trip to see if you agree! You could also visit the other sixteen castles in the county to compare the beauty!
Whitstable – visit the fish markets at the harbour and sample some of the famous Whitstable oysters. Learn about the ‘Cockle and Winkle line’. Whitstable also has fine beaches and a rich history.
Port Lympne Animal Reserve Set in 600 acres, you can see over 700 rare and endangered animals here.
If art is more your thing then head across to the Turner Contemporary Art Gallery in Margate. The Gallery offers exhibitions of contemporary art as well as commemorating JMW Turner’s association with Margate (and what’s more, admission is free!)
The Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway runs the thirteen and a half miles from Hythe to Dungeness across Romney Marsh. Each station along the line is within walking distance of a beach and provides you with the opportunity to explore each village. The shingle landscape of Dungeness is a national nature reserve and an opportunity to stop here should not be missed.
If all this sightseeing has made you thirsty, there are several vineyards in Kent including Biddenham Vineyards near Ashford. A family run vineyard, it is open daily throughout the year with free admission and tastings.
So, what’s stopping you? Head down to beautiful Kent and have a great day out – you might want to stay longer!
© Michelle @ 5pm Friday
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